Solar Energy in Cleveland County, NC (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Cleveland County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cleveland County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Panel Permits
Cleveland County does not regulate small rooftop solar installations separately; its only solar-specific zoning law, Sec. 12-160 of the Unified Development Ordinance, governs commercial solar facilities built to sell power to the grid. Any such facility must sit on a parcel of at least 10 acres, cannot include battery storage, and needs an engineer-sealed site plan plus a special use or zoning permit from the Planning Department before construction.
Commercial Solar Facility Permits, Cleveland County
Significant RestrictionsCleveland County Code § 12-160
The following development standards shall apply to the construction of any solar facility designed to generate electricity for a commercial purpose. Any solar facility on properties less than ten (10) acres, and or any solar facility containing battery storage shall be prohibited: (a)A site plan, signed and sealed by a professional engineer licensed pursuant to GS § 89C shall be prepared in acc...
All Cleveland County ordinances
See every category we cover for Cleveland County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Cleveland County Ordinance Hub →