Solar Energy in Guilford County, NC (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Guilford County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Guilford County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Panel Permits

Rooftop and freestanding solar panels are an accessory use allowed in every unincorporated Guilford County zoning district under UDO Sec. 5.14.E, no special permit required. Roof-mounted panels on a single-family home must lie flush and integrated with the roof surface, while freestanding backyard arrays are capped at twelve feet tall, side or rear yard only, and twenty-five percent of the house's heated square footage. Ground-mounted commercial solar farms need a Special Use Permit.

Home Solar Panel Rules in Guilford County

Some Restrictions

Guilford County UDO Sec. 5.14.E (Solar Collectors, Accessory)

E. SOLAR COLLECTORS, ACCESSORY 1. Solar collectors as accessory (roof-mounted): a. Where Required: All Districts b. Maximum height non-single family residential structures: roof-mounted solar systems shall not exceed district maximum building heights. c. Maximum height single-family residential structures and accessory buildings: roof-mounted solar systems shall be integrated shingles, tiles or...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Solar Energy by City in Guilford County

2 cities in Guilford County have their own solar energy rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

GreensboroPop. 299,035

1 verified rule • Panel Permits

High PointPop. 114,059

1 verified rule • Panel Permits

All Guilford County ordinances

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