Solar Energy in Wake County, NC (2026)
1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Wake County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Wake County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Panel Permits
Ground- and roof-mounted solar energy systems in unincorporated Wake County need permits, with FAA notice and a recorded decommissioning plan required for larger arrays.
Wake County Solar Energy System Permits
Some RestrictionsWake County UDO § 4-61-1(B)(1)(a), (2)(a)
Solar energy systems (SES) of more than one-half acre in panel area...must provide notification to airport operations. Before issuance of any permits, the applicant shall submit a copy of the FAA airspace determination letter confirming the proposal does not pose a hazard to flight navigation. ... A decommissioning plan...shall be submitted with permit application.
Solar Energy by City in Wake County
1 cities in Wake County have their own solar energy rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Wake County ordinances
See every category we cover for Wake County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Wake County Ordinance Hub →