Albemarle County, VA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

22 permits accessory solar energy facilities and accessory battery energy storage facilities by right in all zoning districts across the county, meaning a homeowner or business does not need a special use permit or a rezoning to add rooftop or ground-mounted panels; the only condition is compliance with the technical standards in Sec. 66. Those standards cap the lowest edge of a ground-mounted photovoltaic panel at 10 feet above finished grade and cap the overall height of panels, buildings and other solar-facility components at 20 feet, measured from the highest natural grade beneath each element; the height limits do not apply to utility poles, substations, roof-mounted panels, or the interconnection to the overhead electric grid.

Accessory solar facilities, whether roof- or ground-mounted, must meet the same structure setbacks that apply to any other structure in the zoning district, though the setback rule does not apply between parcels under common ownership. Ground-mounted accessory installations outside the Rural Areas district are limited to 500 square feet of fenced area, or 400 square feet of panel zone when placed over an existing pervious surface. 2-2232. Outdoor lighting on any solar facility is permitted only during maintenance periods and must be fully shielded to the Sec. 17 full cutoff standard regardless of lumen output.