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

Installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on residential and commercial properties in Fairfax County requires building and electrical permits issued under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Permits are obtained through Fairfax County Land Development Services via the PLUS online portal. Rooftop residential solar is a by-right use in all residential zoning districts — no special exception or variance is required. Typical permit submittal includes structural calculations showing the roof can support the system, electrical single-line diagrams, equipment cut sheets, and a site plan. Interconnection with Dominion Energy (the primary utility for Fairfax County) requires a separate Net Energy Metering (NEM) application — Virginia's NEM program is authorized by VA Code §56-594 and allows systems up to 25 kW for residential customers to receive 1:1 credit for excess generation. Larger systems follow different tariffs. Ground-mounted solar is subject to accessory structure setback and lot coverage limits in the Zoning Ordinance. The Virginia Solar Freedom Act (VA Code §67-701 et seq., enacted 2020) significantly limits HOA authority to prohibit solar installations — HOAs may not prohibit solar unless such prohibition is explicitly recorded in the declaration, and reasonable aesthetic restrictions (panel placement, screening) are permitted but cannot substantially reduce system output or increase cost substantially. Federal investment tax credit (currently 30% through 2032) and state programs provide financial incentives. Permits issued by Fairfax County typically take 2-4 weeks for standard residential rooftop systems.