Worcester County, MD Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Section ZS 1-344 sorts solar equipment by size, and the review path depends on the category. Under the section's definitions, a minor solar energy system is a ground-mounted system with a rated capacity of no more than two hundred kilowatts or a roof-mounted system of any capacity, serving an agricultural, residential, commercial, institutional or industrial use and meant to reduce on-site consumption of utility power. A major system is ground-mounted with a rated capacity of more than two hundred kilowatts up to and including two megawatts. A utility system is ground-mounted and exceeds two megawatts. The section carries an amendment dated 10-7-2025 by Bill No. 25-04.

Minor systems are permitted in all zoning districts in unincorporated Worcester County. They can be attached to a building or stand as freestanding arrays, and in every case they carry the setback and height limits of the principal structure. Mechanical equipment stays out of the minimum front yard setback and must be screened from adjacent land in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 or V-1 Districts or used for residential purposes. Panels must be situated to prevent concentrated radiation or glare onto adjacent properties, roads or public gathering places, and power lines from freestanding ground-mounted systems run underground.

Larger systems face more review. Every major system is processed as a major site plan under § ZS 1-325, and a major system of more than two hundred kilowatts up to and including one megawatt needs a vegetated buffer between the fencing and the property line. Major and utility systems sit at least one hundred feet from all property lines, though the Planning Commission or County Commissioners can reduce that for systems subject to § 7-218 of the Public Utilities Article. Utility systems follow two steps: a Step I concept plan reviewed by the Department and then by the County Commissioners, who consider the application within ninety days of receiving the Department's report, and a Step II master site plan.

Major and utility systems also provide a decommissioning plan and bond as part of site plan review. Before a building permit issues, the operator or property owner must post a bond, surety or letter of credit securing 125% of the anticipated cost of removal and site restoration.