eSolar - Residential Rooftop Solar Panels Permits & Inspection Process
Montgomery County (Maryland) encourages property owners to invest in renewable energy sources.
To further promote the installation of solar energy, the Department of Permitting Services now offers eSolar to expedite issuance and installation of residential rooftop solar systems by approved installers.
eSolar expedites the issuance of solar permits, reducing installation cost and time.
eSolar accepts approved third-party services which currently includes SolarAPP +.
eSolar permits will be immediately issued electronically once paid online.
Eligible
- Residential dwelling main structures only.
- Licensed solar installation contractors who have attended all required training offered by approved third-party service providers. Contractors must have a valid Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license.
- Projects must conform with https://solarapp.nrel.gov/docs/solarapp-pv-eligibility.pdf Eligibility Checklists .
- Projects may be permitted to install up to 400A main service, 225A service disconnect switches and 225A busbars.
Not Eligible - Must use the standard solar application process.
- Projects exceeding 400A main service, 225A service disconnect switches and 225A busbars.
- Ballasted roof systems.
- Commercial properties. Townhouses 4 stories above grade and over are considered commercial structures and need to apply for a Commercial solar permit .
- Municipalities with site restrictions Montgomery County Zoning (mcatlas.org).
- Historic preservation Design Guidelines- Montgomery Planning , GIS Tool Montgomery.
A building permit (for the attachment of the solar panels) and an electrical permit (for the connection to the home’s electrical service). Utilizing eSolar will fulfill the building permit requirement. Applicants must submit for a separate electrical permit.
Contractors with a valid Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license who have attended all required training offered by approved third-party service providers.
eSolar permits will be immediately issued electronically once paid online.
Please see our fee schedule and refer to solar panels.
Inspections maybe scheduled or cancelled online. Schedule Your Inspections