Solar Permit Design In Montgomery, MD

 

A solar permit in Montgomery County, Maryland, is issued through the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) in Wheaton and requires two approvals: a building permit for panel attachment and an electrical permit for service connection. Residential rooftop projects can be fast-tracked through the county’s eSolar platform, which accepts SolarAPP+ submissions for same-day issuance.

DPS-approved plan sets must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 IBC, 2023 National Electrical Code, and Maryland Building Performance Standards, with structural calculations addressing rafter spacing, mounting attachment, and roof load capacity. Systems interconnecting with Pepco or Potomac Edison must follow Maryland PSC net metering rules under COMAR 20.50.10. Properties with private well and septic, or those located in historic districts or chartered municipalities like Rockville and Gaithersburg, face added review steps.

Solar Permit Solutions provides PE-stamped, ePlans-ready designs for homeowners, businesses, DIY installers, and contractors working across Montgomery County.

How to Get a Residential Solar Permit in Montgomery County, MD

1. Apply and Pay

Submit your permit application electronically through the Apply Online portal listed in the process box. Applications can be filed at any time, and a non-refundable filing fee is collected upon submission. Payments are accepted by credit card or check. For instructions on completing tasks digitally, refer to the eServices page.

2. Submit Plans

Upload all drawings and supporting documents through the ePlans Login portal in the process box. Submissions must adhere to the published ePlans Submittal Requirements. See the eServices page for digital filing guidance.

3. Permit Plans Review

DPS reviewers will evaluate your drawings against applicable state and local building codes. Approved sets will be stamped as DPS-compliant. If corrections are flagged, you’ll be notified through the system and asked to upload revised documents for another round of review.

4. Pay Balance of Permit Fees

Outstanding permit fees can be settled online, mailed in, or paid in person at the DPS office. Permits are not released until the full balance is cleared. To pay digitally, log in through the Pay Online link in the process box and choose Make Payment.

5. Permit Issuance

Once payment is complete and all conditions are met, a permit technician will release your permit. You’ll receive the permit and approved documents electronically. Printed copies of the approved drawings must remain accessible at the job site for the inspector.

6. Install Your Solar Panels

All installation work must match the approved drawings or any subsequent revisions that have been approved. The permit must stay on-site and available to DPS inspectors throughout the duration of the project.

7. Schedule Inspections

Inspection requests should be submitted at least 24 hours before the desired date. Most inspections, aside from partial ones, can be booked online using the Inspection Requests link in the process box. You’ll need your permit type, permit number, and the Contact ID number shown at the top right of your permit.

8. Permit Revision

For revisions, repeat Steps 1 through 4. Submissions must match the format of the original filing: electronic revisions for electronic originals and hard copy for hard copy. Describe the change, including affected square footage or any cost-of-construction adjustments. DPS staff will calculate revision fees, which can then be paid online, by mail, or in person.

9. Schedule Final Inspection

Final inspections also require a minimum 24-hour advance request. Schedule online through the Inspection Requests link in the process box using your permit type, permit number, and Contact ID from the top right corner of your permit.