Solar

Notice for Current Solar Customers

The Finance Committee of the Town Council met on Thursday, October 8th and discussed potential changes to the Town's solar rate structure. The Committee has decided to make no changes to solar metering at this time.

The Town of Apex is seeking ways to enhance the amount of solar energy installed in our community. Our solar goals can be found in our Solar Statement (PDF). For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power (PDF) and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Town of Apex Application Process for Solar Panel Installation

(view full instructions for online application submittal at the bottom of this page)

1. Solar Panel Checklist (PDF)
2. Solar Installation & Interconnection Application (PDF). Please note: projects costing over $30,000 require submission of Workers Comp affidavit; and Certificate of Insurance issued to Town of Apex and showing workers comp coverage if applicable.
3. Upload engineering letters as a document separate from the plans.
4. For Plan Modifications: use the Plan Mod/Restamp form and submit as new project titled "PLAN MOD - address".
5. Solar Panel Inspection Requirements (Apex requires no more than one successful inspection)
6. Activating Online Account for inspections scheduling and document uploads Your contractor type is General. After you activate your account you can go to ePermits - Contractor Access portal. This is where you will find your permits listed. The permit card will be attached to the permit. You can upload your photos/documents needed for inspections using the Upload button at the bottom of the permit page. If you have any trouble creating your online account please call the Permits desk at 919-249-3418.
7. Occasionally a solar installation will be permitted by another jurisdiction but the address is Town of Apex Power. In that instance add the jurisdiction as well as address to the project title. The plans will be reviewed by our Electrical Department but no permit will be issued. An email will be sent verifying the plans are approved. After Final inspection is passed send an email to emily.woody@apexnc.org with a copy of the passed inspection so it can be added to the work order.

Solar Benefits

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports hundreds of jobs in North Carolina, saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from increasing demand and technological developments, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

What’s Your Solar Savings Potential?

• Your home’s solar potential
• The solar potential for the Town of Apex

Finding a Contractor 

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a bid. Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.

• Choosing a Solar Installer – an informative short video from the GW Solar Institute explaining the questions to ask and research to conduct prior to going solar.
• Consumer Solar Checklist- a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council
• Solar Customer Resource Portal

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available.

• A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing – learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance.
• Rooftop Solar Financing 101 – an informative short video from the GW Solar Institute explaining different solar financing options.

Other Helpful Information

• Solar Energy Booklet - Residential (PDF)
• Solar Energy Booklet - Business (PDF)
• North Carolina Solar Policies and Incentives
• A Guide to Solar HVAC - The Top Residential & Commercial Systems
• The HVAC Blog - Comprehensive Guides and Interviews

Community-Sourced Resources

• Solar Power Guide
  • Mason K., Apex resident & Boy Scout 

Apex Solar Projects

Roof-top solar panels have been installed on nine town government buildings including Fire Stations and Public Works facilities, providing an annual savings of about $141,000 in electric costs.

Information for Contractors - How to Submit a Solar Application

Register for IDT

Visit the IDT website and click "Sign Up!" in the upper right hand corner to fill out the online registration form. After you submit the form you will receive an activation link in your email. Click this link to activate your registration. You will then receive a second email confirming your acceptance. After this is completed, you will be able to login and access the electronic plan review website.

Upload Your Plans

Follow the Instructions (PDF) for uploading plans to IDT.

Need Assistance?

If you are not familiar with the procedures for online access to project data, we encourage you to contact IDT with any questions by calling (520) 319-0988 or email IDT Support. They will be happy to provide an online instruction course or provide individual assistance. You can also submit a help request to the Town of Apex at or call (919) 249-3418.

Thank you for using the Town of Apex’s electronic plan review system!