SolarAPP+ Launch – Worcester County
Streamlined Solar Permitting in Worcester County
SolarAPP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus) is an automated online permitting platform that allows licensed contractors to apply for permits for standard residential rooftop solar and energy storage systems. The platform automates the solar plan review while performing comprehensive code-compliance checks to ensure adherence to the 2021 International Building Code, 2017 National Electric Code and local regulations.
Please refer to the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist to see which systems are eligible.
How to Apply
Eligible residential solar and storage projects may be submitted directly through the SolarAPP+ online platform.
- Step 1: Submit for Automated Review Through SolarAPP+
- Submit Solar/Photovoltaic design at SolarAPP+
- Click Sign In or Register to get started.
- Once you have registered, you will need to Upload a Copy of your License for SolarAPP+ to review.
- A processing fee will be charged by SolarAPP+ for plan review. The fee is NOT retained by Worcester County.
- An Inspection Checklist, a SolarAPP+ ID, and a Job Card will be generated when approved.
- Worcester County will issue a building and electrical permit on the next business day.
- Step 2: Schedule your inspection
- Contact Worcester County Department of Development Review and Permitting at 410.632.1200 to schedule you inspection.
- You will need to refer to your Worcester Count Building Permit to schedule your inspection.
Important Fee Information
Permit applications can still be obtained directly from Worcester County Development Review and Permitting without using Solar APP+
Worcester County charges a $50 building permit fee and a $25 electrical permit fee for applicable solar projects through Solar App+.
SolarAPP+ applications include an additional processing fee. This fee is NOT retained by Worcester County.
The fee is collected on behalf of the SolarAPP+ program and supports:
- System maintenance and security
- Ongoing software development and updates
- National code compliance and technical support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q: What is SolarAPP+?
A: SolarAPP+ is a national automated permitting platform developed to speed up and standardize the review of residential solar and energy storage systems. All counties and municipalities were mandated to implement this platform or similar under Maryland’s Brighter Tomorrow Act of 2024.
Q: Does Worcester County charge the SolarAPP+ fee?
A: No. The additional SolarAPP+ fee is collected by the platform provider and does not go to Worcester County.
Q: Why is there an additional fee?
A: The fee supports the operation, maintenance, and ongoing development of the SolarAPP+ system.
Q: Are all solar projects eligible for SolarAPP+?
A: No. SolarAPP+ is limited to qualifying residential rooftop solar and energy storage systems that meet specific criteria.
Q: Can I still apply through the traditional permitting process?
A: Yes. All projects may still be submitted through the County’s standard permitting process, regardless of whether they are eligible for review by SolarAPP+.