Solar Energy

A note about the recent change in solar credit application:

The original intention of the town's solar credit program was to apply solar credits only to electric usage charges. However, limitations in our previous billing software could not prevent solar credits from being applied to other areas of the bill, like electric base charges, water, or solid waste. 

The town's new billing software allows credits to be applied as intended. Beginning with the July 2025 utility bill, solar customers will notice a difference in how their solar credit is applied. Solar credit will be used only to offset electric usage charges. A letter was mailed to all solar customers explaining this change in July 2025.

The Town of Apex is seeking ways to enhance the amount of solar energy installed in our community. For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Town of Apex Application Process for Solar Panel Installation:idtPlansFEPR_Logo-207x60-72dpi Opens in new window

  1. Solar Panel Checklist (PDF)
  2. Solar Installation & Interconnection Application (PDF). You can verify Apex jurisdiction at https://services.wakegov.com/realestate/.
  3. Signatures must be docu-sign or hand-writtten.
  4. Upload engineering letters as a document separate from the plans.
  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 with a copy of the passed inspection so it can be added to the work order.
  8. The PV system cannot be operated until the meter is changed out by the Electrical Department. This may take 3-5 days after Building Inspections completes their inspections. 
    Confirmation of the changeout will be emailed from NoReplyCityworks@apexnc.org. If you don't receive the message, please check your spam filter before emailing the electrical dept: Emily.Woody@ApexNC.org  Joy.Cox@ApexNC.org.

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

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Although solar installations typically pay for themselves over time in energy savings, homeowners must make upfront investments either through loans or in cash. Federal and State incentives can help offset these costs. 

Please Note: Federal tax credits for solar will expire December 31, 2025. Systems must be fully installed and commissioned before this deadline in order to be eligible for the tax credit. 

Other Helpful Information

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!