What changes next for solar PV systems in North Carolina?

The 2023 NEC is adopted, not yet in force. The 2021 IRC is adopted, not yet in force. The 2021 IBC is adopted, not yet in force. The 2021 IFC is adopted, not yet in force.

What applies to my job?

Pick the state and the product you build, install, or inspect. The card below answers from each state’s own record.

State

Solar PV in North Carolina

Which codes apply? In North Carolina, solar PV systems fall under the 2020 NEC, the 2015 IRC, the 2015 IBC, and the 2015 IFC.

Rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays and their wiring. State record read Oct 19, 2026. Data as of Oct 26, 2026.

Codes that reach solar PV systems

The edition North Carolina enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.

NECNational Electrical Code

2020 NECVerified

in force since Nov 1, 2021

Where it reaches the product. Article 690, solar photovoltaic systems, with 705 for the interconnection and 690.12 for rapid shutdown.

2020 North Carolina Electrical Code · 2018 North Carolina State Building Code set, Electrical Code volume; G.S. 143-138

The 2023 NEC is adopted, not yet in force.

The North Carolina NEC record
IRCInternational Residential Code

2015 IRCPartial

in force since Jan 1, 2019

Where it reaches the product. Section R324, solar energy systems.

2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Residential Code · 2018 NC State Building Code, Residential Code volume; G.S. 143-138

The 2021 IRC is adopted, not yet in force.

The North Carolina IRC record
IBCInternational Building Code

2015 IBCVerified

in force since Jan 1, 2019

Where it reaches the product. Rooftop structures and the structural load of the array.

2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Building Code · 2018 NC State Building Code, Building Code volume; G.S. 143-138

The 2021 IBC is adopted, not yet in force.

The North Carolina IBC record
IFCInternational Fire Code

2015 IFCPartial

in force since Jan 1, 2019

Where it reaches the product. Chapter 12, section 1205, solar photovoltaic power systems and roof access.

2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Fire Prevention Code · 2018 NC State Building Code, Fire Code volume; G.S. 143-138

The 2021 IFC is adopted, not yet in force.

The North Carolina IFC record

Coming next

NEC
The 2023 NEC is adopted, not yet in force.
Adopted by the Building Code Council Dec 12, 2023, and approved by the Rules Review Commission.
Verified
IRC
The 2021 IRC is adopted, not yet in force.
Adopted and approved by the Rules Review Commission; effective date not set.
Verified
IBC
The 2021 IBC is adopted, not yet in force.
Adopted by the Building Code Council and approved by the Rules Review Commission; effective 12 months after the first day of the month following State Fire Marshal certification.
Verified
IFC
The 2021 IFC is adopted, not yet in force.
The Building Code Council’s rule submission describes proposed NC amendments to the 2021 IFC; approved by the Rules Review Commission; effective date not set.
Verified

State or local

NECThe 2017 NC Electrical Code (2017 NEC, effective Jun 12, 2018) still governs buildings and structures within the scope of the 2018 NC Residential Code (one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses); the 2020 edition governs buildings outside that scope.

Cities and counties can amend a statewide code, so confirm the edition in force with the local official.

Go deeper

North Carolina laws that name solar PV systems

Statutes, rules, and commission orders are tracked state by state.

No North Carolina law or rule on the site names solar PV systems. The product page shows the states that have one.

For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use