With scorching summer temperatures, many Montgomery County homeowners may be considering adding solar panels to make the most of the long summer days. The 17th episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) podcast series, which is now available, highlights the department’s new “eSolar” program that will help get solar panels installed faster on residential rooftops by approved installers.
DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS Sustainability, Energy and Mechanical (SEM) Manager Bryan Bomer for a discussion about the eSolar program. Their discussion addressed how the eSolar program works to get solar on a rooftop faster, what projects are eligible and why homeowners should ask potential installers about the program.
“Safety and sustainability are two of our department’s top priorities and the new eSolar program addresses both of them,” said Division Chief Lucas.
The new program integrates approved third-party certified documents, including Solar APP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus), for residential rooftop solar systems through DPS’ electronic plan review system (ePlans).
“Our new eSolar program, is very exciting, and focuses on basic residential rooftop solar installations,” said DPS Manager Bomer. “The goal is to issue a near instantaneous permit with projects that are compatible with the program. Time is money and this program saves you time by expediting the permitting process. We encourage homeowners to ask their installers about this program.”
In addition to eSolar, they also discuss Bomer’s work at DPS on sustainability, energy and mechanical issues and projects, and the latest information about the code adoption cycle.
This episode of the Permitting Services podcast series is available on the DPS website and various podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It also is available at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/.
Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “plus” or “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform. This episode is also available on video to watch on-demand on the County’s YouTube channel.
Previous podcast episodes have covered accessory dwelling units, building safety, deck permits, the Design for Life program, home improvements, use and occupancy certificates, fences, fire code compliance, GIS maps, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming, vendor licenses and zoning. Listeners are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episodes to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov. Earlier this year, the Permitting Services Podcast was recognized with a 2024 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the category of civic education and public information.
The Department of Permitting Services is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, Seventh Floor, in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. An appointment is not necessary to get in-person assistance. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311. For more information about the permitting process for eSolar, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
