Updated
Solar in the Takoma Park Historic District needs a Historic Area Work Permit from the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission, and the building permit is issued conditional on it. Panels not readily visible from the street, such as on rear roof planes or non-historic additions, are treated as minimal-impact installations.
The Historic Area Work Permit
In the Takoma Park Historic District, the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission reviews solar through a Historic Area Work Permit. The county's building permit is then issued conditional on the approved HAWP and its conditions.
Placement makes the difference. Systems on rear-facing roof planes, accessory buildings or non-historic additions, or otherwise not readily visible from the public right-of-way, fall in the category designed for minimal impact on the district.
Sources: mcatlas.org
On the Maryland side of the line
Takoma Park sits right on the DC border, but its homes earn Maryland certificates. Standard Maryland SRECs traded near $40 in 2026, while DC certificates sit far higher, so a Takoma Park system is sized for bill savings first.
The Montgomery County Green Bank offers financing support for residential solar and storage, including options for income-qualified homeowners.
Sources: energysage.com, mcgreenbank.org
Where Takoma Park projects start
Open the job that matches yours.
Takoma Park solar questions
If the house is in the Takoma Park Historic District, yes.
The Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission.
Rear roof planes, accessory buildings or non-historic additions are the minimal-impact options.
No. They earn Maryland certificates, worth far less.
Heavy shade can. A site assessment tells you before you apply.