Installation Of Solar Panels Building Regulations

Building regulations regardless of whether or not planning permission is required for the installation of your solar panels the installation itself is still subject to standard building regulations.

Installation of solar panels building regulations.

You will probably need a building permit to install a solar energy system onto an existing building. To qualify as a standalone solar system the panels have to be at least 5 metres from the property stand alone s can t be installed within the boundary of listed buildings or scheduled monuments in conservation areas and world heritage sites no part of the solar installation should be nearer to any highway bounding the house than the part of the house that is nearest to that highway. Being in a conservation area does not in itself stop you from an installation. The ability of the existing roof to carry the load weight of the panel will need to be checked and proven.

All solar installations are subject to the following. Should be sited in order to minimise the effect on the amenity of the area. Your roof must be able to support the additional weight of rooftop panels and the electricals of the system must be safe. Before installing a solar water heating system you should investigate local building codes zoning ordinances and subdivision covenants as well as any special regulations pertaining to the site.

Some strengthening work may be needed. Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. Check the requirements in your area before pouring concrete and setting pipes after the solar installation is constructed it is inspected by the enforcing agency to ensure it complies with applicable building codes and local ordinances. Official guidance to the different parts of the building regulations can be downloaded by clicking the links to the approved documents above.

Since a change in legislation in april 2008 the installation of solar panels has been deemed permitted development and therefore planning permission is not required unless the building is listed or in a conservation area. Panels on a building should be sited to minimise the effect on the appearance of the building. The key areas are structural safety of a building part a and electrical safety of a building part p. If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply.

Solar panel building regulations. The building regulations 2000 are split into 14 parts a p depending on the nature of the pv installation the following parts may be applicable and should be addressed early at the system design stage. Combined these codes require a 3 ft clearance down from the ridge of a pitched roof to allow for fire departments to ventilate the building. You will need to check that your roof is capable of supporting the additional weight that comes with the solar panels.