Is Building Regulation Approval Required For Solar Panels

Isea is the state resource for renewable energy related policy developments educational classes events and access to local renewable energy vendors.

Is building regulation approval required for solar panels.

Conversely a building permit would be required for the installation of solar panels to the roof of a class 1 or class 10a building located in a cyclonic area wind region c or d and to the roof of a class 2 9 building in any wind region unless it is in an area listed in schedule 4 clause 1 for which a building permit is not required. The issue here is whether the existing roof wil be able to take the extra roof loadings that solar panels will impose on it. 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. The illinois solar energy association isea is a non profit organization that promotes the widespread application of solar and other forms of renewable energy through education and advocacy.

Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. Local authorities are responsible for compliance with the building regulations and most will have a dedicated building control department. With the installation of roof mounted solar panels becoming increasingly popular it is important to recognise that building regulations will normally apply should you wish to fit them to your roof. An hoa will only prevent you from installing solar panels if your state requires approval for the installation and then rejects the proposal.

The ability of the existing roof to carry the load weight of the panel will need to be checked and proven. Being in a conservation area does not in itself stop you from an installation. There is some confusion as to whether a solar pv installation needs to be notified to the local authority and different authorities do have different approaches. The key is to check your state s solar access rights to see if it can prevent you from going solar.

The installation of solar panels and equipment on residential buildings and land may be permitted development with no need to apply to the local planning authority for planning permission. 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. In some cases an hoa may deny you for aesthetic reasons. You will need to check that your roof is capable of supporting the additional weight that comes with the solar panels.

There are however important limits and conditions detailed on the following pages which must be met to benefit from these permitted development rights. There are some restrictions though. Some strengthening work may be needed. If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply.