Do You Need Building Regulation Consent For Solar Panels

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.

Do you need building regulation consent for solar panels.

The load bearing abilities of the roof have to be checked and proven. The purpose of this practice note is to provide guidance as to whether a building consent is. 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. Think of it as an extra layer of protection for your unique home.

If it s deemed not to be strong enough then you might have to get some additional work done to ensure that it s safe no one wants to be killed by a falling solar panel. Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. Planning permission in april 2008 changes to legislation were made. The ability of the existing roof to carry the load weight of the panel will need to be checked and proven.

See more recent article. Some strengthening work may be needed. But without any real valid reason permission should be granted. But you do need to notify you council and the conservation team of your desire to install.

If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply. Many councils indicate that they apply the use of section 43 of the building act 2004 which describes solar panel installations as energy work. The issue here is whether the existing roof wil be able to take the extra roof loadings that solar panels will impose on it. As solar installations aren t considered as building work a building consent is not required but can be applied for voluntarily.

Consent is usually dependent on the placement of your panels and the current condition of the listed building. If you manage to get listed building consent to install solar panels you ll still need to get planning permission on top of this. However on this page we lay out exactly what you need to do the planning you need and the regulations you need to follow in order to have solar panels or tiles installed. How to ensure your renewable energy installation is done safely competent persons schemes and building regulations.

If you live in a building that has a strata plan you will need permission to install a solar system on any roof section many of our customers have successfully had bye laws passed in order to install a solar system however in most cases it has been for homes that have their own roof for example townhouses.