Building Regulations Consent For Solar Panels

You might need a resource consent.

Building regulations consent for solar panels.

The new exemptions will save building owners time and money by not having to go to their local council for consent for common building projects. Being in a conservation area does not in itself stop you from an installation. As solar installations aren t considered as building work a building consent is not required but can be applied for voluntarily. If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply.

The ability of the existing roof to carry the load weight of the panel will need to be checked and proven. 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. Refer s 43 of the building act 2004. Some strengthening work may be needed.

There are some exceptions to this but for the purposes of this practice note the installation of pv panels to generate electricity does not require a building consent. Stand alone solar equipment panels not on a building but within the grounds of a house or a block of flats. Building consents are no longer be needed for a number of new or expanded types of low risk building work like sleep outs sheds carports outdoor fireplaces and ground mounted solar panels. 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.

Solar panel installations have to pass standard building regulationsfor the property it s a legal requirement for many home improvements. Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. The property may be in a special interest or heritage zone. The key areas are structural safetyof a building part a and electrical safetyof a building part p.

Generally speaking energy work does not require a building consent. If you plan to install photovoltaic panels you need to check if you need a resource consent. Many councils indicate that they apply the use of section 43 of the building act 2004 which describes solar panel installations as energy work. To qualify as a standalone solar system the panels have to be at least 5 metres from the property.

There s a size restriction of 9m2 for any standalone arrays.