Building Regulation Consent For Solar Panels

Some strengthening work may be needed.

Building regulation consent for solar panels.

Connecting to the electricity distribution network. 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. Solar panel installations have to pass standard building regulations for the property it s a legal requirement for many home improvements. The ability of the existing roof to carry the load weight of the panel will need to be checked and proven.

8 development for the purpose of a photovoltaic electricity generating system may be carried out by a person with consent on land in a prescribed residential zone only if the system has the capacity to generate no more than 100kw. The wiring of the solar panel installation must be done by someone holding an electrical contractor licence or an electrical qualified supervisor certificate or under the supervision of someone who holds an electrical qualified supervisor certificate. 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. Many councils indicate that they apply the use of section 43 of the building act 2004 which describes solar panel installations as energy work.

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. Except as provided by subclause 8 development for the purpose of a solar energy system may be carried out by any person with consent on any land. If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply. Your roof must be able to support the additional weight of rooftop panels and the electricals of the system must be safe.

The key areas are structural safety of a building part a and electrical safety of a building part p. 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. 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. As solar installations aren t considered as building work a building consent is not required but can be applied for voluntarily.

Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. There are however important limits and conditions detailed on the following pages which must be met to benefit from these permitted development rights.