Building Regulations Consent For Solar Panels

Many councils indicate that they apply the use of section 43 of the building act 2004 which describes solar panel installations as energy work.

Building regulations consent for solar panels.

To qualify as a standalone solar system the panels have to be at least 5 metres from the property. Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work such as electrical installation. No part of the installation can be above 4 metres if two of your friends are standing on your shoulders and not able to reach the top then it s too high. The ability of the existing roof to carry the load weight of the panel will need to be checked and proven.

If you wish to install a solar panel on your roof building regulations will normally apply. Adding the photovoltaic panels on the roof may affect height to boundary restrictions. Generally speaking energy work does not require a building consent. 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.

Being in a conservation area does not in itself stop you from an installation. Refer s 43 of the building act 2004. 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. The property may be in a special interest or heritage zone.

Some strengthening work may be needed. 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. You will need to check that your roof is capable of supporting the additional weight that comes with the solar panels. As solar installations aren t considered as building work a building consent is not required but can be applied for voluntarily.

There s a size restriction of 9m2 for any standalone arrays. You might need a resource consent. Solar panel installations have to pass standard building regulationsfor the property it s a legal requirement for many home improvements. The key areas are structural safetyof a building part a and electrical safetyof a building part p.

If you plan to install photovoltaic panels you need to check if you need a resource consent.