Do I Need Building Regulations Approval For Solar Panels

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.

Do i need building regulations approval for solar panels.

Some strengthening work may be needed. Scotland has some additional rules regarding solar panels on exterior walls blocks or flats and flat roofed buildings listed buildings and world heritage sites the panels must not be installed on a building that is within the grounds of a listed building or on a site designated as a scheduled monument. The key areas are structural safetyof a building part a and electrical safetyof a building part p. The ability of the existing roof to carry the load weight of the panel will need to be checked and proven.

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 issue here is whether the existing roof wil be able to take the extra roof loadings that solar panels will impose on it. Solar panel installations have to pass standard building regulationsfor the property it s a legal requirement for many home improvements. You will need to check that your roof is capable of supporting the additional weight that comes with the solar panels.

Being in a conservation area does not in itself stop you from an installation.