If you are planning to fit a solar panel or wind turbine to your property you will normally require building regulation approval.

Solar Panels

The installation of a solar panel to a building will require a building regulation application. The issues requiring approval are:-

• The increase loading on the roof and the ability of the existing structure to take the additional load. (Part A) In some cases additional strengthening may be required to the roof. This is particularly the case with solar panels used to heat a hot water supply to a property.
• Any penetrations through the roof covering will need to comply with Part C of the building regulations (resistance to moisture).
• Any alterations/additions to the heating or hot water system will need to be carried out by a competent person and certification will need to be provided.
• All electrical work required to meet the requirements of Part P (Electrical Safety) must be designed, installed, inspected and tested by a person competent to do so. Prior to completion, the Council should be satisfied that Part P has been complied with.  This may require an appropriate BS7671 electrical installation certificate to be issued for the work by a person competent to do so.

Wind Turbines

As with solar panels wind turbines will need to comply with the building regulations with regard to:-

• Part A – Structural stability/safety.
• Part P – Electrical Safety.

This means a building regulation application will most likely be required if you are planning to connect a wind turbine to your property. If you require any further guidance or advice please contact the Building Control section.

With wind turbines the fixing to the structure will need to be carefully considered to ensure that the turbine is very securely fixed to any building.

The building regulation application form can be found by clicking on the link.

Further information can be found on the following websites:-

Energy Saving Trust

The National Energy Foundation

The British Wind Energy Association

Please also note that planning permission may be required for solar panels of wind turbines and you are advised to contact the Development Control section for advice on this when considering such works.

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