The Irish government has recently implemented regulations to comply with the EU's Solar Roofing Initiative, with the goal of installing up to 380 MW (roughly 1 million solar panels) of microgeneration capacity. This would generate more than 300 GWh of renewable electricity annually, with the potential to reduce 1.4 million tons of CO2eq over the lifespan of the installations. The regulations also support the deployment of small-scale generation and will act as a facilitator of the Small-Scale Generation Support Plan (SSG), which is expected to be available next year. The exemptions related to the installations are subject, among other things, to short recoil distances from the edge of the roof.
They are also subject to general restrictions on exempt development, including those related to protected structures and architectural conservation areas. These provisions apply to current solar planning exemptions and have not changed as part of the current revision. In Ireland, it is legally permissible to install solar panels yourself. However, safety regulations often necessitate a certified electrician to make the final connections. DIY installations can also affect your eligibility for specific grants and warranties, which normally require a professional setup.
Therefore, it is important to consider these factors when deciding between a self-installation or a professional service. The Irish Sustainable Energy Authority provides official information on the solar panel grants you can qualify for. When planning your installation, it is essential to understand the requirements for solar panel planning permission in Ireland. Protected structures and architectural conservation areas are not included in the general exemptions, although solar panels are allowed if they do not materially affect the character of the structure. Anyone who wants to have larger solar installations on roofs within sun protection zones can apply for a building permit. Solar-exempt developments within a sun protection zone for all classes, except housing, must be notified to the planning authority within 4 weeks of the start of the development.
Sun protection zones are areas where limitations apply to solar panel installations on roofs, to mitigate the potential impact of glare and glare near airports, airfields and other sites with helipads, such as hospitals. Standalone solar panel installations for homes are now exempt from the requirement to obtain a building permit, subject to an area limit of 25 square meters and to conditions that require a certain amount of private open space to be maintained for occupants' use. A solar electricity grant can be obtained through the Solar Photovoltaic Plan from the Irish Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI). There is no limit to the area of solar panels that can be installed on the roofs of houses anywhere in the country. Making the switch to solar energy is an excellent step towards a greener Ireland. With careful consideration and understanding of regulations and requirements, anyone can install their own solar panels or hire a professional service for larger installations.
