Installing solar panels in Ireland is a legal process, but it is subject to certain regulations and permits. Most homes, farms, and industrial buildings don't require a planning permit to install solar panels, but building regulations must be followed. These regulations are in line with the EU's Solar Roofing Initiative, which seeks to reduce authorization procedures for installing solar energy on roofs. This would generate more than 300 GWh of renewable electricity per year, 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 in relation to the installations referred to in points 1, 2 and 3 above are subject, among other things, to short recoil distances from the edge of the roof. Points 1 to 4 above are also subject to general restrictions on exempt development, including those related to protected structures and architectural conservation areas. Homeowners can now install unlimited solar panels on their roofs without needing to apply for a building permit. HOMES and other buildings will no longer need a building permit to install solar panels, except when they are near airports and some emergency centers. 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. These changes make it easier for people to deploy solar panels on rooftops and, together with the government-backed SEAI Solar PV grant, will allow more people to install solar panels across the country.
When planning your installation, it's important to understand the requirements for solar panel planning permission in Ireland. In Ireland, a building permit is generally not required to install solar panels on the roofs of buildings or within the enclosed area that immediately surrounds a house, which is also known as trimming. So if you have the skills to build your own solar panel system, you may be able to do so without needing a building permit. However, it's important to understand that installing solar panels involves specific knowledge and experience that goes beyond the skills of a typical electrician. You may need to consider the sustainable development guidelines provided by the Department of Housing when installing your solar panels. The time it takes to install a solar panel system on a residential property can vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of the system, the condition of the roof, and the efficiency of the installation equipment.
Sun protection zones constitute less than 3% of Ireland's land surface and are necessary for aviation safety due to potential glare from increased solar activity near airports and hospitals (which have helipads). In these areas, which cover approximately 2 percent of the country, up to 300 square meters of solar panels can be installed without a building permit. Rising electricity prices and microgeneration plans that allow homeowners to receive payment for excess energy exported to the national grid have also increased interest in solar energy. Despite not requiring a planning permit for most solar panel installations, it is always advisable to check with your local planning authority before proceeding with installation.
