Dublin: Planning permission is no longer required to install solar panels on homes and non-domestic buildings. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien today signed the revised planning exemptions into law.
☀️☀️☀️ New planning permission exemptions for solar panels signed
With these new exemptions we are removing barriers & ensuring that individuals, communities, businesses & farms can generate electricity, reduce bills & help create a zero-carbon future. https://t.co/n1eZlZMgLA pic.twitter.com/Mf1CJ8urb3
— Darragh O'Brien (@DarraghOBrienTD) October 7, 2022
No matter where they are located, homes may now install an unlimited number of solar panels on their rooftops without needing a permit.
Industrial structures, commercial locations, community and educational facilities, houses of worship, medical facilities, libraries, some public utility sites, and farms are also exempt.
However, there are still some limitations in place, such as those for construction near specific aviation sites, protected buildings, and Architectural Conservation Areas.
- houses, regardless of location, may now install unlimited solar panels on their rooftops without any requirement for planning permission (subject to certain conditions)
- exemptions also apply to rooftops of industrial buildings, business premises, community and educational buildings, places of worship, health buildings, libraries, certain public utility sites and farms
- certain restrictions continue to apply, including developments near certain aviation sites, protected structures and Architectural Conservation Areas
Changing weather
The new law went into force immediately, and the exemptions are intended to increase Ireland's production of solar energy and battle climate change.
By shortening and simplifying the procedures for mounting solar panels on rooftops, it seeks to bring Ireland into compliance with the EU's Solar Rooftops Initiative.
The Small-Scale Generation Support Scheme (SSG), which is anticipated to go into effect the following year, will also be supported by the new regulations, according to the Department.
This assistance programme aims to maximise the involvement of businesses, farmers, and other stakeholders in the energy transition.
The new exemptions, according to housing minister Darragh O'Brien, are intended to enable everyone to "play their role in establishing a zero-carbon future powered by renewable energy."
Additionally, it will guarantee that people, towns, businesses, and farms can produce their own electricity and lower their rates, he continued.
Minister O'Brien stated that the implementation of these laws "will help Ireland reach the Government's Climate Action Plan targets."
Newly enacted laws
The size of solar panels that can be installed on home rooftops across the nation is unrestricted under the new laws.
Planning clearance was previously required for panels bigger than 12 square metres on dwellings and 50 square metres on enterprises.
All other current classes of development that have rooftop solar panel systems that cover the full roof are similarly free from the need for planning clearance.
However, the Irish Aviation Authority has defined 43 designated Solar Safeguarding Zones within which a rooftop limit still applies (this limit has been increased from 50 square metres to 300 square metres).
In the vicinity of airports, aerodromes, and other locations with helipads, such as hospitals, these Solar Safeguarding Zones reduce the possible impact of glint and glare.
Household free-standing solar panel installations are likewise exempt from needing planning authorization.
This is subject to rules demanding that a specific quantity of private open space be preserved for use by inhabitants, as well as a 25 square metre area limit.
Except for residences, the exempted space for all other types has been extended to 75 square metres.
The Social Democrats' spokesman on climate and biodiversity, Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, welcomed the revisions but noted that they were long overdue in today's statement.
According to Whitmore, "the Government has effectively solved a problem of its own invention."
It has now taken action to modify its own, extremely restrictive planning laws, which was always within its power to do.
The cost of installing solar panels "remains prohibitive," she continued, adding that "planning laws have not been the sole hindrance to progress."
Whitmore cited the alternative budget proposed by the Social Democrats, which demanded that the government install solar panels for free on 100,000 homes over the course of the following two years.
see more: New planning permission exemptions for rooftop solar panels on homes and other buildings
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