Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 937: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the planning requirements for householders when having solar panels installed in roofs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9686/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On 28 February, 2007, I signed the Planning and Development Regulations 2007, which provide exemptions from planning permission requirements in respect of certain classes of micro-renewable technologies for use in the home. The exemptions apply to solar panels and other micro-renewable technologies such as wind turbines, heat pumps and biomass, subject to certain conditions in each case.

The exemption in respect of solar panels provides for the installation of up to 12 sq. metres aperture area, or 50% of total roof area, whichever is less. This is subject to conditions that restrict the height of the panel to 15 cms above the plane of a pitched roof or to 50 cms above a flat roof. In addition, the panels must be more than 50 cm from the edge of the roof or wall on which it is mounted.

Free-standing solar arrays up to 2 metres in height can also be installed at the side or rear of a house once it does not reduce the area of private open space, reserved exclusively for the use of the occupants of the house, to the rear or to the side of the house to less than 25 square metres.

It should also be borne in mind that if householders wish to install solar panels of greater area than that allowed under the Regulations, then planning permission could be applied for in the normal way. Planning authorities have been advised that such applications should be considered on their own merits, having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.