Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1073: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy on the requirements for planning permission for solar panels; if planning permission is required to install solar panels to private dwellings; if his Department has future proposals in relation to these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19852/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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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, came into effect from 28 February 2007. 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 subject to certain conditions.Where householders wish to install solar panels of greater surface area than that allowed under the Regulations, then planning permission should 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.

My Department is currently engaged in research into the possible extension of planning exemptions for micro-renewable technologies to such other areas as industrial estates, agricultural sites, and the commercial sector. I expect to be in a position to initiate a consultation process on this issue shortly, with a view to making new Regulations early in 2008.