Planning permission is not required to install solar panels in Ireland

Dublin: The government has changed policies to provide an opportunity for a solar spring in Ireland. The government has announced that planning permission will not be required for the installation of solar panels on houses and other buildings. Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has signed an order in this regard.

The concessions are aimed at increasing Ireland’s solar energy production and combating climate change. It is also interesting to note that the decision to not permit the installation of solar panels comes immediately after the news that there may be a power shortage in the coming winter.

Solar panels can now be installed on the roofs of houses and buildings in all parts of the country without planning permission. With this law, individuals, communities, businesses, and farms can generate their own electricity and thereby reduce their energy bills.

The law does not set any limit on the number of solar panels that can be installed on a roof. Previously, panels larger than 12 square meters in homes and 50 square meters in businesses required planning permission. This provision has been changed.

The restrictions on the 43 Solar Safeguarding Zones of the Irish Aviation Authority have also been significantly relaxed. The area limit has been increased from 50 to 300 square meters. Houses do not need permission to install solar panels up to 25 square meters. For categories other than apartments, this limit will be 75 square meters.

Industrial and commercial establishments, community and educational buildings, places of worship, hospitals, libraries, public utility sites, and farms are all exempt. Some restrictions remain in place for aviation sites, safe zones and architectural safety areas.

By simplifying these procedures, the government aims to bring Ireland into the European Union’s Solar Rooftop Initiative. The Housing Minister said the new measures will also help the Small Scale Generation Support Scheme (SSG) be implemented next year.

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