New planning exemptions for solar PV systems are expected to be completed and ready by the end of June 2022.

This means that existing planning exemptions for solar PV systems will be broadened across a range of buildings, including residential rooftops, farm buildings, schools, community centres and commercial buildings.

Existing exemptions

The installation of solar PV systems on agricultural structures are considered exempted developments for the following:

  • Roof mounted solar PV systems which do not exceed 50m2 or 50% of the total roof area, whichever is the lesser. The solar panels shall be a minimum of 50cm from the edge of the wall or roof on which they are mounted.
  • Ground mounted solar PV systems where the array does not exceed 25m2 and the height of the free-standing solar array doesn’t exceed two metres.

    • Consultation

    The draft regulations are currently undergoing the Strategic Environmental Assessment process, and the environmental report and draft regulations will be published for a four-week public consultation shortly.

    Following this stage, the regulations will be laid before the Oireachtas, with the new regulations expected to be completed by the end of June.