Planning & Building

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Solar Panel Information

Are you considering installing solar panels on your home or business?

The City of Port Phillip is committed to the creation of a sustainable built environment and encourages the development and installation renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic and solar hot water systems.

To ensure the planning process achieves better environmental outcomes that are also financially viable, socially cohesive and culturally relevant, Council strongly recommends consideration be given to the following:

  • Unless it can be successfully integrated into the design of the building, every effort should be made to minimise the visibility of a system from the street, and its impact on surrounding properties and public areas.
  • A planning permit will typically be required if the system is visible from a street (other than a lane) or a public park, and is within a heritage neighbourhood character overlay under the Port Phillip Planning Scheme.
  • Council typically does not support systems visible from the street where the existing building is deemed to be significant or contributory to local heritage.
  • The historic fabric of a building should not be unnecessarily disturbed or destroyed, in line with minimum intervention and reversibility principles. That is, when a system is removed the building should be able to be fully restored.
  • Solar panels, tanks and other infrastructure should not display any form of private advertising or branding.
  • Avoid placing the system on or near the property boundary without first obtaining consent from the adjoining property owner(s).
  • Shadows produced by the system and any associated structure should be minimised. Less bulky systems installed flush with the roof line are preferred.
  • To ensure operational effectiveness, all panels should be positioned to avoid overshadowing from nearby buildings, trees and power lines/poles.
  • The ideal placement for photovoltaic and solar hot water systems in Melbourne is an unshaded roof pitch of 30º, facing due north. Although, there is scope for some degree of variation from this ideal.
  • Consider other conservation and efficiency measures (additional insulation, energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, etc.).
  • Ensure that the system is installed by a qualified professional, accredited by the Clean Energy Council.

 

Please Note: satisfying these considerations does not guarantee approval of any planning application

Download: SOLAR PANELS | A General Guide and Planning Checklist for Residents and Industry

Unlawful installations

Council's Development Compliance Team actively investigates unlawful works within the municipality, in particular those in violation of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme. Penalties apply for photovoltaic and/or solar hot water systems installed where approval is required but not obtained. Council may demand that such unlawful systems be removed at the owner's expense.

Further information

Before commencing any works please contact our Planning Department directly via planhelp@portphillip.vic.gov.au or on 9209 6424 to determine if a permit is required for your proposal and if any specific requirements apply.

A Building Permit may also be required for the installation of your system, for more information contact Council's Building Department on 9209 6253.

For more information on photovoltaic and solar hot water systems please contact our Sustainable Environment Team or Sustainable Design Officer on 9209 6777 or via sustainabledesign@portphillip.vic.gov.au