Solar PV System and Building Control

Freepost

Hi,

I’m still thinking about installing a Solar PV System. One of my thoughts in this regard is that I have a very large loft that I’ve considered to convert to additional space, I think gigantic train set:j, SWMBO thinks extra bedrooms with en-suite:(.

The problem is that the roof trusses are all with the internal ‘W’ web. Clearly a major structural alteration for making the conversion. Thing is that in my mind it makes sense to convert before installing the panels, especially since Velux windows would have to be intermingled with the Solar Panels.

Considering this, I contacted Building Control to ask some basic questions about the proposed loft conversion. Seems it always gets down to money, BC didn’t really answer my questions just informed me about their fees. Not only do I have to pay a fee for the loft conversion, clearly I knew this, but it seems that I have to provide details of the solar panel and their fixings and these have to be passed by BC … at an additional fee!

Is it just my neck of the woods where Building Control have to be involved in the installation of a Solar PV System or have you all gone through this loop?

F.

zeupater

Freepost wrote: »

Hi,

I’m still thinking about installing a Solar PV System. One of my thoughts in this regard is that I have a very large loft that I’ve considered to convert to additional space, I think gigantic train set:j, SWMBO thinks extra bedrooms with en-suite:(.

The problem is that the roof trusses are all with the internal ‘W’ web. Clearly a major structural alteration for making the conversion. Thing is that in my mind it makes sense to convert before installing the panels, especially since Velux windows would have to be intermingled with the Solar Panels.

Considering this, I contacted Building Control to ask some basic questions about the proposed loft conversion. Seems it always gets down to money, BC didn’t really answer my questions just informed me about their fees. Not only do I have to pay a fee for the loft conversion, clearly I knew this, but it seems that I have to provide details of the solar panel and their fixings and these have to be passed by BC … at an additional fee!

Is it just my neck of the woods where Building Control have to be involved in the installation of a Solar PV System or have you all gone through this loop?

F.

Hi

Looks like some departments are a little slack and have been told that they need to generate some income .... anyway, have a read of this ... http://www.napitonline.com/downloads/Best%20Practice%20note%20on%20application%20of%20Building%20Regulations%20-%20Retrofitting%20Solar%20Panels.pdf ... I wonder if your local BC department have recently read it !!

HTH
Z

Freepost

zeupater wrote: »

Hi

Looks like some departments are a little slack and have been told that they need to generate some income .... anyway, have a read of this ... http://www.napitonline.com/downloads/Best%20Practice%20note%20on%20application%20of%20Building%20Regulations%20-%20Retrofitting%20Solar%20Panels.pdf ... I wonder if your local BC department have recently read it !!

HTH
Z

Excellent stuff, thanks very much.

F.