Solar PV planning requirements in Ireland differ significantly depending on whether your system is ground-mounted or rooftop-mounted. Understanding the difference early in the project helps avoid delays and unnecessary costs.
Rooftop Solar PV Planning Requirements
Residential Rooftop
Many residential rooftop solar PV systems qualify for exempted development under Irish planning regulations, meaning no planning permission is required, provided:
- The array does not exceed 12 square metres
- Panels do not project more than 15cm from the roof plane
- The property is not a protected structure or in an Architectural Conservation Area
Commercial and Industrial Rooftop
Commercial rooftop systems almost always require planning permission. The application typically requires:
- Roof plan showing panel layout and coverage
- Elevations showing panel height above the roofline
- Site layout plan
- Planning application drawings in PDF format
Glint and glare assessments may be required if the roof is visible from roads, railways, or residential properties.
Ground-Mounted Solar PV Planning Requirements
Ground-mounted solar farms require full planning permission regardless of size. A typical application pack includes:
- Site location map
- Site layout plan — showing panel rows, access tracks, fencing, and substation
- PV layout drawing — showing row spacing, panel tilt, and setbacks from site boundaries
- Elevations and sections — showing panel height, tilt angle, and ground clearance
- Equipment layout — inverters, transformers, battery storage, and substation
- Glint and glare assessment — required by most local authorities
- Landscape and planting plan — showing perimeter screening and biodiversity measures
- Visual impact assessment — sometimes required for larger sites
Key Differences at a Glance
| | Rooftop (Residential) | Rooftop (Commercial) | Ground-Mounted | |---|---|---|---| | Planning permission required | Often exempt | Usually required | Always required | | Glint & glare report | Rarely | Sometimes | Almost always | | Landscape plan | No | No | Usually required | | Typical drawing pack | Simple | Moderate | Full pack |
Timeline Comparison
- Rooftop (exempt): No planning required — proceed directly
- Rooftop (commercial): 8–12 weeks for planning decision
- Ground-mounted: 8–16 weeks, longer if additional information is requested
Get Planning Support
We prepare planning drawing packs for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV projects across Ireland. Contact us to discuss your project requirements.