If your off-grid solar installation isn’t already incorporated in your house planning and building approval, then your council may require you to get this approval before the installation of your solar array/s (your batteries, inverters and associated equipment don’t usually need approval, councils are usually only interested in the solar component). Off-Grid Energy can’t complete council approval applications on your behalf or determine individual customer eligibility.
How Do I Know If I Need Approval?
We recommend speaking to your local council and/or the person responsible for your home building approvals to make sure your solar approval requirements have been covered.
You might require council approval if;
- Your solar array will be installed on tilt frames or on ground-mounted frames
- Your solar array will be installed near your property boundary
- You’re located in South Australia
You will require council approval if;
- You’re located in Tasmania and your solar installation:
- Will cover more than 38m2
- Or is installed on tilted array frames
- Or is installed on ground-mounted poles over 3m high
- Or your ground-mounted frames are custom-engineered or non-standard
- Or is installed on a commercial building
- Or is part of an overall project (i.e. house build) costing over $20,000
What Do I Need To Gain Approval?
Here’s some of the documentation your council may request in order to grant your approval. Off-Grid Energy can provide you with items 3 to 5 on this list – please just let your Off-Grid Energy Sales Consultant know.
- Council-specific application or building permit forms
- Certificate of Title
- Solar panel datasheet
- Engineering certificate for solar array framing
- Site Plan including
- Google satellite image
- Shows the location of the solar panels
- Shows property boundaries
- Accredited Designers name
- Project Address
- Client Name
- Land Title reference number
- Panel brand, type, and number of panels
