Structural assessment of roofs for PV - Building control approval

[Fitstart]

OK on the structural survey Kev, I would be doing that anyway. However Fife should now not require a Building warrant for Solar PV unless strengthening work is required on the roof, as per the recent communication to all councils:

​The key part is:

8 July 2011

Our ref: A1616295 Dear Chief Executive

The Building (Scotland) Act 2003
Domestic Microgeneration – Installation of Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Equipment on a House

I am writing to all local authorities to advise on procedures for dealing with the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal equipment on existing houses. This is to promote a uniform approach when considering the structural impact of the work on the existing building, and when a building warrant is required for the work.

The intention of this advice is to clarify that a building warrant should not be required when the existing structure of a one or two storey house is capable of supporting the solar PV and solar thermal equipment. However if the existing structure is not capable, and strengthening is needed, a building warrant is required.

This advice is limited to type 1 of schedule 3 of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 as amended which covers houses with a storey at a height of no more than 4.5m. Supporting information is included in annex A.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your local authority’s co-operation in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Bill Dodds
Head of Building Standards

 

[ScottishKev]

OK on the structural survey Kev, I would be doing that anyway. However Fife should now not require a Building warrant for Solar PV unless strengthening work is required on the roof, as per the recent communication to all councils:

​The key part is:

8 July 2011

Our ref: A1616295 Dear Chief Executive

The Building (Scotland) Act 2003
Domestic Microgeneration – Installation of Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Equipment on a House

I am writing to all local authorities to advise on procedures for dealing with the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal equipment on existing houses. This is to promote a uniform approach when considering the structural impact of the work on the existing building, and when a building warrant is required for the work.

The intention of this advice is to clarify that a building warrant should not be required when the existing structure of a one or two storey house is capable of supporting the solar PV and solar thermal equipment. However if the existing structure is not capable, and strengthening is needed, a building warrant is required.

This advice is limited to type 1 of schedule 3 of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 as amended which covers houses with a storey at a height of no more than 4.5m. Supporting information is included in annex A.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your local authority’s co-operation in this matter.

Yours sincerely

Bill Dodds
Head of Building Standards

Thanks for this - I will forward to fife Council. I have just sent my cheque off this morning - I will let you know how I get on.

 

[Fitstart]

You are welcome, hope it goes well.

 

[ScottishKev]

You are welcome, hope it goes well.

Have just heard back from Fife Council - they will refund any fees for building warrants received after the 8th July!! Getting a very good service from Fife Council Building Standards And Safety - very quick.

 

[Fitstart]

That's great news, glad they are on the ball.