Solar panels

You may need a Planning Permit, a Building Permit or both to install solar panels. You may also need other permits, depending on your situation.

How to use this guide

To help you work out which permits you need, start at Step 1 and answer the questions one at a time.

If you need help at any step, email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4888 and ask for our:

Urban Planning team (information on planning or Planning Permits).
Building Services team (information on building or Building Permits).

Step 1 – Check for a Heritage Overlay

Search for your property on the Department of Transport and Planning's Search for a planning property report page to find out if your property is:

covered by a Heritage Overlay, and/or
on the Victorian Heritage Register.

If your site is on the Victorian Heritage Register, check with Heritage Victoria on how to apply for their approval for works on your property. You do not need a Planning Permit from us, but you may need a Building Permit (go to Step 4 to check).

If your site is covered by a Heritage Overlay but not on the Victorian Heritage Register, you may need a Planning Permit to install solar panels on your property.

Are you in a Heritage Overlay?

If yes, and you are not on the Victorian Heritage Register, go to the next step.
If no, you do not need a Planning Permit. Go to Step 4 to check if you need a Building Permit.

Step 2 – Check if your proposed panels will be visible

If your proposed solar panels and supporting equipment can be seen from a street (other than a lane) or public park, you need a Planning Permit.

Read our 'Solar Panels in a Heritage Overlay' guide below for guidance on where and how solar panels should be installed.

Are your proposed solar panels visible from a street or park?

If yes, go to the next step.
If no, you don't need a Planning Permit. Go to Step 4 to check if you need a Building Permit.

Step 3 – Apply for a Planning Permit

If you need a Planning Permit only to install solar panels and aren't proposing any other changes to the outside of your house (such as an extension), we can fast-track your application through VicSmart within 10 working days.

If you install solar panels without receiving our permission, you may have committed an offence and be liable for certain penalties.

Find out how to apply for a Planning Permit.

Step 4 – Check the structural support your solar panels need

Check whether your proposed panels will be fixed directly to the roof or whether you'll need to add extra supporting mechanisms.

Making changes to the structure of your roof to support solar panels can affect the soundness of the building and add additional load to the roof. It's important to make sure your solar panels won't have a negative impact on your building.

If your solar panels are on a raised or protruding frame or structure, you will likely need a Building Permit.

Do your solar panels need structural support?

If yes, contact our Building Services team to find out if you need a Building Permit. Email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4888 and ask for the Building Services team.
If no, you do not need a Building Permit. As long as there are no planning restrictions, you can install the solar panels.

Solar panels in a Heritage Overlay

Improving the energy efficiency of new buildings and retrofitting existing ones helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable design features creates greater climate change resilience and adaptability as well as cost savings for households. This includes housing materials and solar panels.

Houses in Boroondara can play an important part in creating a more sustainable environment, including those in Heritage Overlays.

Our built heritage also plays a significant part in Boroondara’s collective identity. Therefore, we strive for excellent design and high-quality architecture to protect important heritage elements.

This guide supports solar panel installation in a way that balances the valued elements and character of Boroondara’s built heritage with opportunities to live more sustainably.

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Solar panels in Heritage Overlay 13.43 MB [PDF] 20 January 2025