Solar for Heritage Homes
Living in a heritage-listed or character home doesn't mean you have to miss out on solar. This guide covers heritage overlays, council approvals, and compliant installation options so you can go solar while respecting your home's history.
Solar Installer Partner Relations
January 2026
8 min read
What Is a Heritage Overlay?
A heritage overlay is a planning control that protects places with historical, architectural, or cultural significance. If your property is within a heritage overlay, any external changes — including installing solar panels — may require council approval.
Heritage protections can apply at different levels: state heritage listings protect the most significant places and have stricter requirements, while local heritage overlays or heritage conservation areas managed by your council are more common and often more flexible about solar installations.
infoHow to Check If Your Home Is Affected
- checkSearch your council's online planning maps for heritage overlays
- checkCheck your state's heritage register (e.g. NSW Heritage, Heritage Victoria)
- checkReview your property certificate for heritage notations
State-by-State Heritage Rules
NSW
Heritage items listed under Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) typically require a Development Application (DA) for solar panel installation. Exempt development provisions under the State Environmental Planning Policy generally do not apply to heritage-listed properties.
Approval authority: NSW Heritage Council / Local Council
VIC
Properties with a Heritage Overlay (HO) in the planning scheme usually need a planning permit for solar panels. Some councils allow panels on non-street-facing roof areas without a permit, but check your specific overlay schedule.
Approval authority: Heritage Victoria / Local Council
QLD
Heritage-listed places under the Queensland Heritage Act require approval from the Department of Environment and Science. Local heritage places listed in council planning schemes need council approval.
Approval authority: Qld Heritage Council / Local Council
SA
State Heritage Places require approval from the SA Heritage Council. Local heritage and contributory items in Historic Conservation Zones need council Development Approval. Panels hidden from street view may have a simpler approval pathway.
Approval authority: SA Heritage Council / Local Council
Compliant Installation Options
Rear-of-Roof Placement
Installing panels on the rear or non-street-facing side of the roof is the most common approach for heritage homes. Many councils will approve panels that are not visible from the public domain.
Flat or Low-Profile Panels
Low-profile mounting systems keep panels flush against the roof, reducing visual impact. Some all-black panels sit as low as 30mm above the roof surface.
Colour-Matched Frames & Panels
All-black panels with black frames and black mounting hardware blend with dark roof materials. For terracotta or slate roofs, the reduced visual contrast can help satisfy heritage requirements.
Ground-Mount Systems
If roof-mounted panels are not permitted, ground-mount arrays in the rear yard are an alternative. They avoid any roofline alteration and can be positioned for optimal sun exposure.
Council Approval Process
Check Your Heritage Status
Search your local council planning maps or state heritage register to confirm whether your property is heritage listed, in a heritage conservation area, or subject to a heritage overlay.
- checkSearch your council's online planning portal
- checkCheck the state heritage register
- checkLook for Heritage Overlay (HO) or Heritage Conservation Area (HCA) on your property certificate
Pre-DA Consultation with Council
Before lodging a formal application, contact your council's heritage planner for a pre-application meeting. They can advise on what will likely be approved and save you time and fees.
- checkRequest a pre-DA meeting with the heritage planner
- checkBring photos of your roof and proposed panel locations
- checkAsk about any local policies for solar on heritage properties
Prepare and Submit Plans
Lodge your Development Application (DA) or planning permit application with detailed plans showing panel placement, mounting method, and visual impact from the street.
- checkInclude a site plan showing panel locations on the roof
- checkProvide a photomontage or visual simulation if requested
- checkDocument how the installation is reversible and non-damaging
Coordinate with Your Installer
Share the council approval conditions with your installer before work begins. A heritage-experienced installer will know how to meet these requirements during installation.
- checkChoose an installer with heritage property experience
- checkEnsure the approved panel model and layout are followed exactly
- checkKeep approval documents on-site during installation
Frequently Asked Questions
helpCan I install solar panels on a heritage-listed home?
Yes, in most cases you can install solar on a heritage home. You will typically need council or heritage authority approval, and panels may need to be placed on non-street-facing roof areas or use low-profile mounting systems.
helpHow do I know if my home has a heritage overlay?
Check your local council planning maps or search the state heritage register. Your property certificate (Section 149 in NSW or Section 32 in VIC) will also show any heritage overlays or listings.
helpHow long does heritage approval for solar panels take?
Timeframes vary by council. A straightforward application for panels on a non-visible roof area may take 4-8 weeks. More complex applications involving street-facing panels or state-listed properties can take 3-6 months.
helpDo heritage solar installations cost more?
There may be additional costs for council application fees (typically $200-$600), heritage-specific panel options like all-black modules, and low-profile mounting systems. The solar system itself is priced similarly to a standard installation.
helpWhat happens if I install solar without heritage approval?
Installing without approval can result in council enforcement action, fines, and a requirement to remove the panels at your own cost. It may also create issues when selling the property. Always obtain approval before installation.
Get Free Quotes for Your Heritage Home
Get matched with SAA-accredited installers experienced with heritage properties in your area.
Get Free Quotesarrow_forwardReady for free solar quotes?
Compare local SAA installers