Green Start Consulting

A CDC and building permit are required for solar panels attached to class 2-9 buildings (commercial buildings) and but not for class 1-10 buildings (residential), unless they are located inwind regions C or D. Please contact our building surveyor to see if your next project needs a building permit.


The Building Act 2011 and Building Regulations 2012 provides general guidance about building permit requirements in relation to the installation of solar panels in Western Australia.


In general terms a building permit is required for building work that includes:
• Construction, erection, assembly or placement of a building or an incidental structure.
• Renovation, alteration, extension, improvement or repair of a building or an incidental structure.


Incidental Structure is defined under the Act as a structure attached to or incidental to a building.
Therefore the installation of solar panels attached or incidental to a building is considered building work.


To comply with the appropriate building standards, solar panels must be secured properly so they can resist the appropriate wind loading. A building surveyor will issue you with a Certificate of Design Compliance to certify the applicable building standards when a building permit is required.


To carry out work under a building permit the builder must make sure that it complies with the building standards before completion. If there is not building permit required, each owner is responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable with the building standards.


If any alterations or additions are required including strengthening for support, whilst the installation of the solar panels, you may need to request a building permit as this is additional work. For the construction of an incidental structure you do not need a registered builder. If there are any other associated building work including structural strengthening to the roof that requires a building permit, a registered builder may be required.


The building commission have also published Industry Bullettin 51 - Building permit required for solar panels. If you would like to clarify if you need a building permit for your next solar panel project please give us a call to speak to one of our friendly staff.


Author Green Start Consulting - Building Surveyor