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Regional District of Nanaimo creates guide for solar panel installations

Guide will assist with building permit applications
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(PQB News file photo)

The Regional District of Nanaimo has created a guideline to assist with building permits for the installation of solar panels as part of a photovoltaic or solar hot water system on new or existing building.

Solar panel installations impose additional loads on the roof framing that may exceed the roof structures original design. To ensure a building is structurally acceptable for the installation of solar panels, a registered professional qualified in structural engineering will be required to evaluate the buildings structural capacity and attachment of the panels to the structure.

READ MORE: 2022 rebate applications available to Regional District of Nanaimo residents

The following information is required at the time of permit application:

• Preliminary planning review form

• Property declaration form

• Building permit application form

• Agent authorization form (if applicable)

• Architectural details of the solar panel installation, including components and

manufactures specifications

• Roof plan to show pitch of roof, overall height of the structure including panels, panel location, and percentage of roof coverage.

• Structural drawings of the solar panel loads, and anchoring details signed and sealed by a structural engineer complete with letters of assurance

• Plumbing drawings if there is an alteration to the plumbing system

An electrical permit will be required and can be obtained from Technical Safety BC.

As part of the RDN’s Green Building Program, a limited number of rebates amounting to $250 are available for Solar Hot Water, Solar Photovoltaic, Geoexchange, or micro and small wind installations. In addition, you can receive a $400 rebate for renewable energy systems that require and obtain a development variance permit.

— NEWS Staff

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