The installation of solar panels on buildings gained popularity back in 2023 with the aim of ensuring energy independence. At the same time, although installation in practice did not require separate permits, the procedure remained quite complex, as the installation of such structures required strict compliance with technical and construction standards.

Thus, owners of private houses had to submit a notification on the commencement of construction works to the relevant architectural and construction control authority.

As for multi-apartment buildings, the procedure was more complex. The installation of solar panels requires coordination with the homeowners association or the managing company, since the roof is the common property of all residents. To implement such a project, it was necessary to:

1. Obtain the consent of the majority of co-owners at the general meeting of the homeowners association
2. Prepare technical documentation confirming the safety of the structure
3. Obtain a technical conclusion on the possibility of installing solar panels on the roof of the building

What has changed?

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has included works related to the installation of solar power plants on the roofs and facades of buildings or the replacement of equipment at such power plants in the list of construction works that do not require documents granting the right to perform them.

After completion of such works, the facility is also not subject to commissioning.

What does this mean in practice?

For the installation of solar power plants on the roofs or facades of multi-apartment buildings, the following is mandatory:

• Conducting an inspection of the building that has already been commissioned

• An inspection report, which is prepared by a certified specialist who:

• has undergone professional attestation;

• holds a qualification certificate granting the right to perform inspection works on facilities of the relevant consequence (responsibility) class;

• The report must include:

• a conclusion on the technical condition of the building;

• an assessment of the impact of installing solar power plants on the strength, stability, and rigidity of building structures;

• confirmation of safe and reliable further operation of the building;

• recommendations on the possibility or impossibility of performing such works without permit documents;

The works may be carried out without documents granting the right to perform them, and after completion of such works the facility does not need to be recommissioned.

For the installation or replacement of solar power plant equipment on the roofs and facades of private houses (including garden houses, summer houses, etc.):

• Building inspection and the inspection report are not mandatory. Conducting an inspection and obtaining a report is carried out exclusively at the owner’s discretion.

• The owner independently decides:

• whether to engage a certified specialist to conduct the inspection;

• whether a technical conclusion is required regarding the impact of solar power plants on building structures.

These legislative changes were introduced with the aim of reducing the load on power grids and increasing the energy self-sufficiency of building owners. In the long term, this will also contribute to improving the accessibility of electricity for the population.