Earlier it was quite a task for land owners in Delhi to choose between going green installing rooftop solar or saving terrace space for other activities. However, this has changed now, and new norms may bring sigh of relief for the land owners.
TOI citing senior municipal officials reports that to encourage solar power adoption the building regulations have been eased in the city.
A senior SDMC official speaking to the publication said “While earlier, the unified building bylaws mandated a 2-metre maximum height limit for mounting solar panels from the terrace level, the new regulations state that solar panels can now be installed at any height or level in the building. These can also be set up at ground level, in open areas or on rooftops.”
The ease in norms has been aimed to address the concerns of residents who do are hesitant to switch to green energy because of the space covered by the panels.
The modified regulations allow “solar panels at any height or level, including ground level, terrace and rooftop, subject to the maximum height permitted by AAI and clearance from Delhi Fire Services.”
The relaxation will definitely encourage resident to install rooftop solar.
A senior building department official said“Panels are installed in slanted fashion and there used to be no space between the panels rendering the terrace unusable due to being covered. Now, people can install the panels at a height of 3-4 metres, which will allow the space below them to be used for walking, storage and other purposes. It becomes a double utility space with shade.”
This height will also be exempted from the height regulations.
The official speaking to the publication clarified “The residents will, however, need to adhere to Airport Authority of India height limits in various zones.”
TOI notes that the bylaws have been amended and notified by Delhi Development Authority.