You want to install solar on your home, but there’s a problem. Your house is either heritage listed or in a conservation area, and now you’re running into rules, restrictions, and a whole lot of confusion. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
At PSC Energy, we specialise in helping you balance what your home needs now with what the council wants to protect from the past. We speak to homeowners all across Sydney, who want to upgrade their energy systems but feel stuck in the past. And as installers who’ve helped bring solar to many heritage homes, we get the frustration.
In this article, you’ll learn the following:
- Understand Your Heritage Status
- Know the Rules (When You Do & Don’t Need Approval)
- Best Practice for Heritage-Sensitive Solar Design
- Getting Council Approval (If You Need It)
- Work With a Heritage-Savvy Installer
- FAQ: Heritage Homes in NSW
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to check your heritage status, when you do or don’t need approval, and how to get your solar system installed without damaging your home’s historic charm (or getting stuck in red tape).
Step 1: Understand Your Heritage Status
Before you can plan your solar installation, you need to know if your home is either heritage listed or located in a heritage conservation area. This will affect what you can install, where you can place it, and whether or not you need council approval.
What is a heritage-listed property?
A heritage-listed property is a home that has been recognised for its historical, cultural, or architectural importance. It might be listed under the NSW State Heritage Register, or your local council might list it. Either way, it comes with restrictions to help protect its character.
What is a heritage conservation area?
A heritage conservation area is a group of properties that, together, show a particular style, era, or feel that councils want to preserve. Even if your home isn’t listed as a heritage item, being in a conservation area means changes to your home still need to respect the look and feel of the street.
How to check if your home is affected.
The easiest way to check is by using the above-linked heritage register or the NSW Planning Portal Spatial Viewer. Here’s how:
- Enter your address in the search bar (top left corner).
- Brown and red-striped properties are either heritage or conservation sites.
This will give you a clear answer about what rules apply to your home. If your home is affected by a heritage category, you will need to be more careful with your solar plans.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about solar panels and energy systems, you might want to check out the following article titled, Are Solar Panels Worth It in NSW, Australia? A Price Breakdown for 2025.
Step 2: Know the Rules (When You Do & Don’t Need Approval)
Now that you know whether your home is heritage listed or in a conservation area, the next step is to figure out if you need council approval to install solar.
When you don’t need council approval.
In many cases, solar systems can be installed as exempt development, which means no planning approval is needed. This applies when:
- Your home is not heritage-listed and not in a heritage conservation area.
- The solar panels are installed on the roof, not on the ground.
- The system is installed on the back or side of the house, not visible from the street.
- The panels do not stick up more than 500mm from the roof surface.
- The installation does not damage or alter original roofing materials.
If your system meets all of these conditions, you can go ahead without lodging a Development Application (DA). This is explained under Section 2.41(4) of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021, which is a NSW government policy that allows certain types of development to happen without needing council approval. It’s important to note that this is for exemptions only.
When you do need council approval.
You will need council approval if:
- Your home is heritage-listed or in a conservation area, and the panels will be visible from the street.
- Your roof faces the street and is the primary elevation.
- The panels are not flush with the roof and stick out more than 500mm.
- You are using non-standard mounting systems that change the shape of the roof.
- You are also installing batteries or other equipment that changes how your home looks.
- You plan to alter, remove, or damage the original roof materials, like slate or timber shingles.
In these cases, you will need to submit a Development Application (DA) to your local council. Some councils, like Inner West Council, offer a special solar-only DA process with no application fees. That makes the process easier and more affordable.
Every council is different, so it’s essential to speak with your local planning team or a solar installer who understands the rules in your area. Councils like North Sydney, Woollahra, and the City of Sydney have their own solar and heritage guidelines. They all agree on one main thing: if your solar system is visible from the street, you’ll probably need approval.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about weighing the cost of solar against the cost of the grid, you might want to check out the following article titled, Cost of Solar Panels vs. Cost of Energy from the Grid.
Step 3: Best Practice for Heritage-Sensitive Solar Design
If your home is heritage listed or in a conservation area, your solar design needs to respect the character of the building and the streetscape. Councils don’t want solar panels to take away from the home’s original look, especially when viewed from the street.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t install them. You just need to be smart about where and how you do it.
Choose panel placement that hides the system.
One of the best ways to get approval and keep your home’s charm is to install the panels where they can’t be seen from public view. Councils usually care most about how your home looks from the street. If your roof faces the back or side, that’s a good place to start.
Here are some smart placement tips:
- Install panels on the rear or internal roof slopes.
- Use roof valleys, behind parapets, or on outbuildings like garages.
- Avoid the front-facing roof, especially if it faces a main road.
- Make sure the panels are not higher than 500mm off the roof surface.
Some councils define a “primary road” as the street your front door faces. That’s the area where you need to be most careful. If panels are clearly visible from this angle, they’re unlikely to be allowed without a DA.
Use a mounting system that blends in.
Your mounting system should allow the panels to sit as flush to the roof as possible. Avoid high brackets or tilted frames that make the panels stand out. The goal is to keep the roof’s shape and design intact.
- Choose low-profile or flush-mount systems.
- Use panel frames that match your roof colour (black frames on dark tiles work well).
- Avoid cutting or changing decorative roof parts like chimneys, gables, or cornices.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how your roof will affect your installations, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Does Your Roof Affect Your Installation?
Step 4: Getting Council Approval (If You Need It)
If your solar system doesn’t meet the exempt development rules, you’ll need to apply for council approval. This step can seem stressful, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.
Many councils have clear guidelines and are supportive of solar as long as the installation protects the heritage value of the property.
What is a Development Application (DA)?
A Development Application is a formal request to your local council asking for permission to carry out work on your property. In this case, it means installing solar panels in a way that doesn’t meet the exempt development rules.
Some councils, like Inner West Council, have a solar-only DA pathway. This means:
- You only need to submit plans for the solar system (not for other renovations).
- All application fees are waived.
- The process is usually faster and simpler.
Other councils, like North Sydney, Woollahra, and the City of Sydney, may have their own rules. Always check their websites or speak to a planning advisor before submitting your application.
Speak to your council early.
Before you even submit your application, call your council or visit the planning desk. Ask to speak with a planning advisor or sustainability officer. They can:
- Confirm whether you need a DA.
- Explain the process and expected wait times.
- Offer tips on panel placement and design choices.
- Let you know if there are any local solar guidelines you should follow.
If your heritage listing is controlled at the state level (rather than by your local council), you may need to apply to the Heritage Council of NSW instead. This process can take longer and may involve more documentation.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how roof type affects your installation, you might want to check out the following article titled, Considerations for Installing Solar On Terracotta Tiles.
Step 5: Work With a Heritage-Savvy Installer
Choosing the right installer can make or break your solar project. Heritage homes require extra care, and not every installer is prepared for that.
A good solar company will know how to work with councils, respect your home’s features, and design a system that meets both energy and heritage goals.
Why experience with heritage matters.
Installing solar on a newer home is usually simple. But on a heritage home, there are more rules and more risks. Old roofing materials can break easily. Mistakes can be costly, and poor panel placement can get you denied by the council.
Here’s what a skilled heritage installer brings to the table:
- Knowledge of council rules.
- The ability to design around tricky roof shapes like gables, chimneys, or split levels.
- Creative design options, like split arrays, can reduce street visibility.
- Help prepare documents for council approval, including mock-ups and layout plans.
You can ask your installer:
- Have you worked on heritage homes before?
- Do you know what our local council looks for in a solar application?
- Can you show me photos of past installs in conservation areas?
- How will you make sure the panels don’t damage the roof?
At PSC Energy, we’ve worked on many heritage properties across Sydney. We know how to navigate the system, protect your home, and design a solar setup that meets both council standards and your household’s energy needs.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about which way to point your solar panels, you might want to check out the following article titled, Which Way Should Solar Panels Face in Australia?
Yes, You Can Install Solar on a Heritage Home
Installing solar on a heritage-listed home or one in a conservation area can seem hard at first. But with the right steps, it’s possible. You just need to understand the rules, plan carefully, and work with the right people.
At PSC Energy, we’ve helped many homeowners across Sydney bring solar to their heritage properties. We understand the rules, and we know how to work within them to get results that respect both the past and the future. It’s what we do.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about solar and battery rebates in NSW, Australia, you might want to check out the following article titled, Ultimate Guide to Australia’s 2025 Solar Rebate and Battery Rebate: Federal and NSW Rebate for Solar.
FAQ: Heritage Homes in NSW
Can I install solar panels on a heritage-listed home in NSW?
Yes, you can install solar panels on a heritage-listed home in NSW, but you will likely need council approval. Councils want to protect the look of heritage homes, especially from the street. If your panels are hidden from public view and meet specific size and placement rules, you may not need approval. If the panels are visible, you’ll probably need to lodge a Development Application (DA) with your local council.
Do I need council approval to install solar panels in a heritage conservation area?
Yes, in most cases, you need council approval to install solar panels in a heritage conservation area. If your system is not visible from the street and meets all the exempt development rules (like being under 500mm in height and placed on a rear roof), you may not need approval. Always check with your local council before starting work.
What are the rules for solar panel placement on heritage homes?
Panels should be installed on roof sections that are not visible from the street. Rear or internal roof slopes are best. Panels must sit close to the roof (no more than 500mm above the roof surface) and not cover or damage original features like chimneys or tiles. Use low-profile mounting systems and match the panel colour to your roof where possible.
What documents do I need to get council approval for solar panels?
You’ll need a site plan showing where panels will go, roof layout drawings, a visual impact assessment (if the panels may be visible), and details about the mounting system. You should also include a short explanation of how the system protects the home’s heritage features. Some councils waive fees for solar-only applications.
What happens if I install solar panels without council approval?
If your home is heritage-listed or in a conservation area and you install panels without approval, your council may issue a fine or ask you to remove the system. This is especially likely if the panels are visible from the street. It’s best to get approval first or work with an installer who understands local rules.
Can I still install solar panels if my roof faces the street?
Yes, but it’s more difficult. If your roof faces the street and is the best spot for solar, you’ll likely need to submit a Development Application and explain why no other location works. Some councils may still approve it if the design has minimal visual impact.
Who should I contact about solar panels and heritage rules?
Start by contacting your local council’s planning department. Ask to speak with a planning advisor or sustainability officer. You can also check the State Heritage Register to see if your listing falls under state or local control. A heritage-savvy solar installer like PSC Energy can also guide you through the process.
Can PSC Energy help with solar panels for my heritage home?
Yes, PSC Energy specialises in solar installations for heritage and character homes across Sydney. We understand council rules, know how to work with delicate materials, and can help prepare the documents needed for approval. We work with you to protect your home’s history while making it future-ready.
