Solar panels for protected cityscape, monument or heritage

Protected cityscapes and townscapes represent a rich history and cultural significance. It is essential to preserve these structures while striving for a sustainable future. Solar panels for protected cityscapes, monuments, or heritage can play an important role in this, but the challenge is to integrate them without compromising the aesthetic value of the buildings.

Joep Oudendijk, specialist in sustainable energy solutions for heritage and monuments at Solarix, emphasizes that owners should be aware of the lengthy process and permit applications that come with it. "It is a long process," says Joep, "but with the right approach and materials, such as terracotta solar panels, it is absolutely possible to integrate sustainable energy without compromising the aesthetics of historic buildings."

Municipal monuments, national monuments, provincial monuments and other heritage are looking for ways to make their buildings more sustainable without losing their historical appearance. Joep Oudendijk emphasizes that the colour and texture of the solar panels must perfectly match the existing roof tiles: "The biggest requirement is colour retention. That is why we are developing terracotta solar panels with a ceramic print with inorganic pigments that do not discolour. These panels integrate seamlessly without detracting from the historical appearance of the building."

The mounting material must also be coloured to ensure a harmonious appearance. Solarix works closely with partners such as Van der Valk Solar to offer coloured mounting material as standard, which is essential for maintaining the aesthetics of protected cityscapes. In addition, Solarix offers samples of the terracotta solar panels, so that owners and housing associations can view and test the panels before making a final decision. It is also possible to order just one panel, instead of large quantities. The terracotta solar panels are in stock and fit every European mounting system and do not detract from conventional panels.

Property owners can opt for terracotta solar panels for protected cityscapes, townscapes, monuments, and heritage sites. They can thus enjoy sustainable energy solutions without compromising the aesthetic integrity of their buildings.

Joep points out the added value of terracotta solar panels despite a slight decrease in performance compared to conventional solar panels: "What you lose in efficiency is more than compensated for by the aesthetic value that is retained. No panels means no savings. We pave the way to install solar panels in an aesthetic way without detracting from a beautiful home or building and to reduce energy costs."

The terracotta solar panels from Solarix, with a capacity of 355 Watt peak per panel, offer an excellent balance between aesthetics and efficiency. They are designed to integrate perfectly with existing roof tiles and retain their colour and durability, comparable to our facade panels that last 30-40 years. "If you want to make your home more sustainable, you are stuck with colour, and that colour must match the colours of the roof as closely as possible and therefore often terracotta," says Joep.

No two protected cityscapes or townscapes are the same, meaning that each location has its own specific requirements and challenges. A prime example of how terracotta solar panels have been successfully applied to a protected cityscape can be found in Arnhem. Here, our terracotta solar panels were integrated onto a historic building, while preserving both its sustainable and aesthetic values. By working closely with local heritage committees and using coloured mounting materials, we were able to seamlessly integrate the solar panels into the existing roof tiles. According to Joep: "In projects like the one in Arnhem, we even had the entire bottom rail coloured to ensure a harmonious appearance."

The Arnhem project also shows the broader impact that sustainable initiatives can have. As highlighted in an article by PlatformE, this project not only contributed to the sustainability of a historic building, but also had a positive social and ecological impact. Solarix worked with Social Energy to combine sustainable energy solutions with social initiatives. This project in Arnhem demonstrates how local engagement and community collaboration can lead to greater societal benefits, and serves as an inspiring example of how sustainable technology and social responsibility can go hand in hand to create broader impact.

Installing terracotta solar panels on buildings in protected cityscapes and townscapes requires a permit application. “Owners really need to take into account the permit process and the potentially long lead time. The rules and permit requirements vary per municipality and aesthetic committee, so it is essential to be well-informed and start preparing in time," Joep emphasizes.

The permit process can vary from four to six months and includes several phases, including a waiting period for assessment and publication, during which people can object. More and more municipalities also have specific requirements for new construction, such as the ban on black solar panels on terracotta roofs. This emphasizes the importance of colour retention and aesthetic integration when choosing solar panels. Here is a practical guide to prepare well for the permit process:

1. Preparation:

• Gather information about the building: Note the historical status and protection category of the intended building. This can vary from municipal monument to national monument and protected townscape or village view.

• Research local regulations: Check the conditions for solar panels on buildings in protected townscapes and village views. Some municipalities have specific requirements for the placement and visibility of solar panels.

2. Consultation:

• Contact your local heritage committee: Understand the requirements and restrictions that apply to your specific location. The heritage committee can advise on the aesthetic and technical requirements.

• Consult a certified installer: Choose an installer with experience in protected cityscapes and monuments. They can help you prepare an application and ensure that the installation complies with regulations.

3. Documentation:

• Prepare detailed plans: These should describe the location and aesthetic integration of the terracotta solar panels. Ensure that the plans clearly show how the panels will integrate with the existing roof structure.

• Include visual aids: Use photographs and simulations to illustrate how the solar panels will look after installation. This will help to provide a visual representation to the assessing authority.

4. Permit application:

• Submit the application: Use the standard form from the Omgevingsloket online or the website of a local authority. Ensure that all necessary documentation is included.

• Be prepared to provide additional information: The local authority may ask for additional details. Ensure availability to deliver these quickly to avoid delays.

5. Installation:

• Work with a certified installer: This ensures that the installation meets all legal and technical requirements. An experienced installer knows how to deal with the specific requirements of protected cityscapes.

By following these steps and being well-prepared, you can ensure that the permit application and installation of terracotta solar panels on a building in a protected cityscape, monument, or heritage goes smoothly.

When making buildings in protected cityscapes and village views more sustainable, collaboration with specialist parties is essential. Certified installers and suppliers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the installation process and offer valuable support during the permit application. "Good installers guide owners through the often complex permit process," says Joep Oudendijk.

Installers help owners to make detailed drawings for the municipality, including layout plans for the placement of terracotta solar panels. By working closely with experienced installers, owners of buildings in protected cityscapes and village views can be assured of a responsible approach to the installation of terracotta solar panels.

Terracotta solar panels offer a unique opportunity to make buildings in protected cityscapes and townscapes, monuments or heritage sites more sustainable without compromising their historical aesthetics. These innovative solutions support a greener future while preserving the cultural integrity of heritage sites. Specialist installers can assist with the permit application and contribute to a good integration of the solar panels on a roof.

At Solarix we focus on aesthetics and help to maintain the aesthetics of the cityscape and townscape. We want to be a partner that is continuously engaged in product development to provide the best possible solutions for historical buildings. Our terracotta solar panels are designed to integrate perfectly with existing roof tiles, so that the historical appearance is preserved.