Can photovoltaic roofs be installed in a classified area ?

Do you want to install solar panels on your roof but your building is located in a classified area? This specificity does not automatically trigger the shutdown of your project. However, some conditions should be met to be able to install photovoltaic panels in these specific areas. We help you to see more clearly!

What is a classified area?

In terms of town planning, the classified area (or protected area) designates a reinforced protection space on the part of the Ministry of Culture. Specific rules apply in terms of town planning. Some work is thus prohibited or strongly supervised. These classified areas generally correspond to the surroundings of the historical monuments. They are therefore in a suitable protection perimeter (PPA) which measures 500 meters in radius. Classified areas can also designate sites remarkable heritage. There are more than 800 in France, they can be located in a city, a village or a natural landscape. Sites registered or classified under the Environmental Code as well as cultural properties inscribed on the World Heritage List are also part of the classified or protected areas in which town planning works are strongly supervised.

Before launching construction, renovation or installation of solar panels, it is therefore advisable to consult the Local Urban Plan (PLU) of your municipality. You will thus obtain all the information concerning the town planning rules to be respected. As far as photovoltaic installations are concerned, the PLU will help you know if the panels can be visible or not, if they can be over-imposed or if they should be integrated into the roof, etc. The PLU can be consulted at the town hall and sometimes on the municipality’s website. Do not hesitate to inquire well in advance in order to know all the rules to respect and to know if your building is located in a classified area.

What steps for a solar installation?

If you are located in a classified area, you first step must be to contact the architects of the Buildings of France (ABF). By submitting your solar roof project to them before requesting the authorization of the town hall, you put all the chances on your side that the project is accepted. They will indeed provide you with an answer with potential axes to review. You will be able to adjust your file according to the issues highlighted by the ABF. Once this first step has been completed, you will have to apply for work at the town hall. It is she who will issue you the final planning authorization with the agreement of the architects of the buildings of France if necessary. 

If the installation of the photovoltaic panels is carried out on an already existing building, a simple prior declaration of work is sufficient. On the other hand, if you want to integrate them into a new construction, you will need a building permit. Please note that the issuance of authorizations is longer in the context of a solar installation in a classified area. It usually takes twice as much time as in an unprotected area, i.e. about 2 months for a prior declaration of work and 3 months for a building permit. After these deadlines, you will receive an opinion that may be favorable as is or favorable with modification of the project, which will require you to review certain points before the start of the work. It is also possible that the opinion is unfavorable which will prevent you from starting your work.

Good to know : If your building is located in a classified area but it is not visible from the historic monument or is not visible at the same time as it, the town hall does not have the obligation to seek the opinion of the architects of the buildings of France. If, on the other hand, your solar installation can be visible from a historical monument, you are obliged to write a file in order to obtain the agreement of the ABF.

What alternatives in case of refusal?

Photovoltaic panel installations in classified areas are increasingly accepted. However, you may receive a Refused by the ABF. In this case, you can opt for more discreet solutions such as solar tile or slate or for photovoltaic glazing. In the event of refusal, you have the option of filing an appeal with the prefect in your region. This must be sent by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt within two months of receipt of the refusal of work. You will then receive a response from the prefect within two months as well. To put the odds on your side, it is important that you put together a complete file that shows that your installation will blend perfectly with the landscape and that it will not hinder the surrounding historical monuments.

And if you need help setting up a project to install solar panels in a classified area, do not hesitate to seek advice from our IRISOLARIS experts!