Do you need a city planning authorization to install solar panels on the ground?

Verified 03 January 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister), Ministry of city planning

Yes, you have a city planning permit to apply for in town hall for most of the facilities.

The power, height from the ground, and location of your project determine the type of authorization. We present your regulatory obligations according to these different criteria.

The authorization to be filed is different in protected sites (a remarkable heritage site,on the edge of a historic monument, classified site,nature reserves, areas intended to be classified in the heart of a future national park, delimited national parks).

To find out if your land is in one of these areas, contact your local council:

Who shall I contact
General case

The city planning authorization to be deposited in town hall varies according to the power of your installation:

Up to 1000Kw, you have to make a preliminary declaration of works.

Above 1000kw, you must request a building permit.

Please note

The installation of solar panels with a power of less than 3 Kw and a height above the ground limited to 1.80 m is exempt from formality.

Protected area

The city planning authorization to be deposited in town hall varies according to the power of your installation:

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