This article covers several changes introduced in 2019 regarding investment design and construction permitting of photovoltaic roof or facade power plants. Following the prices fall for photovoltaic projects and the ongoing international climate change talks, interest in building power plants to offset some of the energy consumption of business and industrial consumers is inevitably growing.
In 2019, several amendments were introduced to the Energy Act (EA) and the Spatial Development Act (SDA), aiming to facilitate administrative procedures for the design/construction of such installations.
This article sets out the rules and documents required when the site is connected to the electricity grid and is used not only for the manufacturer’s own needs.
What are the significant regulatory changes?
According to Art. 137, para. 1, item 6 of the SDA, power plants with a capacity of up to 1 MW are construction sites of sixth category and are not subject to commissioning. The latter significantly reduces risks, time and expense in the course of development and construction.
Moreover, the requirement for approval of investment projects for the issuance of construction permits for renewable electricity installations with a total installed capacity of up to 1 MW to existing buildings in urban areas, including their roof and facade structures and their adjoining land properties was removed.
What documents do you need to obtain a building permit?
You will need the following documents to obtain a building permit:
- Title deed;
- Sketch of the property;
- Design visa;
- Constructive position;
- Statement of an electrical engineer;
- Statement on network connection issued by the relevant ERA.
How are the terms of accession obtained?
The receipt of the conditions for connection and settling relations with the energy regulatory company are the most complex and time-consuming process in the design and construction of photovoltaic power plants of roof or facade structures. The procedure begins with the submission of an application, which should contain information on:
- Location and term of commissioning of the plant;
- The voltage level;
- Rated power;
- Additional technical data that depends on the specific project.
The application should be accompanied by:
- Ownership document;
- Design visa.
The energy regulatory company may require additional information or documents. The procedure shall be considered completed with the issuance of a accession opinion by the energy regulatory company or the conclusion of a preliminary accession contract, which sets out the basic requirements that must be met regarding the construction of infrastructure with a view to conclusion of a final contract.
The removal of some administrative obstacles is in any case a step forward in terms of stimulating the development of renewable projects in Bulgaria.
Our team has experience in project management of similar projects and can assist you if you decide to install panels on the roof or facade of your building.