THE’installation of photovoltaic panels represents an intervention of great importance for the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of buildings.
According to current legislation, this type of intervention can be performed in free building regimei.e. without the need for a specific qualification, done exception for some sectoral requirements and regulations.
In this article we will see them in detail conditions hey requirements from respect to proceed with the installation correctly and in compliance with the law.
Intervention in free construction
The installation of solar and photovoltaic panels serving buildings falls into the category of free building interventions. This means that it is possible to carry out this activity without requiring specific permits or authorizations, as long as they are comply with the regulations regarding:
- safety and anti-seismic prevention
- fire regulations
- sanitary standards
- energy efficiency
- protection from hydrogeological risk
- protection of cultural heritage and landscape
It’s important consult the municipal planning instruments to verify any specific requirements.
Requirements and conditions to be respected
To proceed with the installation of photovoltaic panels it is essential to respect the following conditions.
- Safety requirements: the intervention must be carried out in compliance with the regulations on safety in the workplace, as established by Legislative Decree 9 April 2008, n. 81.
- Anti-seismic standards: even if no structural interventions are planned, it is necessary to guarantee the anti-seismic safety of the system.
- Fire prevention: the intervention does not require specific fire prevention measures, unless there are particular local provisions.
- Energy efficiency: it is advisable to follow the guidelines on the energy certification of buildings.
- Protection of cultural heritage and landscape: in general, the installation of photovoltaic panels does not interfere with cultural or landscape assets, but it is always advisable to check with the competent bodies in the case of buildings subject to restrictions.
Technical and administrative aspects: activities and procedures
The installation of photovoltaic panels in free construction requires attention to certain technical and administrative aspects. We summarize the main ones below in this technical sheet activity and related ones procedures.
| Activity | Procedures |
| Building permit | Free construction activity |
| Technical performance | Programming of the intervention |
| Anti-seismic procedures | No structural interventions are planned |
| Hydrogeological constraint | No interventions relating to the constraint are foreseen |
| Cultural heritage and landscape | Generally it does not affect cultural and landscape heritage |
| Fire prevention | No fire prevention interventions are foreseen |
| Construction contribution | Cases of reduction or exemption from the contribution are reserved |
| Architectural barriers | Activity not subject |
| Technological systems | Only if affected by the intervention |
| Test certification | No structural interventions are planned |
| Stacking | Generally, stacking is not foreseen |
| Certification of usability | Generally it does not require usability |
| Legitimate immobile state | Yes, documentation/certification of legitimate status |
| Construction tolerances | No increases in surface area or volume are foreseen |
| Construction site waste | Activity not subject |
| Renewable energy | Installation of photovoltaic solar panels |
| Construction site documents | Intervention according to safety regulations |
Reference legislation
Here is thecomplete list of regulations which regulate the installation of photovoltaic panels.
Law 24 July 2024, n. 105: conversion, with modifications, of DL 29 May 2024, n. 69 – Urgent provisions regarding building and urban planning simplification.
Law 11 September 2020, n. 120: urgent measures for simplification and digital innovation.
Presidential Decree 13 June 2017, n. 120: regulation containing the simplified regulation of the management of excavated earth and rocks.
Legislative Decree 17 February 2017, n. 42: harmonization of national legislation on noise pollution.
Presidential Decree 13 February 2017, n. 31: simplified landscape authorization.
Ministerial Decree 26 June 2015: national guidelines for the energy certification of buildings.
Law 3 August 2013, n. 90: provisions regarding the energy performance of buildings.
Presidential Decree 16 April 2013, n. 74: regulation regarding heating systems.
Law 14 January 2013, n. 10: rules for the development of urban green spaces.
Law 11 December 2012, n. 220: condominium regulation in buildings.
Legislative Decree 3 March 2011, n. 28: energy from renewable sources.
Presidential Decree 7 September 2010, n. 160: one-stop regulation for productive activities.
Law 22 May 2010, n. 73: communication of start of work.
Legislative Decree 9 April 2008, n. 81: consolidated text on safety in the workplace.
Legislative Decree 22 January 2004, n. 42: cultural heritage and landscape code.
Presidential Decree 6 June 2001, n. 380: consolidated text of legislative and regulatory provisions on construction.
Regional Laws: specific regulations for each region.
Municipal regulations: building regulations of individual local authorities.
