Photovoltaics and solar
Your own electricity from the roof of your house?
Photovoltaic systems offer homeowners a sustainable way to produce their own electricity and reduce their energy costs. By installing solar panels on the roof or in the garden, homeowners can capture solar energy and convert it into electricity that can be used for everyday needs.
Photovoltaic systems are not only good for the wallet, but also for the environment, as they reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower CO2 emissions. In short, photovoltaic systems are a smart investment for homeowners who want to make long-term savings while helping to combat climate change.
Legal regulations
In principle, solar installations on and on roof and exterior wall surfaces are exempt from approval under building regulations (§ 65 Bauordnung Nordrhein-Westfalen). According to the current Building Use Ordinance (BauNVO), the installations are permitted in all building areas, even if electricity is fed into the grid or if the energy generated exceeds own needs (§ 14 BauNVO).
In Bocholt, some development plans include a provision for green roofs. In principle, photovoltaic systems on roofs are welcomed, which is why in more recent development plans the stipulation has been concretised or clarified to the effect that the "use of solar radiation energy [...] is permissible above the green roof, provided it does not run counter to its function".
Older development plans also contain more frequent regulations on green roofs. According to these, "building services installations (e.g. air source heat pumps, solar collectors) may be permitted as an exception if they serve the intended use of the building and do not exceed 10 % of the roof area". A restrictive effect or even an exclusion for photovoltaic systems is not provided for here either, but only a limitation of the areas for air-source heat pumps or solar collectors.
In addition, if the building is listed, permission must be obtained from the Lower Monument Protection Authority of the City of Bocholt, Department of Urban Planning and Building Regulations.
Roof areas and solar potentials
Is a system worthwhile?
Suitable areas for PV systems can be found in the solar potential register of the city of Bocholt. In addition, citizens can find information on planning and building their own solar system and valuable links.
The basis for the solar potential analysis is laser scan data generated by flying over the respective study area.
Subsidised solar consulting
In cooperation with the Rhine-Ruhr Climate Agency, the city of Bocholt offers solar advice for interested citizens.
The consultations are individually and concretely tailored. They include amortisation calculations ("When does it start paying off?") based on the wishes of the homeowners, as well as a written report on the results of the respective analysis.