• Section 149 Planning certificates confirm planning requirements and restrictions that apply to a parcel of land.

A solar energy system (as defined in SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 Clause 33) means any of the following systems:

• a photovoltaic electricity generating system,
• a solar hot water system,
• a solar air heating system. 

A solar energy system may be installed as exempt development, without the need for development consent, subject to compliance with the specific exempt development standards in SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007, Clauses 20 (2) and 39 (3).

If the solar energy system does not satisfy exempt development standards it may be installed as complying development, subject to compliance with the specific complying development standards in Clause 20B and 37 (2).

However, if the proposed solar energy system does not meet exempt or complying development standards in the Infrastructure SEPP you will need to submit a Development Application. 

Development Application fees

On 23 March 2009 the Council resolved to waive all fees for DAs that are solely for photovoltaic systems and/or solar hot water (including gas boosted) systems.

Where these systems form part of a broader development proposal, the Council also resolved that the cost of the systems should not be included in the estimated cost of the development for the basis of calculating DA fees or section 94A levies. In this situation you must provide documentary evidence of the cost of the systems with your development application.