Photovoltaics and solar thermal energy for listed buildings

In general, PV systems and solar thermal systems are possible in listed buildings if the following parameters are observed:

• Systems (solar thermal, photovoltaic) on roofs are acceptable from a heritage perspective if they are clearly subordinate in size and cannot be seen from public or semi-public spaces or from spaces and locations that are an integral part of the historic structure of the listed building. Installations may be considered if they are integrated into the architecture in the best possible way and their location does not have a negative impact on the appearance of the listed building (in the case of individual cultural monuments).

• The systems (solar thermal, photovoltaic) must be integrated into the roof surface in the best possible architectural way and correspond to the roofing material (e.g. appropriate module size, grid and colour; minimal edge cladding, black colour; no impairment due to fire protection requirements for spacing/position of the modules, etc.).

• The systems (solar thermal, photovoltaic) must be positioned two tile rows away from the ridge and eaves and three tile rows away from the verge. A symmetrical layout must be ensured. A corresponding photomontage must be enclosed with the application.

The elements of the systems (solar thermal, photovoltaic) must have a dark frame and a non-glossy surface. Black solar modules are also called full-black modules. These are monocrystalline PV modules in which most of the components are black. These include the solar cells, reflective layer, rear side and module frame. Full black PV modules score points with their aesthetic appearance. Further information on this topic can be found in the performance.