المملكة: How do you install solar panels on your home according to the new requirements?

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announced that it has adopted new requirements for installing solar panels on buildings, as part of its efforts to regulate this vital sector and ensure the safety of citizens and property.
The Ministry has specified the procedures for obtaining a license to install panels, which include obtaining the approval of the Saudi Electricity Company, having a valid building license, and contracting with an accredited engineering office. The electrical capacity of the panels must not exceed 50 kilowatts.

The Ministry stressed the need for buildings to meet structural safety conditions, as there must not be any collapse in the foundations, cracks, or traces of termites. The roof must be free of protrusions and moisture, and the foundations must be protected from damage due to groundwater.
The regulations stressed the importance of providing clear warning signs with emergency and civil defense numbers, with the necessity of placing explanatory signs in Arabic and English.
Regarding security and safety requirements, the Ministry explained that the Saudi Building Code SBC801 for fire protection must be adhered to, taking into account the provision of clear corridors to access the system so as not to obstruct exit ports in emergency situations.

The regulations also stipulate that the system’s wires must be hidden to preserve the general appearance of the building, and that there be no plants near the system. The distance between the solar energy system and adjacent mechanical equipment must be more than 900 mm, with a 900 mm wide corridor provided for every 10 linear meters in the system.
The Ministry obligated contractors to install a fire alarm system and arc flash stopping devices in systems with a direct current voltage of 80 volts or more.
The regulations prohibited the installation of solar panels on the facades of buildings and outside the property boundaries, and also emphasized the necessity of contracting with a qualified contractor from the Ministry of Energy to carry out the installation process.
Citizens can apply for a license to install solar panels via the Baladi electronic platform, as the application requires attaching plans and completing the required data.