Solar panels and trees (felling)

Sustainable energy generation and greening are both important objectives for the municipality of Apeldoorn. The municipality does not grant permission to fell or prune existing trees for the purpose of generating energy using solar panels on your own roof. We’d be happy to explain why this is the case.

Generating renewable energy is a key objective for our local authority. To this end, we are, amongst other things, encouraging an increase in electricity generation from solar panels on rooftops. At the same time, preserving green spaces in Apeldoorn’s residential areas is also a key objective. Trees in neighbourhoods and streets make a significant contribution to the quality of life in Apeldoorn’s districts, neighbourhoods and villages. This is partly because trees help to combat heat stress, provide habitats and shelter for animals, and enhance the character of the street or neighbourhood. Larger and older trees, in particular, contribute to these objectives. This also applies to CO₂ sequestration. Sometimes trees also have significant cultural and historical value. Trees therefore represent important values that are vital to Apeldoorn.

It therefore comes down to weighing up the interests: the general public interest in preserving existing trees against the interest in sustainable energy generation and the efficiency of solar panels. In the case of new solar panels on individual roofs, the importance of the existing trees takes precedence. Where this is the case, the local authority will reject applications for felling or pruning permits.

This means that the trees in question may affect the efficiency of the solar panels. Fortunately, newer generations of solar panels are less dependent on direct sunlight for their efficiency than they used to be. Make sure you get proper advice on this.

Possible alternatives for private individuals in situations like this could include:

• Installing more inverters, thereby minimising the loss of efficiency
• Installing solar panels in a different location on one’s own property
• Taking part in a neighbourhood initiative for solar panels or an energy co-operative, such as DeA in Apeldoorn.

The municipality of Apeldoorn is currently drawing up a new solar strategy. This may lead to an extension of the regulations governing solar panels on roofs. We will provide further information on this in due course.

Another way to reduce your energy bill is to save energy, for example by insulating your home. For more information on making homes more sustainable, please see the energy point from the local authority.