{"id":7568,"date":"2026-05-11T15:23:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T07:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apeldoorn.nl\/regelen-en-weten\/bouwen-en-verbouwen\/omgevingsvergunning\/zonnepanelen-bomenkap\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T14:24:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T12:24:45","slug":"zonnepanelen-bomenkap","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.apeldoorn.nl\/en\/regelen-en-weten\/bouwen-en-verbouwen\/omgevingsvergunning\/zonnepanelen-bomenkap","title":{"rendered":"Solar panels and trees (felling)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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\u2019d be happy to explain why this is the case.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s residential areas is also a key objective. Trees in neighbourhoods and streets make a significant contribution to the quality of life in Apeldoorn\u2019s 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 CO\u2082 sequestration. Sometimes trees also have significant cultural and historical value. Trees therefore represent important values that are vital to Apeldoorn.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Possible alternatives for private individuals in situations like this could include:<\/p>\n