Guide to solar panels in a heritage overlay

Improving the energy efficiency of new buildings and retrofitting existing ones helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Incorporating sustainable design features creates greater climate change resilience and adaptability as well as cost savings for households. This includes housing materials and solar panels.

Houses in Boroondara can play an important part in creating a more sustainable environment, including those in Heritage Overlays. 

Our built heritage also plays a significant part in Boroondara’s collective identity. Therefore, we strive for excellent design and high-quality architecture to protect important heritage elements. 

This guide supports solar panel installation in a way that balances the valued elements and character of Boroondara’s built heritage with opportunities to live more sustainably.

Proposed Planning Scheme amendment

On 31 August 2026, Council resolved to propose an amendment to the Boroondara Planning Scheme relating to the planning permit requirements for solar energy systems (solar panels) on buildings affected by the Heritage Overlay. The Council resolution is available on the 31 August 2026 Council Meeting page.

No changes have been made to the current planning permit requirements at this stage. The existing requirements continue to apply until a planning scheme amendment takes effect.

Updates about the proposed amendment and any changes to planning permit requirements will be provided on this page.