The conservationists wrote rules on how to proceed with the installation of solar panels

Prague - A new methodology from the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) aims to assist homeowners in deciding whether and how they can install photovoltaic panels on their heritage properties. It distinguishes various levels of protection from cultural monuments, where according to NPÚ director Nada Goryczková, installation will still only be permitted in exceptional cases, to protected areas. In these areas, people should have the opportunity to install panels on roofs or facades under certain conditions. Representatives of NPÚ and the Ministry of Culture presented the methodology to journalists today.

Culture Minister Martin Baxa (ODS) stated that the methodology was developed in the context of climate change. "The second dimension is driven by the energy crisis and a fundamental change in the paradigm of how the Czech Republic is, or is not, energy self-sufficient," Baxa said. "The methodology is not a legally binding document, but it provides a clear set of recommendations for the relevant authorities on how to proceed with the installation of photovoltaics in properties that have cultural value," he said.

The NPÚ director mentioned that prior to adopting the methodology, the installation of solar panels in heritage-protected areas was generally rejected. The methodology precisely describes what the legally protected cultural values are and distinguishes different forms of heritage protection. Goryczková also noted that the installation of photovoltaic panels always entails additional changes to the given property.

If the owner of a historical property wants to acquire batteries for the panels, they must be placed in a dry room, which may not be available in such properties. Electricity distribution means an intervention in the historical masonry.

"It is necessary to assess the statics, as not all historical roofs can bear these systems and they need to be reinforced. Fire protection and extinguishing systems are specific, maintenance requirements are increased, and the lifespan of roof structures is reduced. All this increases costs and decreases the return on investment for the installation of panels," the director stated.

According to her, preservationists would prefer society to focus on community photovoltaics rather than individual installations.

The methodology provides examples where solar panels have already been installed. One of them is a power plant in Přelouč, which is even a national cultural monument and has integrated panels that are nearly imperceptible in the roof plane. Panels are also present in Prague on the New Stage of the National Theatre, which is a cultural monument.

Just as with cultural monuments, according to experts, permits for solar panels in urban heritage preservation zones will also be very rarely granted. They could be allowed on roofs that are not visually exposed - preservationists cite Ostrava or Zlín as examples.

In Karlovy Vary, according to Goryczková, the Thermal Hotel, which is part of the urban heritage preservation zone, would be suitable for panel installation, as it sufficiently exceeds the surrounding buildings. New buildings in protected areas could then have integrated solar panels on flat roofs or on the facade. According to experts, the Czech Republic lacks some construction materials available abroad, such as photovoltaic tiles that mimic the appearance of traditional roofing.