Solar Panels on Historic Properties

Installing solar panels and meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation

Solar panels installed on a historic property in a location that cannot be seen from the ground will generally meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Conversely, an installation that negatively impacts the historic character of a property will not meet the Standards. But what about the grey area between out–of–sight and obviously obtrusive installations?

See examples of solar panels on historic properties

• Solar panels on a new addition
• Solar panels on a flat roof
• Pole-mounted array of solar panels
• Solar panel on a low-slope gable
• Solar panels on a cross gable
• Solar panels on a rear porch roof
• Avoiding the impact of solar panels on a cultural landscape

Although every project is different and must be evaluated on its own merit, the National Park Service has developed this information on how to apply the Standards to the installation of solar panels.

 

This "invisible" installation of solar panels on a historic industrial building—hidden behind a low parapet—meets the Standards for Rehabilitation.

 

This installation popping up from the roof negatively impacts the character of this mid-twentieth century house and does not meet the Standards for Rehabilitation.