‘Illegal’ solar panels in the Den Bosch residential area are allowed to remain in place

In association with

Broadcasting Brabant

NOS News•today, 10:20

140 solar panels in a residential area in Den Bosch that were ‘illegally’ installed and therefore had to be removed, will probably be allowed to remain in place by the municipality. Residents are relieved: “This will save us a lot of money.”

The solar panels have been on the roofs of fourteen houses in the De Muntel district for two years. Last month, the residents received a letter from the housing association: the panels were illegal and had to be removed. This was surprising to the residents, because the panels had been installed through the same housing association.

The solar panels are illegal because the district has a “nationally protected cityscape”. The cultural-historical appearance of the 1980s homes must therefore be preserved and solar panels do not fit in with this.

The residents were disappointed because this would make their energy bills a lot higher. Yesterday, the residents received a letter from the municipality that wants to legalize the panels. The municipality is already in consultation with the housing sector about a “customized approach”.

According to Omroep Brabant, one house is exempt from legalization. According to the municipality, that house has monumental status, residents told the broadcaster.