Olguner: Human life must come first in solar panel installations
In a written statement, Olguner shared the Chamber of Architects’ evaluations and recommendations regarding the “Renewable Energy (Implementation and Supervision) Regulation,” focusing on building safety across the country.
While supporting the expansion of renewable energy use, Olguner stressed that regulations should not be confined solely to electricity generation and technical licensing, but must also encompass fire safety, structural integrity, zoning rules, architectural design, heritage preservation, and energy efficiency.
Stating that “on rooftops, human life and structural safety come first,” Olguner highlighted that solar panels must be positioned so as not to obstruct fire escape routes or emergency access, noting that rooftops of multi-unit residential buildings must be designed with evacuation requirements in mind.
Pointing to the risks posed by additional loads and wind impact on building safety, Olguner emphasized that the structural compatibility of these systems with existing buildings must be assessed through static calculations. He noted that roof fastenings must not compromise waterproofing, adding: “For this reason, solar energy systems must be designed alongside architectural and engineering projects and implemented through coordinated professional disciplines.”
Emphasizing that “the energy transition must begin with reducing the energy demand of buildings,” Olguner stated that renewable energy policies should go hand in hand with thermal insulation and passive design measures. He underlined that solar power generation should harmonize with architectural quality and visual surroundings, adding that urban aesthetics and cultural heritage must be protected.
Olguner noted that the Chamber had submitted concrete regulatory proposals to the Ministry of Economy and Energy. “In our submission to the Ministry, we proposed an amendment to Article 6 of the regulation requiring approved architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical projects for any application failing to meet specific criteria,” he said.
He detailed the proposed criteria: “Our proposal applies to detached residential homes, where the system follows the roof pitch, stays within roof boundaries without exceeding the ridge, does not exceed 100 centimetres in height, does not create new volume or a prominent silhouette, has a capacity of no more than 11 kW, and is not situated on a listed building or in a historic cultural heritage site. We demand that any installation failing to meet any of these criteria be evaluated through projects approved by the relevant disciplines.”
Olguner also stated that they conveyed to the Ministry that a representative from the Chamber of Architects should be included in the Renewable Energy (YEK) Committee to represent architectural concerns in decision-making processes.
Affirming that the Chamber is ready to undertake responsibilities via the existing Visa Office for interdisciplinary coordination, project reviews, and supervision, Olguner expressed appreciation for the Ministry consulting professional chambers and hoped the process would result in comprehensive regulations rooted in public safety and the public interest.
“Achieving the transition to renewable energy alongside the goals of safe structures, energy-efficient buildings, well-designed cities, and preserved cultural heritage is our shared responsibility,” Olguner concluded.
