The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has said that work undertaken in the second half of last year to develop guidance for the installation of solar PV panels on roof space in Northern Ireland has been completed.
The trade body said the guidance broadly follows the same template as the existing guidance already in place for England and Wales. To reflect the guidance the CML has inserted the wording below into the CML Lenders’ Handbook Northern Ireland – Part 1.
It has asked lenders to update the new part 2 questions from now if they choose to maintain additional requirements:
5.14 Energy Technologies Installed on Residential Properties
5.14.1 Where a property is subject to legal documentation relating to roof space for solar PV panels we require you to check that the documentation meets the CML minimum requirements (Northern Ireland). The minimum requirements include a requirement that the legal documentation is a Lease of Rights and not a lease. Where you consider the minimum requirements are not met, check part 2 to see whether you must report this to us and for details of any additional requirements.
NEW Part 2 QN: 5.14.1 Does the lender require me to report to them where the lease does not meet the CML minimum requirements for leases of roof space for solar PV panels?
5.14.2 If, after completion, the borrower informs you of an intention to enter into legal documentation relating to roof space you should advise the borrower that they, or the energy technology provider on their behalf, will need to seek consent from us.
5.14.3 The CML has issued a set of minimum requirements where a provider/homeowner is seeking lender consent to enter in to legal documentation relating to roof space for solar PV panels. See part 2 for our additional requirements.
NEW Part QN: 5.14.3 Does the lender have additional requirements relating to leases of roof space for solar PV panels, and if so, what are they?
