– There is no good justification other than that it should be as it has always been, says Kai Selmer Simonsen. When the roof of his house on Hisøy in Arendal needed restoration, Selmer Simonsen wanted to install solar cells. – I wanted to contribute to the green shift like many others, he says. It would turn out to be easier said than done. The project stopped abruptly when it turned out that the development was probably in conflict with the municipal plan. The house is, among other things, too close to listed buildings. – I don’t think it works. The politicians say something must be done. But when you want to contribute and are willing to spend half a million, you are suddenly not allowed, says Selmer Simonsen. According to Agderposten, Simonsen sent out a neighborhood warning and got a thumbs up from everyone. The neighbors were positive about Kai Selmer Simonsen’s plans. Now he has given up on the solar cell project after the application conflicted with the municipal plan. Photo: Victoria Marie Nordahl / news A challenging balance – Our main focus is, after all, on safeguarding the cultural environments, says Silje Kringlan, advisor for cultural preservation in Agder county municipality. She says that they are experiencing increased interest in solar cells among people. – We see that it is a challenge to balance new measures such as solar panels with buildings worthy of preservation, says Kringlan. The deputy mayor of Arendal believes that a balance must be found between safeguarding the areas worthy of conservation and a green shift. – We probably have to admit that the rules are a bit out of date, says Terje Eikin, deputy mayor of Arendal. He says he understands Selmer Simonsen’s frustration. – The restrictions that are there today are not there to make it difficult, but to take care of our old living environments, Eikin explains. This is how the back of the house could have looked. Working with new recommendations Senior adviser at the National Antiquities Authority, Øyvind Aase Fluge, says that energy saving in old houses has been something they consider particularly important for cultural environment management for many years. – We have extensive legislation that shows many different measures that house owners can use in old houses. This is a bouquet of small and large measures with different effects and costs. In the autumn, the National Antiquities Agency will come up with a new national guide for what to do in situations like this. – We are currently working on new recommendations for energy saving in old houses, says Aase Fluge. Measures in old houses Temperature management is a simple intervention that does not require major interventions. Choose an efficient heat source. Seal unwanted air leaks. Drafts make the house feel colder than it actually is. Insert goods windows with energy glass in the old windows. Post-insulate floor partitions and pitched ceilings. In older houses, there are often cavities between floors – you can use this for additional insulation. Looking at the regulations Selmer Simonsen has given up on getting solar cells on his roof. He chose to withdraw the application when the municipality wrote that it would most likely be refused as the regulations are now. But he hopes that in the future it will be easier to install solar cells in conservation areas. – The reason why I am coming forward is to perhaps help others find an easier way when they want to apply, he says. He has a clear message for the politicians. – Sharpen yourselves and take the green shift seriously. Arendal municipality itself writes that changes should be made to the municipal plan, where clearer guidelines for building solar cells on roofs must be adopted. A revised municipal plan has been presented. Then Selmer Simonsen hopes to submit an application again, without it being treated as a dispensation case. Simonsen’s house is located on Hisøy in Arendal. Photo: Per-Kåre Sandbakk / news Aerial photo
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– Sharpen yourselves and take the green shift seriously – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
