Solar Water Heating

Rules & Regulations

Building Structure/Space Considerations

Concerning the building structure/space considerations, the building owner/occupant is advised to make reference to approved plans of the parent building and to consult building professionals to ensure that the existing building is structurally safe to support the additional system components, and that the prescribed windows as well as the means of escape including any roof designated as refuge floor thereof are not obstructed. Where alterations and additions to the existing building structure are involved to support the additional system components, prior approval and consent from the Building Authority under the Building Ordinance and Lands Department are required. An Authorized Person (AP) (Architect, Engineer or Surveyor registered under the Buildings Ordinance) and the respective District Lands Offices should be consulted in case of doubt.

Relevant contacts:

Some relevant ordinances and documents:

• Building Ordinance (Cap 123) (ordinances in Hong Kong can be viewed on This link will open in a new windowThis web page has hyperlinks which may transfer you to third-party website.http://www.legislation.gov.hk/)
• Code of Practice for the Provision of Means of Escape in Case of Fire (this document can be downloaded from Buildings Department website (This link will open in a new windowThis web page has hyperlinks which may transfer you to third-party website.http://www.bd.gov.hk/))

Other relevant pages on Buildings Department website:

• "Building Information Centre" under "Our Services" at: This link will open in a new windowThis web page has hyperlinks which may transfer you to third-party website.https://www.bd.gov.hk/english/services/index_bic.html
• "Alterations and Additions Works" under "Our Services" at: This link will open in a new windowThis web page has hyperlinks which may transfer you to third-party website.https://www.bd.gov.hk/english/services/index_aawork.html
• "Registers" at: This link will open in a new windowThis web page has hyperlinks which may transfer you to third-party website.http://www.bd.gov.hk/english/inform/index_ap.html

Plumbing/Drainage Considerations

Retrofitting a solar water heating system may sometimes involve alteration of the existing water supply system. Prior approval of any such alteration shall be sought from the Water Supplies Department.

Relevant contact:

Water Supplies Department
43/F Immigration Tower,
7 Gloucester Road,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Tel: 2824 5000
Email: wsdinfo@wsd.gov.hk
Website: This link will open in a new windowThis web page has hyperlinks which may transfer you to third-party website.http://www.wsd.gov.hk/

Relevant documents:
Hong Kong Waterworks Standard Requirements for Plumbing Installations in Buildings
(this document can be downloaded from Water Supplies Department website This link will open in a new windowThis web page has hyperlinks which may transfer you to third-party website.http://www.wsd.gov.hk/)