Installing solar panels is an increasingly popular way for UK homeowners and businesses to reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions. However, before beginning a solar panel installation, it’s important to understand the planning regulations. In this post, we answer the question, Do I Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels in the UK? Understanding planning permission for solar is essential for compliance.
In most cases, solar panels fall under permitted development, meaning no planning permission is required. However, there are exceptions based on location, property type, and specific installation details. This guide explains when planning permission is needed and what to consider before installing solar panels.
Knowing about planning permission for solar panels can prevent delays and ensure your project runs smoothly.
Are Solar Panels Permitted Development?
Understanding the need for planning permission for solar installations is crucial for homeowners looking to make eco-friendly changes.
For most residential properties in the UK, installing solar panels is classified as permitted development under planning law. This means you do not need to apply for planning permission as long as the installation meets certain conditions.
Key Conditions for Permitted Development
1. Roof-mounted solar panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the wall or roof slope.
2. Panels must not extend above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).
3. The installation should be positioned to minimise its impact on the building’s appearance and surrounding area.
4. If no longer needed, solar panels must be removed as soon as reasonably practical.
For ground-mounted solar panels, additional rules apply:
• The installation must not exceed nine square metres or be higher than four metres.
• Panels must be at least five metres away from the property boundary.
When considering planning permission for solar panels, remember that local regulations may vary.
Ensuring you understand when planning permission for solar panels is necessary can help avoid unexpected issues.
• No more than one standalone solar panel installation is allowed within the property’s grounds.
When is Planning Permission For Solar Panels Required?
While most solar panel installations do not require planning permission, there are exceptions. If your property falls into any of the following categories, you may need to apply for permission before installing solar panels.
If you are located in a conservation area, it’s important to check if planning permission for solar panels is needed.
1. Listed Buildings
If your home is a listed building, you will need listed building consent to install solar panels. Local planning authorities will assess how the installation affects the building’s historical and architectural significance.
2. Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites
In conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and World Heritage Sites, planning permission is required if solar panels are installed:
• On a wall facing a highway.
• On the principal or side elevation of the property, where visible from a public road.
For commercial buildings, obtaining planning permission for solar panels should be considered carefully.
For standalone solar panels, planning permission for solar may be dependent on size restrictions.
Local councils may have stricter rules to protect the area’s historical character, so it’s essential to check with your local planning office before proceeding.
3. Flats and Apartments
Even if planning permission for solar panels is not required, compliance with building regulations remains crucial.
If you live in a flat or apartment, planning permission is usually required because modifications affect the entire building rather than an individual dwelling. Leasehold properties may also require permission from the freeholder.
4. Commercial and Agricultural Buildings
While some business and agricultural properties can install solar panels under permitted development, others require planning permission based on the size and location of the installation. For large-scale solar panel installations, a full planning application is often necessary.
5. Standalone Solar Panels Beyond Size Limits
To determine if you need planning permission for solar panels, you must consult your local planning authority.
If you plan to install freestanding solar panels and they exceed the nine square metre or four-metre height limit, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Building Regulations for Solar Panels
Even when planning permission is not required, all solar panel installations must comply with UK building regulations. These regulations ensure the structural safety of the installation and cover areas such as:
• Roof structure and load-bearing capacity – Panels must be securely mounted without compromising the roof’s integrity.
• Electrical safety – Installations must comply with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) wiring regulations.
The process of applying for planning permission for solar panels includes several important steps.
• Energy efficiency – Installations should meet Part L of the Building Regulations, which covers energy performance.
If your installation requires any changes to the building’s structure, such as reinforcing the roof, building regulations approval will be required. Your solar installer should handle this as part of the installation process.
How to Check If You Need Planning Permission
If you’re unsure whether your solar panel installation requires planning permission, follow these steps:
1. Consult Your Local Planning Authority (LPA) – Use the Planning Portal to check local regulations.
2. Check with Your Solar Installer – Experienced solar panel installers near you will be familiar with local rules and can advise on compliance.
It’s critical to understand the consequences of installing solar panels without planning permission, as it can lead to complications.
3. Review Leasehold or Covenants – If you live in a leasehold property, check your lease agreement for restrictions on external modifications.
Applying for Planning Permission
If planning permission is required, you’ll need to submit an application to your local planning authority. This typically includes:
• A completed planning application form.
• Drawings and specifications of the proposed solar panel installation.
Many homeowners ask if planning permission for solar panels is necessary for new constructions, and the answer typically lies in the original application.
• A design and access statement explaining how the installation fits within the property’s surroundings.
Local councils often have specific guidelines regarding planning permission for solar panels.
• Any heritage or environmental impact assessments if applicable.
The standard fee for a householder planning application in England is £206 (as of 2024), but this may vary depending on the complexity of the application.
The local authority typically makes a decision within eight weeks. If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision or adjust the proposal to meet planning requirements.
What Happens If You Install Solar Panels Without Permission?
Installing solar panels without required planning permission can result in an enforcement notice from the local planning authority. This may require you to:
• Apply for retrospective planning permission.
• Remove or modify the installation if permission is refused.
Planning permission for solar panels can be a complex topic, but understanding it will help you navigate the process.
Ultimately, knowing about planning permission for solar panels can empower homeowners and business owners alike, ensuring that installations are compliant and beneficial.
To avoid unnecessary costs and complications, it’s always best to check planning requirements before installation.
Solar Panel Planning Permission FAQs
Do I need planning permission to install solar panels on a new build?
If a new build home is under construction, planning permission for solar panels should be covered within the original planning application. Retrospective installations follow standard permitted development rules.
Can my local council refuse solar panel planning permission?
Councils can refuse permission if they believe the installation would harm the character of the area, especially in conservation zones. However, refusals can be appealed.
Do solar panels increase council tax?
No, installing solar panels does not increase council tax, as they are considered an energy efficiency improvement rather than a structural extension.
Can I install solar panels in a shared building?
For flats and shared properties, planning permission and freeholder consent are typically required before installing solar panels.
Do solar panels affect house insurance?
Some insurers may require an updated policy to cover solar panels, but they do not usually increase premiums significantly.
In Summary
For most homeowners, solar panel installation falls under permitted development, meaning planning permission is not required. However, listed buildings, conservation areas, and certain types of properties may require approval.
Before starting an installation, check with your local planning authority or speak to a trusted solar installer to ensure compliance with regulations.
If you need expert advice on solar panel planning permission or want to discuss your solar panel installation, contact UPS Solar today to explore your options.
Helpful Sources:
• Planning Portal – Solar Panels
