Do you Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?

Are you getting a bit tired of sky high energy bills? Considering solar panels but not sure whether you need planning permission or not?

Whilst the process might seem a little daunting at first, you’ll be pleased to know that in most residential cases, you don’t need to worry about getting planning permission.

However, there are some circumstances where planning permission does apply for installing solar panels. You need to be aware of these. Further to this, even when planning permission isn’t strictly necessary, you still need to make sure your solar panels meet certain requirements. 

We’ll talk you through exactly what you need to know when it comes to planning permission for solar panels.

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

For most domestic installations in the UK, you don’t need planning permission to install solar panels. This is thanks to something called ‘permitted development rights’, or PDR.

PDR allows homeowners to make certain improvements to their properties without the need for a full planning application. That said, there are still some criteria that solar panels must meet to qualify as permitted development when installed on a standard pitched roof.

For example:

• They must not project more than 20 cm above the apex of the roof (excluding chimneys).
  
• They can’t be installed above the roof’s highest point.

It’s worth noting that permitted development rights can be removed or altered in some areas, so always check with your local planning authority. Some local authorities have introduced Article 4 Directions, which remove permitted development rights in specific areas, usually to preserve the character of conservation areas or other sensitive locations. If there are already solar panels installed in your area, you should be fine, but it’s always worth checking.  

As always, there are exceptions to the PDR rules. Let’s take a look. 

Scenarios where solar panel planning permission is required

Not all residential solar panels can be installed under PRD. Planning permission is likely to be needed if you fall into any of the below categories:

• You live in an apartment or flat
• Your property is a listed building
• You live in a conservation area

Apartments and flats

Installing solar panels on a flat or apartment usually requires full planning permission. This is slightly different to the more straightforward ‘householder’ permission for individual homes.

The process can be more complex for flats due to shared ownership and responsibilities. With a flat, you’ll need to get consent from other people, including other property owners in the building and the building management. If you rent the apartment, you’ll need to get permission from your landlord.

Listed buildings

If your home is one of the UK’s 500,000 listed buildings, you’ll need to apply for Listed Building Consent (LBC) before installing solar panels. This process makes sure that any changes don’t compromise the building’s historical or architectural significance.

You’ll need to demonstrate a few things including that:

• The installation is reversible without causing structural damage
• The panels won’t significantly alter the building’s aesthetic qualities
• Your property can structurally support the panels

LBC is technically separate from planning permission. The process for listed buildings can be more complex and time-consuming, often taking 6-8 weeks for approval. It’s best to consult with a conservation officer or heritage specialist before submitting your application.

Conservation areas

In protected conservation areas, you’ll almost certainly need planning permission for solar panels. The key consideration here is visibility – if your panels would be visible from the road, you’ll need to prove they won’t negatively impact the area’s character. 

In some cases, you might need to consider alternative placement options, such as ground-mounted panels or even explore the use of solar tiles that blend more seamlessly with traditional roofing materials.

Solar panels on flat roofs

Previously, you needed planning permission to install solar panels on a flat roof. 

However, recent changes brought in by the government at the end of 2023 have made it much easier to install solar panels on flat roofs. Bringing the rules for residential homes in line with those for businesses, planning permission isn’t needed to install solar panels on a flat roof. Now, these come under permitted development rights as discussed above. 

With the new rules, solar panels may project up on a flat roof by 60cm. Previously, this was only 20cm. It’s always best to check the rules with your local planning authority to make sure before going ahead.

How to apply for planning permission for solar panels

If it looks like you do need to apply for planning permission, here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Contact your local planning authority
2. Prepare detailed plans and supporting documents
3. Submit your application online through the Planning Portal
4. Pay the required fee (this varies depending on the type of application)
5. Wait for a decision (typically 8-12 weeks)

If you decide to skip the planning permission process when it’s needed you could find yourself in a bit of bother. Installing solar panels without necessary permissions can lead to enforcement action, potentially requiring costly removal or alterations. It’s always better to seek permission first, even if it means a slight delay in your project timeline.

Do you need planning permission for ground-mounted solar panels?

The vast majority of solar panels are roof-mounted, however, you can install ground-mounted solar systems too. Here the rules are a bit different. 

To qualify as permitted development for a ground-mounted solar panel system, the installation needs to be:

• Less than 9m² in area
• No taller than 4m
• At least 5m from any boundary of your property
• Only one installation allowed per property

If your planned ground-mounted system exceeds any of these limits, you’ll need to apply for planning permission or change your plans accordingly. 

With a ground-mounted system you also need to consider other factors, such as potential shading from nearby trees or structures, the visual impact on your neighbours and any potential glare issues from the panels.

Other considerations when installing solar panels

Whilst planning permission is a key consideration, it’s not the only factor to keep in mind. You’ll also need to think about:

• Building Regulations – All solar installations must comply with Building Regulations, particularly regarding structural and electrical safety. Your installer should handle this, but always ask for copies of the relevant certificates.
  
• Roof survey – Before installation, you should have a professional assess whether your roof can support the weight of the panels. This is especially important for older properties or those with unconventional roof structures. A single solar panel can weigh anywhere between 12-22kg.
  
• Electrical safety – Make sure your installer is certified and provides all necessary safety certificates. They should be registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or an equivalent quality assurance scheme.
  
• Number of panels – There’s no specific limit on the number of panels you can install, other than the available suitable roof space. However, consider your energy needs and available roof space when deciding on system size.

Whilst there might seem a lot to think about, for most households installing solar panels is a fairly simple process. In the majority of cases, you won’t need planning permission at all thanks to permitted development rights.

But please make sure you do your own homework. This is crucial if you live in a listed building, conservation area, a flat or are planning a large ground-mounted system. When in doubt, always consult with your local planning authority or a solar installation professional.