Do you need planning permission for solar panels
Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in the UK as homeowners become more conscious of their carbon footprint and are striving to lower energy bills.
However, before you can get set up and install solar panels on your property, it’s important to understand if your building requires planning permission. Planning permission can be confusing, especially when it comes to solar panels, so we’ve listed the common housing types in the UK and if you need planning permission for them, as well as a list of things to consider before installing solar. These include commercial properties, residential properties, listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas, flats, and apartment buildings.
Planning Permission for Solar Panels on Residential Buildings/Properties in the UK
Solar panel installation on residential properties normally falls under Permitted Development in the UK. Permitted development (PD) means that planning permission is not required if certain conditions are met and adhered to.
Permitted development includes conditions covering the solar panel size, placement, and the residential property's location. In regards to solar panels on residential properties, the following are generally included under permitted development, meaning that if adhered to, you do not require planning permission:
Solar panels that do not exceed the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney)
Solar panels that do not protrude more than 20 centimetres from the roof
Solar panels (on a flat roof) that don’t exceed more than 1 metre from the roof surface
Solar panels that cover less than 50% of the total roof area
In certain situations planning permission may be required for residential properties including:
If the property is a listed building or located in a conservation area (more on this later in the blog)
If the solar panels would exceed the height and size requirements listed above
If the panels are to be installed in a different location to the roof of the property
If the solar panels would have a significant impact on the appearance of the property or building
It is always best to check with your local planning authority to ensure that your installation complies with local regulations.
Planning Permission for Solar Panels on Commercial Buildings/Properties in the UK
Unlike residential properties and buildings, commercial properties do not fall under Permitted development in the UK for solar panel installations.
With commercial properties, solar panels do require planning permission. This involves submitting an application to your local planning authority, which will review your proposal and decide if you are eligible and compliant with local regulations.
Some of the considerations your local authority may take into account when deciding whether you can install solar panels on a commercial building include:
The local authority will often look at the building size and structure to determine if they would be suitable for building regulations
The impact on the surrounding environment will also be taken into account, including the visual impact of the panels, potential shading on neighbouring properties, and also the biodiversity impact
Reduction of carbon emissions and improved energy efficiency through solar panel installation will also be taken into account
Last but not least is safety, making sure the installation meets certain safety criteria and standards
Planning Permission for Solar Panels on Listed Buildings in the UK
If you live in a listed property, it is probably protected by UK law. Due to this, planning permission is required for solar panel installations.
Similar to commercial properties, the planning permission application will cover any adverse impact of the installation, including on the character or appearance of the building itself and the surrounding area. You may also be required to use specific materials or be asked to amend the placement of the panels to minimise the visual impact.
Gaining planning permission approval for solar panels on listed buildings is a challenging process. The key factor will be the impact of the installation on the historic fabric of the building and its setting, but other criteria will also be looked at, including:
Visibility of the solar panels from the street
The mounting of the panels (they should be mounted flush and have minimal visibility)
No impact to be had on the original features or materials of the building
The materials used must be sympathetic to those of the original building
An infographic explaining the differences in planning permission needs for solar panels on residential, commercial, and listed buildings, as well as flats and appartments
Planning Permission for Solar Panels on Buildings in Conservation Areas in the UK
Planning permission for solar panels in conservation areas is similar to listed buildings, as both are subject to additional restrictions and considerations due to their historic or cultural significance.
The visual impact of the proposed solar panel installation and its impact on the local area will be taken into account, including the size, design, and placement of the panels.
In some cases, planning permission may be granted, but your local authority may ask for additional design edits to be made, or certain other conditions to be met. For this reason, it is always advisable to keep in close contact with your local planning authority to ensure that all guidelines are followed and adhered to.
Planning Permission for Solar Panels on Flats and Apartments in the UK
Solar panel installation on flats and apartments in the UK is more complex than some of the other building types listed. This is mainly due to the requirement for all owners and leaseholders to be in agreement on the installation.
Planning permission may be required, but that depends on the panels' location and size. When looking at applications for multi-occupancy buildings, flats, and apartments, governing bodies may consider:
The structure of the roof or mounting surface to ensure they can support the weight of the panels (this is due to a large number of panels being needed for multi-occupancy buildings)
The council need to ensure that the solar panels are used in a way which maximises their exposure to sunlight to help energy production
The council or governing body will also want to ensure that the shadowing caused by the solar panels is not excessive to neighbouring properties or landmarks
Electrical safety: The council will want to ensure that the electrical systems associated with the solar panels are safe and meet all necessary regulations
Factors to consider before installing solar panels
Before installing solar panels, several factors need to be considered, including your property type, the location and placement of solar panels, the size of the solar panels, and the different types of solar panels you choose.
Considering property type before installing solar panels
Before installing solar panels, you should consider the property type you have, as it could affect the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your system. These include if you have a flat roof and therefore need a mounting system for angling efficiency, or if you have a thatched roof for example which would require a greater risk assessment. Not all properties are created equal when it comes to solar panels.
Considerations about the location and placement of solar panels
When it comes to placing solar panels, there are several factors to consider. Of course, you need to be sure that the panels are not shaded by any trees, buildings, or other obstructions, as this will severely limit performance and efficiency. Likewise, the orientation of solar panels can affect their efficiency, with south-facing solar panels producing the highest yield in the UK. The angle of tilt should also be around 30 degrees to be at an optimum in the UK!
Considerations about the size of solar panels
Choosing the correct size of solar panels for your home depends on your energy requirements and the space available (taking into consideration the other factors on size discussed above).
Larger solar panels will generally produce more energy, but may not be suitable for properties with limited roof space or little need for high energy production. It may however be cost-effective in the long run if you require greater energy at certain times of the year. A qualified engineer should be able to give you a good estimate of the sizing that you will require for your energy needs.
Considerations about the type of solar panels you choose
There are various types of solar panels, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Monocrystalline solar panels for example have a longer lifespan and are more efficient than other types of panels, but may be more expensive. Polycrystalline on the other hand tends to be cheaper but also less efficient. Thin-film panels are the least expensive and most flexible but have a much shorter lifespan.
Considerations about connection to the national grid with solar panels in the UK
Connecting your solar panels to the national grid in the UK requires meeting certain criteria and obtaining approval from your energy supplier and distribution network operator. You may also be eligible for various incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee, which allows you to earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid. It is important to work with a qualified installer to ensure your system meets all necessary requirements and to understand the various options available for connecting to the grid.
To conclude, solar panels are an excellent way to reduce energy bills and increase property value. However, it's essential to know whether you need planning permission before installing solar panels. Regulations on planning permission for solar panels vary depending on the type of property and location. If planning permission is required, you will need to apply to your local planning authority. By considering the factors before installing solar panels and obtaining planning permission if required, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy while staying compliant with regulations
