Do You Need Planning Permission For Solar Panels? (Guide)

Solar panels for UK homes are usually allowed under the scope of permitted development rights, which allow homeowners to carry out procedures within a reasonable standard without requiring planning permission.

However, you might still have questions such as “Do I need planning permission for solar panels?” Luckily, in this article, we’ll answer when planning permission is needed, which solar panel types are more prone to require it, how to apply for one, and how the application process works so that you can decide if solar panels are the right choice for your home.

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The answer to this question is fairly straightforward: most UK homes will not need planning permission since permitted development rights allow homeowners to install solar panels without a problem within a reasonable limit.

Overall, planning permission for solar panels is typically required when making significant changes to a building, such as constructing an extension, altering its use, or if the building is in a conservation area or listed. We highly advise contacting your local planning authority (LPA) for more detailed information about solar planning permissions and ensuring your Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)-accredited solar installer confirms compliance with building regulations.

Solar panel planning permission requirements may vary across the UK, so we advise exploring Planning Northern Ireland if you’re based in Northern Ireland and mygov.scot, if you're in Scotland.

As mentioned above, solar panel installation in the UK is normally allowed without requiring planning permission. However, it will probably be required in some instances, such as properties classified as listed buildings, solar panel installation within conservation areas, or specific types, like ground-mounted solar panels.

Ground-mounted solar panels typically require planning permission unless they are installed no higher than 4 metres high, at least 5 metres from the property’s limits, are limited to 9 square metres in size, and have only one standalone installation per property. Ground-mounted solar panels also require extra space between each panel (if they are too close to each other, they may block sunlight from a close-by panel).

In conservation areas or World Heritage Sites, these panels must not be visible from the road.

Roof and wall-mounted solar panel installation should attempt to minimise visual impact and not protrude over 200 millimetres from the roof or wall surface. Flat roof solar panels should not exceed 0.6 meters above the highest part of the roof.

Prior approval may be needed for solar panels in conservation areas, flat roofs, national landscapes, or World Heritage Sites. For this reason, we always recommend speaking with a specialist who can guide you.

Wall-mounted solar panels must comply with Building Regulations to ensure structural security and minimal visual impact. Property owners must ensure that the walls can support the additional solar panel weight and avoid installation that risks being overshadowed by planned adjacent developments. They must also consider the orientation and angle for optimal sunlight exposure throughout the year.

It's important to note that all solar installations should be sited to minimise their effect on the area's amenities and removed when no longer needed. In some instances, tenants may need to obtain permission from their landlord or management company before proceeding with any installation.

For this reason, we highly suggest seeking professional advice from MCS-certified installers to confirm compliance with building regulations. We can connect you with up to 4 local solar panel installers for free, so you won't have to worry about solar panel regulations or finding a suitable installer who can advise you. Just fill out a 30-second form, and we’ll do the rest!

First of all, check if you need planning permission for solar panels in the UK. Solar panel installations are usually considered "permitted development" and do not require planning permission. However, you may need to apply if your property is a listed building, if you live in a conservation area, if you want to install ground-mounted panels, or if the panels will protrude more than 20 centimetres from the roof or wall.

In the section below, we’ve compiled a step-by-step summary of how to apply for planning permission for solar panels in the UK.

Before deciding on the best solar panels for your home or commercial solar panels for your business, you might wonder how to obtain solar panel planning permission and what the application process looks like.

Remember, even if planning permission isn't required, you may need to comply with building regulations. For listed buildings, you'll need to apply for Listed Building Consent. Furthermore, if your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision, modify your plans, and reapply.

Given all of the above, you might wonder if solar panels are worth it. The short answer is yes, they are. Despite solar panel costs in the UK and all the specifications surrounding planning permissions, we can confidently say that they are, in fact, worth it. 

This is due to several compelling factors, including the wide availability of solar panel grants and the fact that planning permission is often not required for installations. These advantages make solar panels an excellent option for reducing your reliance on the grid and saving on energy bills. By pairing solar panels with a solar battery, homeowners can expect to save up to £660 annually for an average 3-bedroom house.

Nevertheless, navigating your home's numerous specifications and suitability can be overwhelming. For this reason, we highly recommend consulting an MCS-accredited solar panel expert who can advise you on your characteristics.

Comparing installers can take hours and be very stressful when done alone. Fortunately, we can connect you with up to 4 approved solar installers near you for free! Just fill in our 30-second form, and we’ll do the rest.