Can I Install Solar Panels?
UK Planning Permission Guide
Thinking about installing solar panels on your home? In many cases, solar panels can be installed without a full planning application, but there are circumstances where planning permission or other consent may be required.
The rules can depend on the type of installation, your property and its location.
Check your property's solar planning potential before committing to an installation.
Do I Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?
Many domestic solar panel installations can benefit from permitted development rights, meaning a full planning application may not be required.
However, there are conditions and limitations that need to be considered.
Things that can affect the planning position include:
- Where the solar panels are installed
- How far they project from the roof
- The size and design of the installation
- Whether the property is listed
- Whether the property is in a conservation area
- Whether the installation is on a roof or elsewhere on the property
- Previous restrictions affecting the property
Because the rules can vary depending on the property and location, it is worth checking your individual circumstances before installation.
Can I Put Solar Panels on My Roof?
Roof-mounted solar panels are common on residential properties and may be possible under permitted development.
However, the installation needs to meet the relevant requirements. Panels should generally be designed and positioned to minimise their impact on the appearance of the property.
If your property has specific planning restrictions, additional consent may be required.
Can I Install Solar Panels in a Conservation Area?
Solar panels can be installed in some conservation areas, but additional planning considerations may apply.
The location and visibility of the panels can be particularly important, especially where the installation could affect the character or appearance of the area.
If your property is within a conservation area, check the planning position before arranging installation.
Can I Install Solar Panels on a Listed Building?
Listed buildings have additional protections.
Installing solar panels on or near a listed building may require additional consent, depending on the property and proposed installation.
If your property is listed, you should check the specific requirements before proceeding.
Check Previous Solar Applications Near You
Your property’s planning history can provide useful information, but it can also be helpful to see what has happened nearby.
Search your address with Planning Scan to investigate previous solar panel applications, planning decisions and nearby renewable energy developments.
You can explore:
- Approved solar applications
- Refused applications
- Previous planning decisions
- Solar installations nearby
- Renewable energy developments
- Planning constraints and restrictions
Previous approval does not guarantee that your installation will be approved, but nearby applications can provide useful local planning context.
What Could Stop Me Installing Solar Panels?
Several factors can affect whether solar panels can be installed without planning permission.
Listed buildings — Additional consent may be required.
Conservation areas — Special planning considerations can apply.
Planning restrictions — Some properties have restrictions affecting permitted development rights.
The proposed installation — The position, size and design of the panels can affect the planning requirements.
Ground-mounted systems — Solar panels installed away from the building can have different planning considerations from roof-mounted systems.
Do Solar Panels Need Building Regulations?
Planning permission and building regulations are separate.
Even where planning permission is not required, other requirements can apply to the installation, including structural considerations and electrical safety.
A qualified installer should be able to advise on the requirements that apply to your particular installation.
How to Check If You Can Install Solar Panels
Before arranging your installation, start by checking the planning position for your property.
- Search your address using the Planning Scan Solar Checker.
- Check previous applications for your property and surrounding area.
- Look for nearby solar installations and similar planning applications.
- Check planning constraints such as conservation areas and listed building status.
- Confirm the requirements with your local planning authority or qualified installer if necessary.
Check Your Solar Planning Potential
Every property is different, so don’t assume that because solar panels have been installed nearby, the same installation will automatically be possible at your property.
Use Planning Scan to check your address, investigate previous solar applications and explore planning constraints and nearby development activity.
Enter your address and check the planning picture before installing solar panels.