Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is an excellent way to produce renewable energy, protect the environment, and cut down on electricity expenses for your home. But you might be curious about solar panels and planning permissions. Do you need to seek planning permission if you're thinking about installing solar panels?

In most cases, the answer is no. Typically, you don't need to apply for planning permission for solar panels since they fall under "permitted development." However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. Your solar panels must be installed in a particular manner and meet specific requirements to be compliant.

Before having your solar PV system installed, it's wise to familiarize yourself with these conditions, just to be safe. That's what this article is all about.

The Basics: Solar Panels and Planning Permission

In general, solar panels are covered by "permitted development rights."

Permitted development rights allow you to carry out certain construction activities without needing approval. Still, your solar PV setup must adhere to specific criteria:

• The equipment attached to a building should have minimal impact on the building's appearance and the surrounding area. In short, your solar system should be as discreet as possible.
• Solar PV systems cannot be installed above the roof's highest point (excluding chimneys).
• Panels cannot protrude more than 200mm (0.2m) from the roof slope or wall surface.
• Solar panels typically cannot be installed within the grounds of a listed building or a scheduled monument.
• Equipment should be removed when it's no longer needed.

There are additional criteria for buildings located in conservation areas, as we'll discuss later.

All Solar Together installers are MCS-accredited and capable of designing your system to meet planning permission requirements.

Are Standalone Solar Panels Covered by Permitted Development Rights?

While not available through Solar Together, it's essential to know that if you're considering standalone solar panels (not mounted on a roof), there are some extra rules to keep in mind.

In addition to the above criteria, standalone panels must be at least five meters from the property boundary and cannot exceed four meters in height. The entire array must be smaller than 9m x 3m x 3m. Permitted development rights only apply to the first installation; any subsequent installations will require planning permission.

The best and simplest option is to mount solar panels on your roof. You can do this through the group-buying scheme Solar Together, which also helps reduce the installation cost.

When Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?

If your proposed solar PV installation does not meet the conditions for permitted development rights, you may need to apply for planning permission. Here are three common scenarios where planning permission might be required. Check if your roof is suitable.

Installing Solar Panels on a Flat Roof

Solar PV panels can be installed on a flat roof. Generally, the solar PV panels must be placed in frames to create an angle toward the sun. To minimize the effects of wind on the system, the panels will be positioned horizontally. Additionally, on a flat roof, there must be space between the rows of solar PV panels to avoid shading.

Flat roof installations will incur extra costs, which will be explained in more detail in your Personal Recommendation if you have a flat roof. The installer will inform you about the best configuration of panels after inspecting your roof.

Flat roofs often require a survey by a structural engineer to confirm their suitability for panels. Your installer can explain more about this, but you may need to arrange it yourself, which will incur additional costs.

Installing Solar Panels in a Conservation Area

A conservation area is a region that holds some sort of historical or architectural significance, giving it national value. There are approximately 10,000 conservation areas in England.

You can usually install solar panels in a conservation area or a World Heritage Site without planning permission. However, the panels must not be installed in a location visible from any public highway. Contact your local authority if you're unsure.

Installing Solar Panels on a Listed Building

A listed building is a structure recognized for its national historical or architectural importance. If you live in a Grade I, Grade II*, or Grade II listed building, you'll need to apply for listed building consent to install solar panels. Historic England and the National Amenity Societies must approve any changes to a listed building that could "impact its character." This also applies if you wish to install a solar PV system within the grounds of a listed building or on a non-listed building within the grounds of one.

Listed building consent differs from planning permission and must be obtained through the local planning authority.

How to Apply for Solar PV Planning Permission

If you believe you need to apply for planning permission for your solar PV system, the first step is to contact the Planning Portal for guidance. They can recommend whether you need planning permission for your project and explain any regulations your application must comply with.

When applying for planning permission, it can take up to several weeks before you receive a response from your planning authority. It's recommended to request planning permission before scheduling the installation of your solar PV system. Once planning permission is granted, you have three years to begin development.

You can start your planning application through the Planning Portal website, and they'll guide you through every step of the process until a decision is made on your application.

What Happens If My Solar Panel Planning Application Is Denied?

Most planning permission applications take around eight weeks to process. In rare cases, it may take longer—typically only for unusually large or complex projects.

Provided you've followed all the regulations mentioned above, there's no reason your request shouldn't be approved. However, if your application is denied, you won't be able to proceed with your solar PV installation.

When you accept your personal recommendation and decide to go ahead with an installation through Solar Together, you will be asked to pay a deposit. Rest assured that if your planning permission is denied, you will receive a full refund of your deposit.

Contact Solar Together Today

At Solar Together, we understand that the upfront cost of solar PV systems can sometimes deter people interested in harnessing green energy through solar power. That's why we created Solar Together: a unique group-buying scheme designed to make solar PV more affordable and accessible to homeowners across the UK.

If you live in a participating council area, you can register for the Solar Together group-buying scheme today. We collaborate with your local authority to bring residents together, helping you access discounts on solar PV installations—because buying as a group always gets you a better deal.

Solar Together thoroughly vets all installers to ensure they provide top-notch service. We also offer battery storage packages and electric vehicle (EV) charge point installation as optional extras.

By joining Solar Together, you're not just investing in renewable energy—you're contributing to a cleaner future while saving money. So why wait? Sign up now and take the first step toward a sustainable home powered by the sun!