When you need planning permission solar panels, and how to apply for permission.
Planning permission to install solar panels on a building
You only need to apply for planning permission to install solar panels on a building if the:
- equipment will stick out more than 20 centimetres from the wall or roof slope
- highest part of the equipment will be higher than the highest part of the roof, not including the chimney
- equipment will be installed on a wall in a conservation area which faces a road
- house or flat is or within the garden or grounds of a listed building
Permission will be given if the equipment is:
- sited, so far as is practicable, to minimise its effect on the external appearance of the building, and the amenity of the area.
- removed as soon as possible, when it's no longer needed
Planning permission to install solar panels on the ground
You only need planning permission to install solar panels on your building's grounds and gardens if:
- there's already a stand-alone ground-mounted solar equipment installation within the grounds or gardens of the property
- any part of the equipment is taller than 4 metres
- the length, height or depth of any part of the installation is more than 3m
- the surface area of the solar panels is more than 9m squared
- any part of the equipment is within 5m of the boundary of the property's grounds or gardens
- the installation is within the grounds or gardens of a listed building or scheduled monument
- any part of the equipment would be closer to the road than the closest part of the main property
Permission will be given if the equipment is:
- sited, so far as is practicable, to minimise its effect on the external appearance of the building, and the amenity of the area.
- removed as soon as possible, when it's no longer needed
How to apply for planning permission
If any of the above points apply to your installation of solar panels then you will need to apply for planning permission.
You can also contact us to get advice before making an application.