Imagine the sun becoming your home’s personal power source, radiating energy straight into your daily life. Yet, before you can fully embrace this solar-powered dream, there may be a journey of permissions and regulations to navigate which might not be as swift or straightforward as one might hope. Fear not, though, for in this article, we provide everything you need to know regarding planning permission for solar panels on your property and guide you through the application process step by step. Plus, we shed light on recent changes to permitted development rules, making it even more accessible for those in need of planning approval to obtain it.
Installing solar panels on your home can often be done without needing planning permission, thanks to what’s called permitted development rights. This means you can typically add solar panels to your roof or wall without jumping through planning hoops. However, there are rules to follow to make sure your installation qualifies for this perk.
For most homes, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, as well as most types of outbuildings, solar panel installations fall under permitted development rights, and therefore, will not need planning approval. However, there are conditions that apply to ensure your solar project qualifies for permitted development so it’s smart to double-check with your local planning authority to be sure about your specific situation.
Whilst in most cases a property will not need planning permission for solar panels, especially if they are on a dwelling and not easily seen from the road, some properties, like listed buildings, flats, or those in conservation areas, might need permission to preserve the area’s look and function. Again, always check with your local planners to be sure.
Your chosen professional installer, who should be MCS-certified, will also assess your roof to make sure it can handle the weight of the solar panels, following relevant building regulations.
In November 2023, the UK government swooped in with game-changing alterations to permitted development rights, clearing the way for more homeowners and businesses to embrace solar power without the headache of prolonged planning procedures. Say goodbye to the dreaded wait times averaging over 8 weeks and the looming spectre of unexpected expenses.
The biggest change was that flat-roofed homes are now able to install panels without planning consent, easing the process and cost for homeowners, and aligning with the privileges previously reserved for businesses. These relaxed rules apply to Conservation Areas also.
Meanwhile, for businesses eyeing industrial rooftop solar, rejoice! The shackles of the 1MW restriction have been cast aside, liberating ambitious ventures from the planning approval grind. With these groundbreaking adjustments, we are not just inching but leaping towards our target of 70GW of solar power by 2035. Better yet, this leap champions British jobs, invigorates our renewables sector, and promises lighter bills for consumers embracing the solar panel wave. Let’s power up for a brighter, greener future together!
Permitted development rights for solar panels are outlined within Part 14 (Renewable Energy) of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
Leaseholders please note: Even as a leaseholder, you might still be required to obtain consent from your landlord, freeholder, or management company.
Remember, if your solar plans do not play by these rules, you will need to knock on the planning permission door.
And, if your building is a listed gem, planning permission and listed building consent are must.
We always recommend discussing your plans with the Local Planning Authority for your area to check all whether all of the limits and conditions of permitted development will be met before you progress you project further.
When you and your solar contractor are looking for the perfect spot for your panels, you will not just be thinking about chasing the sun, but you will also be keeping an eye on how they will blend in with your home. Sure, you want those panels soaking up all that valuable sunshine, but you do not want them sticking out like a sore thumb either.
The best position for your panels in terms of energy efficiency, may not always be the best position to minimise the effect on the external appearance of your property and the amenity of the area.
Of suitable locations identified, the visual impact of panels will be most noticeable when they are positioned on roof slopes that everyone can see. Therefore, it is a balancing act between finding a spot where they will be the least conspicuous but still optimising efficiency. It is accepted that occasionally, circumstances dictate that only one viable rooftop location is both feasible and practical.
The following checklist serves as a guide to assess whether the placement of solar panels effectively minimises their visual impact to the greatest extent possible:
1 Sunshine sweet spot:
2 Visual harmony tactics:
3 Collaboration with contractor:
With this checklist in hand, you can ensure your solar panel installation not only maximises efficiency but also seamlessly integrates with the aesthetics of your property.
If you need to do so, you can apply for planning permission for your solar panel installation, you will need to submit an application to your local planning authority. This is typically done online through the Planning Portal website. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your proposed plans, including its size, location, and any potential impacts on the surrounding area.
Here are some step-by-step instructions to follow to help you submit your application and obtain planning permission for your solar panels:
If your application gets the thumbs-down, do not panic—you can appeal the decision. Just make sure you’ve got good reasons, like if the decision goes against the local planning rules, or if they state conditions that are vague, unreasonable, irrelevant, and generally just don’t make sense.
Navigating the planning labyrinth can trip up even the savviest solar enthusiasts. Here’s where people often stumble:
To ensure a safe and compliant solar panel installation, it’s highly recommended to enlist the services of a reputable company. Look for those accredited by respected organisations like the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
Opting for an MCS accredited installer guarantees that they possess the expertise, experience, and credentials needed to conduct your solar panel installation with precision and safety.
Do your homework! Take the time to research potential companies and check out reviews from past clients. This extra step ensures you’re selecting a trustworthy and dependable team for your solar experience.
Rest assured, at Tarven Solar Energy, all our installers are:
If you choose our MCS accredited team for your solar installation, we will happily manage the entire planning application process for you (if required). Be sure to read our grants and incentives information too, to see if you qualify to make things even easier for you to achieve your solar dream.
We work together with our clients every step of the way to ensure their bespoke solar installation projects works both for them as the homeowner, their community, and the planning officers. So, if you are ready to start your solar project, request an online quote, or contact us directly for an obligation-free chat. 020 3937 5589.
Choose us for high-quality solar panel installation or electrical services. Getting started is as simple as contacting us on 020 8087 0216 or sending an email to enquiries@tarvenlimited.co.uk.