Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels in the UK?

At Green Central, we’re here to make your switch to solar energy as smooth as possible. One common question we hear is: Do I need planning permission to install solar panels? The good news is, in most cases, you won’t need planning permission thanks to rules called permitted development rights. However, there are some situations where permission is required.

However, certain planning considerations must be taken into account, especially for commercial properties and when adhering to building regulations.

Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way so you know exactly what to expect.

When You Don’t Need Planning Permission

In the UK (focusing on England, with similar rules in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), you can usually install solar panels without planning permission if you meet certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

These rules generally apply to residential houses, including detached and semi-detached properties.

For Solar Panels on Your Roof:

• The panels stick out no more than 20cm (about 8 inches) from the roof or wall.
• The panels aren’t installed higher than the tallest part of your roof (not counting chimneys).
• The angle of your roof slope can also affect whether the installation meets permitted development guidelines.
• If your home is in a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site, the panels must not be on a roof or wall facing a road.
• The installation doesn’t drastically change your home’s appearance.

For Ground-Mounted Solar Panels (Stand-Alone Systems):

• You only have one stand-alone solar panel system in your garden or grounds.
• The panels cover no more than 9 square metres (roughly the size of a small shed).
• The system is no taller than 4 metres above the ground.
• The panels are at least 5 metres away from your property’s boundary.
• The panels aren’t in the grounds of a listed building or in a Conservation Area unless they’re not easily visible.

These installations must meet specific permitted development conditions to avoid needing formal planning approval.

Other Important Notes:

• You’re good to go as long as your home isn’t in a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Park, or World Heritage Site with strict visibility rules.
• Once the panels are no longer needed, they should be removed, and your property returned to its original state.
• If you live in a private house (not a flat or maisonette), these rules are more likely to apply.

When You Do Need Planning Permission

There are some cases where you’ll need to get planning permission before installing solar panels. Don’t worry—our team at Green Central will guide you through this process if it applies to you. In these cases, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local authority. You’ll need permission if:

For Solar Panels on Your Roof:

• The solar panels mounted on your roof stick out more than 20cm from the roof or wall.
• Your home is a listed building (you’ll also need listed building consent).
• The panels are on a roof facing a road in a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site.
• The panels go higher than the tallest part of your roof (excluding chimneys).
• Your local council has special restrictions, like an Article 4 Direction, which limits permitted development rights.

For Ground-Mounted Solar Panels:

• The panels cover more than 9 square metres or are taller than 4 metres.
• You want more than one standalone solar panels system.
• The panels are within the grounds of a listed building.
• The panels are in a Conservation Area, AONB, National Park, or World Heritage Site and are prominently visible.
• The panels are closer than 5 metres to your property’s boundary.

Other Situations:

• If you live in a flat or maisonette, permitted development rights may not apply, so you’ll need to check with your local council.
• If your property is a commercial building, extra rules may apply.
• If your local council has unique restrictions in place.

Special Cases to Watch For

If your home is a listed building, you’ll need listed building consent in addition to any planning permission, as these properties are protected for their historical or architectural value.

Our team at Green Central can assist you in working with your local council’s conservation officer to secure this approval.

For properties in Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or National Parks, stricter rules apply to preserve their beauty or heritage, and we’ll check whether your panels need to be less visible or if permission is required.

If your property lies within the grounds of a scheduled monument, you’ll need to obtain listed building consent followed by planning permission.

For those living in flats or leasehold properties, where you don’t own the property outright, such as renting or living in a leasehold flat, you may need approval from your landlord, freeholder, or management company.

While planning rules are broadly similar across the UK, there are minor differences in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, such as Scotland’s slightly different size limits for ground-mounted panels, and we’ll confirm the specific regulations for your area.

Other Rules to Keep in Mind

Even if you don’t need planning permission, there are a couple of other things to consider:

• Your solar panel installation must meet safety standards, like ensuring your roof can support the panels and that the electrical work is safe. This includes ensuring that your roof can support the additional weight of the solar panels. Our MCS-certified installers (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) handle this for you, so you’re fully compliant.
• Using the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), your installation needs to meet MCS standards to earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid. We use only MCS-certified products and installers to ensure your eligibility.

How Green Central Can Help

At Green Central, we take the stress out of going solar. Here’s how we make the process easy:

1. Free Consultation: We’ll visit your property (or review it remotely) to check if you need planning permission. We’ll look at things like whether your home is listed, in a Conservation Area, or subject to local restrictions. We’ll outline the various stages involved in your solar installation project, ensuring you understand the timeline and process.
2. Expert Advice: If permission is needed, we’ll guide you through the application process or handle it on your behalf, including listed building consent if required.
3. MCS-Certified Installation: Our team uses top-quality, MCS-certified panels and follows all building regulations, so your installation is safe, legal, and eligible for SEG payments.
4. Local Knowledge: We’ll check with your local council to confirm any specific rules or restrictions, ensuring there are no surprises.
5. Hassle-Free Service: From design to installation, we manage everything, so you can start enjoying clean, green energy without the worry.

Ready to Go Solar?

Installing solar panels is a fantastic way to save on energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and even earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee. Most customers won’t need planning permission, but if you do, Green Central has you covered.

When you contact us, please provide detailed information about your proposed installation, including size, location, and any potential environmental impacts.

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote. Let us know your address, and we’ll check if your property needs permission or any special approvals. Call us at 0330 828 4400 or get a quote online to start your solar journey with Green Central!

Disclaimer: This article is based on general planning rules for England as of May 2025. Rules may vary in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or specific local areas. Always consult your local planning authority or a professional installer like Green Central to confirm requirements for your property.