Do I Need Planning Permission for Solar Panel Installation
Renewable energy is becoming more popular across the world, the use of wind, water and solar power is helping the planet tackle the increasing problem of climate change. Solar energy in particular is playing a big role in allowing people to move away from their reliance on fossil fuels which current supply power to homes.
Installing solar panels is extremely beneficial, not only for helping the environment but save money on heating bills and generate income through government schemes. Many people looking to purchase solar energy systems assume that there are certain stumbling blocks which prevent them from having solar panels in their home. A commonly asked question is “do I need planning permission for solar panel installation?”
Planning permission for solar panels
Planning permission laws in the UK have been relaxed in the UK since April 2008, which presents excellent news to anyone looking for answers to “do I need planning permission for solar panel installation?”
Installing solar panels was once classed as land development and required anyone with a panel system to seek a permit from the local council planning division before any installation could go ahead. The benefits of solar energy and the government’s willingness for people to switch to the renewable source led to a change in the law so that people were able to get solar power more easily.
If you are a leaseholder of a property, you may need to get permission from your landlord, management company or freeholder before any installation takes place.
Solar panels come in both solar thermal (used for the heating of water) and solar photovoltaic (used to generate electricity); they can be installed in various ways on roof, walls and as standalone panels. Although no planning permission is needed in the UK, there are certain requirements that will need to be adhered to.
Solar panel installation conditions
Although the broad answer to “do I need planning permission for solar panel installation?” is no, it is important that any installation follows the following guidelines.
Different guidelines will apply to roof, wall and standalone solar panel systems. The following criterion applies to all panels:
- Panels on a building should be located as practical as possible to minimise the effect on the buildings appearance.
- Panels should be located as practical as possible to minimise the effect on the amenity of the area.
- Panels should be removed as soon as possible if they are no longer required for microgeneration.
The following guidelines apply to roof and wall mounted panels:
- Panels cannot be installed above the ridgeline and no more than 200mm from the surface of the wall or roof
- Listed building consent is needed for listed buildings.
The final guidelines for “do I need planning permission for solar panel installation?” are for standalone panels:
- Panels should be no more than four metres in height
- Panels need to be at least 5m from boundaries
- Size of array is limited to 9 square metres
- Only one standalone solar panel system installation is permitted
- Panels cannot be installed within the boundaries of a listed property
