Do you need planning permission for solar panels?
With energy prices continuing to rise and the UK pushing to meet its ambitious Net Zero targets by 2050, more households than ever are turning to solar power as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative.
In fact, rooftop solar installations are surging across the country, with roughly 1.73 million homes generating their own energy – helping them cut their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time.
But as the interest in solar panels grows, so does the number of questions from homeowners. One that comes up time and time again is: “Do I need planning permission for rooftop solar panels?”
Whether you’re just starting to explore home solar, or ready to book an installation, understanding the rules around planning permission is an important step. Let’s break it down for you…
Do I need planning permission for rooftop solar panels?
The good news is – in most cases, you don’t need planning permission for solar panels on your home in the UK!
For the most homes in the UK, solar panels are classed as ‘permitted development’, which means you can install them without needing to apply for planning permission, providing certain conditions are met. These rules are designed to make it easier for homeowners to adopt renewable energy.
There may be instances where you do need planning permission for solar panels however, an example being if your home is a listed building or in a conservation area (see below).
When you might need planning permission for solar panels…
- Your home is a listed building.
- Your property is located within a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or a World Heritage Site.
- You plan to install a large or tall ground-mounted system close to your property boundary.
- The panels are to be installed on a wall facing a public highway (in some protected areas).
Is your home a listed building?
If your home could potentially be a listed building or in a conservation area, we would not be able to go ahead until we have confirmation of the planning permission for solar panels.
You can find out if your home is a listed building by visiting Historic England and searching the National Heritage List for England (NHLE).
If you think your home may sit inside of a conservation area, contact your Local Planning Authority (LPA), who will be able to confirm.
Do you have listed building consent?
When considering if you need planning permission for solar panels, check if you have Listed Building Consent (LBC). You’ll likely need this if your property is a listed building, and if your home is in a conservation area.
You will not be able to go ahead with installation without the appropriate planning permission for solar panels. You’d need to contact your Local Planning Authority (LPA), and where necessary, apply for Listed Building Consent (LBC).
Need help? We’re here for you!
At Utilita Home, our expert solar team is here to make your switch to solar as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Once we know more about your property type and location, we’ll be able to give you a quick quote, but we’ll need proof of your planning permission for solar panels before we begin solar panel installation.
If you have any questions that you’d like to speak to one of our Home Energy Consultants about, you can Request a Call-Back and they’ll be in touch within 30 minutes (Mon-Friday, 9am-5pm).