Do I Need Planning Permission to Install Solar Panels?

Installing solar panels on your home is one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills and become more energy independent. With rising electricity prices and increasing environmental awareness, more homeowners are looking into solar energy. However, one of the most common questions is: Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?

The good news is that in most cases (for installations on detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses and the roofs of outbuildings) the answer is no—you don’t need planning permission. But there are some exceptions you should be aware of. Plus, if you’re building a new home or extending your property, adding solar panels can make it easier to get planning approval. Let’s break it all down.

Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?

For Most Homes – No, You Don’t Need Permission

In most cases, solar panels are considered “permitted development”, meaning you don’t need planning permission to install them. However, they must meet certain conditions to comply with planning laws and building regulations.

To qualify as permitted development, solar panels must:

• ✅ Be installed on the roof of a building (or wall-mounted) rather than as a standalone ground system (unless within certain size and height limits)
• ✅ Not protrude above the highest point of the roof (excluding chimneys)
• ✅ Not be visible from the highway if the property is in a conservation area
• ✅ Not be installed on a listed building or within the grounds of a listed building without planning permission
• ✅ Be discreetly mounted to avoid significantly altering the building’s appearance
• ✅ Comply with size limitations, which may vary depending on the property type and location (e.g., restrictions on large arrays in certain areas)
• ✅ Meet UK building regulations, ensuring the roof structure can safely support the panels
• ✅ Be installed by an MCS-certified installer, who will ensure the system meets safety and performance standards

Special Cases

If your home is in a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or World Heritage Site, additional restrictions may apply. Some councils allow solar panels on rear-facing roofs in conservation areas without permission, but it’s always best to check with your local planning authority first.

What About Ground-Mounted Solar Panels?

If you don’t want to install solar panels on your roof, ground-mounted solar panels are a great alternative. However, they must comply with permitted development rights, planning regulations, and MCS requirements to avoid the need for planning permission.

• ✅ The total installation area must not exceed 9m² (approximately a 6-panel array)
• ✅ Panels must not be taller than 4 metres from the ground
• ✅ The installation must be at least 5 metres from the property boundary
• ✅ Only one ground-mounted system is allowed per property under permitted development rights
• ✅ The panels must not be installed in front of the property (e.g., in a front garden or an area that faces a road)
• ✅ Listed buildings require planning permission, even for ground-mounted solar panels

What About Building Regulations?

Even though you don’t usually need planning permission, your solar panel installation must still comply with UK building regulations. This means:

• ✅ Your roof must be structurally sound to hold the weight of the panels
• ✅ The mounting system must be securely installed to withstand wind and environmental conditions
• ✅ The installation must be electrically safe, following UK wiring standards
• ✅ If you live in a terraced or semi-detached house, the installation shouldn’t affect your neighbours’ property

MCS-certified solar installers like ekinect will handle building regulations for you, so you don’t need to worry about applying for approval yourself.

How Solar Panels Can Help New Build Homes Get Planning Permission

If you are building a new home or making significant changes to your existing property, planning permission is required. One way to make your application more likely to be approved is to include solar panels in your plans.

Why? Because new builds must meet minimum energy efficiency standards, and solar panels help lower the property’s carbon footprint. Many councils encourage or even require developers to include renewable energy features in new housing developments.

In fact, some councils (such as those in London and Brighton) now require all new builds to include renewable energy features, and solar panels are one of the easiest ways to meet these regulations.

If you’re applying for planning permission for a new build, adding solar panels can:

• ✅ Help your application get approved more quickly
• ✅ Make your home more attractive to buyers
• ✅ Reduce your energy bills from day one

Final Thoughts: Should You Get Solar Panels?

If you’re a homeowner considering solar panels, here’s what you need to know:

• 💡 Most homes in the UK don’t need planning permission to install solar panels
• 🏡 If you’re in a listed building or conservation area, check with your local council first
• 🔨 Your installation must follow UK building regulations to ensure safety and efficiency
• 🌞 If you’re building a new home, adding solar panels can improve your chances of planning approval

With government incentives like the Zero VAT on solar panels (until 2027) and energy prices continuing to rise, there’s never been a better time to install solar panels on your home.

Thinking about getting solar? Contact ekinect today for a free consultation and see how much you could save!