Different Planning Permission Requirements for Different Types of Solar Panel Installation

Any type of Solar Panel Installation project would need to be considered whether it requires government permission or not. It would be best to check with your local authority before you start the project.

Homeowners in the United Kingdom are required to meet several guidelines before they get any Solar Panel Installation in their home. Here is a brief overlook of the different planning guidelines chalked out by the government.

Domestic Solar Panel Installation

Installing solar panel system on a wall or roof of a home falls under the “permitted development” category. Hence, it doesn’t need a planning permission if it meets the following conditions. The solar panels must not be higher than the ridgeline and they shouldn’t project 200mm above the surface of the roof or wall. This condition can be met only if the photovoltaic panels are fixed parallel a sloping roof. However, if you have flat roof, there is a good chance that this condition cannot be met. In such a case, the panels would need a minimum of 10 degree sloping angle with the horizon and it would project beyond 200mm.

1. Listed Building

If you have a property that falls under the listed building category, the Solar Panel Installation may need consent. This may be required even where there is no need for a planning permission.

2. Conservation Area

If you have a property located in a conservation area, it would be necessary to get consent if the Solar Panel Installation is to be carried out on the walls and if they can be seen from the highway. If you are installing the PV panels on the ground, such as in the garden they shouldn’t be observable from the highway.

3. Ground Mounted Installation

If you are installing solar panels on the ground, usually they would require planning permission if they cover an area of 9 sq. m. or more. However, standalone Solar Panel Installation doesn’t require permission if they meet the following conditions:

• If they have a height equal to or below 4m

• If they have a minimum distance of 5m from the boundaries

• It shouldn’t be installed inside the perimeter of a listed building

Non-Residential Solar Panel Installation

All the non-residential solar power installations need planning permission. This is because the development rights are permitted only to the solar PV installations that take place on private households.

If you install solar PV panels on sloping roofs in your private dwelling, it wouldn’t be needed to get a planning permission. However, with all these points make sure that you check with your local authority before starting any Solar Panel Installation project.