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Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?

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Installing a solar PV system is a smart, eco-friendly investment that can reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. But before jumping in, it's crucial to understand whether you need planning permission to install solar panels on your property.

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The Good News: Most Installations Don’t Require Permission

In the majority of cases, you don’t need planning permission to install solar panels. That’s because they typically fall under “permitted development rights”, which allow for certain home improvements without formal approval.

However, there are important criteria to meet:

  • Minimal visual impact: Equipment must have a limited effect on the appearance of the building and surrounding area.

  • Height limits: Panels must not extend above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).

  • Projection limits: Panels should not protrude more than 200mm (0.2m) from the roof or wall surface.

  • Restrictions on listed buildings and monuments: Panels generally can’t be installed on or near these.

  • Removal when obsolete: All equipment must be removed once no longer in use.

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Special Rules for Standalone Solar Panels

If you’re thinking about freestanding or ground-mounted panels, additional rules apply:

  • Must be at least 5 metres from any boundary.

  • Must be less than 4 metres tall.

  • Total size should not exceed 9m x 3m x 3m.

  • Only one installation is allowed under permitted development—future installations will need planning permission.

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When Planning Permission May Be Required

You’ll likely need planning permission in the following situations:

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1. Installing Solar Panels on a Flat Roof
  • Flat roof systems need angled mounting frames, which may increase the system’s height.

  • A structural engineer’s survey may be required.

  • There may be visual and structural concerns that trigger a need for planning approval.

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2. Installing Panels in a Conservation Area
  • You usually don’t need planning permission, unless the panels are visible from a public highway.

  • Always check with your local authority to confirm.

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3. Installing on a Listed Building
  • You will need listed building consent.

  • Consent is required whether installing panels on the building itself or within its grounds.

  • Approval must be obtained through your local planning authority, often involving Historic England or a National Amenity Society.

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Summary: Check Before You Install

In most cases, rooftop solar panels won’t require planning permission—but there are exceptions. Always ensure your installation:

  • Meets permitted development criteria.

  • Respects special rules for flat roofs, conservation areas, and listed buildings.

  • Is designed and installed by an MCS-accredited professional.

If in doubt, speak with your installer or contact your local planning authority before proceeding. A bit of research upfront can save you time, money, and hassle later.

Our Legal Structure

Qualis, Qualis Residential, Qualis Commercial, Qualis Warm Home, Qualis Wind, Qualis Solarfield and Qualis SolarBee are a trading names of Qualis Energy Limited (Reg No. 16320369) and is registered in England and Wales at 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.

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Qualis Energy Limited is wholly owned by Lime Arnold Group Limited.

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