Solar PV and Planning Permission

When is Solar PV a Permitted Development?

A solar photovoltaic array is normally considered a permitted development, as long as certain criteria are met which are detailed below.

Solar PV fixed to your home, or another building within your grounds must meet the following criteria:

  • The panels need to be sited as far as is practical to minimise the effect on the external appearance of the building.
  • As soon as you stop using the Photovoltaic cells for power, then need to be removed as soon as practically possible.
  • The panels should not be installed any higher than the highest point of your roof (excluding the chimney).
  • They should project no more than 200mm off the edge of the roof.
  • Panels cannot be sited on the roof of a building within the grounds of a listed building.
  • If you live in a conservation area / world heritage site, you are not allowed to position the panels on a wall that would make them visible from a highway.

Solar PV not fixed to your home or roof, but situated somewhere on your land must follow the following criteria:

  • The panels need to be sited as far as is practical to minimise the effect on the amenity of the area.
  • As soon as you stop using the Photovoltaic cells for power, then need to be removed as soon as practically possible.
  • Only the first stand alone Solar PV installation will fall under the ‘permitted development rights’ ruling, any additional panels will need planning permission
  • No part of the installation can be over 4m and the array may not exceed 9m2
  • The installation needs to be at least 5m from the boundary of your property.
  • If you live in a conservation area / world heritage site, the closest part of the array needs to be further away from any highways than the closest part of the house.

Installing Solar PV

Are you thinking about installing a solar PV system at home? We have scoured the country for the best tradespeople, so that we can make sure we only recommend those we really trust.

If you would like us to find you a local installer to help install a solar PV system in your home, just fill in the form below and we will be in touch shortly!