For those embarking on their first journey into the world of renewables the good news is that solar panels are a great place to start as you can usually install them without the need for planning permission.
Both roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar PV systems are often considered permitted development, and in such cases you’re free to install them without formal planning approval.
As you can see, we’ve used the terms ‘usually’ and ‘often’ – because there are some exceptions. And whether you’re living in a listed building, a conservation area, or planning a ground-mounted array in a field, it’s worth understanding the specifics of solar panel planning before getting started.
In this guide we’ll explain exactly when you do and don’t need planning permission for solar panels, and how H2-ecO can help you get set up quickly, efficiently, and in line with all relevant regulations.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is permitted development?
- Building regulations approval for solar panels
- Do solar panels need planning permission?
- Do you need planning permission for ground mounted solar?
- Solar panels planning permission: conservation areas and listed buildings
- Solar panels flat roof planning permission
- Solar panels on agricultural land: planning considerations
- Wall mounted solar panels planning permission
- Solar panel planning FAQs
What Is Permitted Development?
Permitted development rights are a set of allowances granted by the government that let homeowners carry out certain types of work without needing to apply for planning permission.
These were introduced for solar panels in 2008, with updates in 2011 and 2015 to further simplify the process for domestic installations.
For solar PV, permitted developments typically include installations on domestic rooftops, as long as they meet certain criteria, including:
- Panels should not protrude more than 200mm from the surface of the roof or wall
- Installations should be below the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys)
- Panels should be installed to minimise visual impact and removed when no longer needed
These rights apply across most of England, but they can be restricted in sensitive areas – such as conservation zones, national parks, or on listed buildings.
Local planning authorities such as Dorset Council and Somerset Council each interpret guidance slightly differently, so having an experienced, locally-based installer on your side can be helpful when navigating the requirements for your project.
Building Regulations Approval for Solar Panels
Even when planning permission isn’t required, building regulations approval is. This is a separate process ensuring the solar panel installation meets safety and structural standards, particularly when panels are added to an existing roof.
Installations must comply with Part A (structural safety) and Part P (electrical safety) of Building Regulations, among others. In-roof systems also need to meet fire safety and weatherproofing standards.
Fortunately, if you use an MCS-certified installer who is part of a Competent Person Scheme – like us! – you don’t need to make a separate building control application. We’ll handle it for you and notify the local authority.
Do Solar Panels Need Planning Permission?
In most situations, no. If you want to install solar panels on your house, they usually fall under permitted development as long as the conditions mentioned above are met.
However, you may need to apply for planning permission if:
- Your home is in a conservation area or national park like Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Glastonbury, or Wells
- You live in a listed building, or the panels affect the setting of one
- You’re planning a ground-mounted array that exceeds certain limits
- The panels are being installed on a flat roof or wall rather than a sloped roof
To help you get a better understanding of what’s involved, we’ll cover these situations in more detail in the following sections.
Do You Need Planning Permission for Ground Mounted Solar?
Ground-mounted solar panels can be a great solution when roof space is limited, or when orientation and shading make roof installation less effective. These systems are also popular for agricultural or larger rural properties with lots of land.
Under permitted development rules, you can install one ground-mounted array without planning permission, provided it is:
- No taller than 4 metres
- No larger than 9m²
- At least 5 metres from the boundary of your property
If your system exceeds these limits – for example, a larger array in a field – then you will need planning permission.
Only one standalone solar installation is permitted per property, and it must not be within the curtilage of a listed building. If your property is in a conservation area or World Heritage Site, the panels should not be visible from the highway.
Solar Panels Planning Permission: Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
If your property’s in a conservation area, national park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or is a listed building, extra rules apply.
Because we’re lucky to live in such a stunning part of the country, replete with rolling hills and charming villages, planning rules can be a little more nuanced – which is why local expertise matters.
One of the most common misunderstandings we encounter is around conservation areas. Although the legislation allows roof-mounted panels in these areas as long as they don’t face the highway, clients are often wrongly told by planning departments that permission is required.
In reality, planning officers can and do get this wrong, so don’t be afraid to challenge advice that seems inconsistent with published guidance.
Listed Buildings
Installing solar panels on a listed building or within its grounds will require listed building consent and often planning permission. This is because changes to the external appearance are tightly controlled.
However, there are still options, such as panels in less visible locations, integrated panels, or even ground-mounted systems away from the building.
Conservation Areas and AONBs
You can usually still install solar panels under permitted development, but there are additional restrictions. For example:
- Panels should not be installed on a wall facing a highway
- Visibility from public areas may be a concern for planners
- Ground-mounted systems may require permission even if small
Some of our clients choose to apply for a Certificate of Lawful Development for peace of mind, but this certificate costs money and has no legal weight. Unless your permitted development rights have been explicitly removed – something that would be listed in your property’s legal documents – it’s usually better to rely on the legislation itself.
Solar Panels Flat Roof Planning Permission
Installing solar panels on a flat roof requires a slightly different approach. Rather than being fixed flush like they are on pitched roofs, flat roof systems typically use angled mounting frames to achieve the optimal tilt.
As of December 2023, the permitted height for flat roof panels was extended to 600mm. This has opened up more flat roof installations to proceed without planning permission. That said, we still recommend a structural report, even for small setups, to ensure the roof can support the heavier racking required.
Our engineers can design low-profile solutions that minimise height while maximising energy production, and we’ll always confirm whether planning is needed before installation.
Solar Panels on Agricultural Land: Planning Considerations
For farmers, landowners, or anyone considering a commercial-scale solar installation on agricultural land, planning permission is usually required.
This applies to:
- Large ground-mounted arrays in fields
- Installations in the green belt or open countryside
- Non-domestic buildings where solar panels affect the appearance or setting of the area
If you’re looking to install solar as part of a farm diversification plan or to power agricultural equipment, we can help assess feasibility, advise on grid connections, and guide you through the planning process.
Wall Mounted Solar Panels Planning Permission
Wall-mounted solar panels are less common than roof or ground-mounted systems, but can be a practical solution where roof space is limited. In domestic settings, these are often installed on outbuildings, gable ends, or south-facing elevations.
Planning permission may be required if:
- The panels face a highway in a conservation area
- The installation significantly alters the appearance of the property
- The building is listed
- Your property is in a World Heritage Site, or the panels are visible from the highway
For most modern homes, wall-mounted panels still fall within permitted development, but as always, it depends on location and context. We’ll confirm this during your site survey.
Now Let’s Talk About Your Project
Installing solar panels is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy bills and environmental impact, and for most homeowners, the process is simpler than you might expect.
At H2-ecO, we’ve been helping Dorset homeowners and businesses to install solar PV systems for over 15 years. As a local, MCS-registered renewable energy specialist, we provide full support from planning guidance and building regs to system design and long-term aftercare.
From understanding planning requirements and securing approvals to designing a system that fits your property perfectly, we’re here to help from start to finish.
Whether you want to futureproof your forever home or build an energy-efficient new one, we’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, with no upfront deposit and a 10-year workmanship warranty for added peace of mind.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch for a free quote.
Solar Panel Planning FAQs
If you’re still unsure about the rules and responsibilities around installing solar panels, we can help! Here are some frequently asked questions, and you can drop us a message if you’ve got more:
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in the UK?
Not usually. Most domestic solar PV installations are covered under permitted development rights.
What about solar panels on a flat roof?
These might need permission if the mounting system raises the panels more than 600mm above the roof surface.
Can I put solar panels in my garden?
Yes, but ground-mounted systems over 9m² or taller than 4 metres may require planning permission.
Do listed buildings need planning permission for solar?
Yes: listed building consent and planning permission are typically required, but there are still options.
What if I’m in a conservation area?
You may still be able to install panels without planning permission, depending on where they’re sited and how visible they are.
Will H2-ecO help with planning and approvals?
Absolutely. We handle all aspects of the process, including building regulations, planning guidance, and documentation.
What counts as “minimising visual impact”?
It means placing the panels as unobtrusively as possible, in ways that do not dominate or alter the appearance of the building or setting.
Who decides whether an installation meets the requirement to minimise visual impact?
There isn’t a single formal definition in planning law, so the concept is somewhat subjective. In practice, the local planning authority decides whether a proposed installation sufficiently minimises visual impact. If your installation falls into a category that requires planning permission, the case officer will assess visual impact as part of the application process.
