Solar panels are becoming a common sight on homes across the UK. For many homeowners, the main questions are simple: will the panels work on my roof, how much energy could they produce and do I need planning permission before they are installed?
In many everyday domestic cases, solar panels can be installed without a full planning application. This is because many roof-mounted solar installations fall under permitted development rights. In simple terms, that means the work may be allowed under national planning rules as long as the installation meets certain limits. The Planning Portal says solar panels and related equipment on residential buildings and land may be permitted development, but it also makes clear that limits and conditions must be met. It also advises homeowners to discuss the project with the local planning authority where needed.
At LORD Roofing, we know that planning permission is only one part of a safe and successful solar project. The roof needs to be suitable, the fixings need to be installed correctly and the work needs to be carried out with the long-term condition of the roof in mind. This guide explains the main planning points to consider before installing solar panels.
First, what does permitted development mean?
Permitted development is a planning term. It means certain types of work can be carried out without making a full planning application, provided the work follows set rules. For solar panels, those rules cover where the panels are placed, how far they project from the roof, how they affect the look of the property and whether the building sits in a protected area.
It is important not to assume that “permitted development” means “no rules”. It means the rules are already set out, so a separate planning application may not be needed if your installation fits within them. If your home is unusual, listed, in a conservation area or subject to local restrictions, you should check before work begins.
Because LORD Roofing works on real roofs every day, we always look at the practical side as well. A solar installation might be allowed in planning terms but still be unsuitable if the roof is weak, damaged, badly weathered or likely to need major repairs soon.
When solar panels usually do not need planning permission
For many houses, solar panels can be installed on a pitched roof without a full planning application as long as they meet the relevant rules. On a pitched roof in England, the Planning Portal says panels should not be installed above the highest part of the roof, excluding the chimney and should project no more than 200mm from the roof slope or wall surface.
That 200mm rule is one reason why roof-mounted solar panels are usually designed to sit close to the roof covering. A neat, well-planned installation is not just better for appearance. It also helps reduce unnecessary exposure to wind and weather.
Flat roofs are treated differently. The Planning Portal says that on a flat roof, the highest part of the solar PV equipment must not be more than 600mm higher than the highest part of the roof, excluding the chimney. This matters because flat-roof systems are often set on frames so the panels can catch more sunlight.
In most cases, the panels should also be positioned to reduce their effect on the appearance of the building and the surrounding area as far as reasonably possible. Equipment should also be removed when it is no longer needed.
When planning permission may be needed
Planning permission, prior approval or another form of consent may be needed in several situations. The most common are protected properties, protected locations and unusual solar designs.
If your home is listed, you need to be especially careful. Historic England says consent is required for installing any type of photovoltaic installation on a listed building or scheduled monument. It also says planning permission may be required for a building in a conservation area or for installations that affect designated wildlife sites.
Conservation areas can also have extra local controls. The Planning Portal says panels must not be fitted to a wall that fronts a highway if the property is in a conservation area or World Heritage Site. It also says that if solar equipment is being installed on a flat roof on Article 2(3) land, the developer must apply to the local planning authority for prior approval. Article 2(3) land includes national parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites.
In plain English, this means the same solar panel layout that is fine on one house might need approval on another house a few streets away. The difference could be the property type, the road it faces, the local planning rules or the status of the area.
What about leasehold homes and flats?
Planning permission is not the only permission that can matter. If you are a leaseholder, you may need permission from your landlord, freeholder or management company before installing solar panels. The Planning Portal highlights this for roof-mounted solar panels.
This is particularly important for flats, maisonettes and shared buildings where the roof may not be owned by one person. Even where the planning position is straightforward, you still need the legal right to alter the roof. A solar installation changes the surface, fixings and electrical set-up of the building, so you should not rely on planning rules alone.
Do Building Regulations apply to solar panels?
Yes, Building Regulations will normally apply to roof-mounted solar panels. This is separate from planning permission. Planning looks at whether the development is acceptable in planning terms. Building Regulations look at whether the work is safe and technically suitable.
The Planning Portal says the existing roof must be checked and proven to be able to carry the load of the panels and strengthening work may be needed. It also says Building Regulations apply to other parts of the work such as the electrical installation. Historic England also notes that PV installations must comply with Building Regulations, including requirements linked to structure, fire safety and electrical safety.
This is where a roofing-led approach helps. Solar panels add weight to the roof and the fixings interact with the roof covering. If roof tiles are cracked, felt is failing or the roof structure is showing signs of age, it is better to know before the panels are installed. Removing panels later to complete roof repairs can add cost and disruption.
Do solar panels need DNO approval?
Solar PV installations also need to be registered with the Distribution Network Operator, often called the DNO. This is the company responsible for the electricity network in your area. GOV.UK guidance says you must notify your local DNO if you make a significant change to your connection, including installing solar photovoltaic equipment, battery storage, a heat pump or an electric vehicle charge point.
Some systems can be installed first and notified afterwards. Others require an application before installation. GOV.UK explains that installers must assess the device and the connection to work out whether the DNO needs to be told before or after the work. For some solar PV and battery systems, the installer may need to apply before installation and wait for authorisation.
This is not the same as planning permission. A property can be fine in planning terms but still need the correct electrical notification and paperwork.
Should you repair your roof before installing solar panels?
In many cases, yes. If your roof is in poor condition, it is sensible to repair it before solar panels go on. Solar panels are a long-term installation. If the roof beneath them needs work a year or two later, the panels may need to be removed and refitted before roof repairs can be carried out.
Before installation, we recommend checking:
- The condition of tiles or slates
- The roof felt and battens where accessible
- Signs of sagging or movement
- Previous leaks in the loft
- Chimney flashings, valleys and verges
- The age of the roof covering
- Access for scaffolding and safe working
This is especially important for older roofs. A roof can look acceptable from ground level but still have cracked tiles, loose ridge tiles, failing mortar, worn leadwork or hidden leaks. A proper roof inspection can help you decide whether solar is suitable now or whether roof repairs should come first.
Can neighbours object to solar panels?
Neighbours can raise concerns if a planning application or prior approval process is required. However, if the solar panels fall within permitted development rules, the project may not need a standard planning application. The key issue is whether the proposed installation meets the permitted development conditions.
Even where neighbours do not have a direct approval role, it is still wise to think about the appearance of the installation. Panels should be placed carefully, kept as neat as possible and installed in a way that respects the building and surrounding area. Good planning at the start can prevent disputes later.
What happens if you install solar panels without checking?
If the installation needed planning permission, prior approval or listed building consent and the work went ahead without it, you may have problems later. The local authority could ask questions, you may need to submit a retrospective application and in serious cases changes could be required.
There can also be issues when selling the property. Buyers, solicitors and mortgage lenders may ask for evidence that the installation was completed properly. That could include planning records where needed, Building Regulations documents, DNO notification and solar installation certificates.
This is why it is better to check before work starts. It may feel like an extra step, but it can save time and worry later.
Quick planning checklist before installing solar panels
Before arranging a solar installation, ask these questions:
- Is the property listed or in the grounds of a listed building?
- Is the property in a conservation area, World Heritage Site, national park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
- Will the panels sit above the highest part of the roof?
- Will they project too far from the roof or wall?
- Is the system on a flat roof?
- Are you a leaseholder or part of a shared building?
- Does the roof need repairs before installation?
- Has the installer checked Building Regulations and DNO requirements?
If the answer to any of these questions raises doubt, check with the local planning authority or a suitable professional before committing to the work.
So, do you need planning permission?
In many cases, you will not need a full planning application for domestic roof-mounted solar panels. Many installations are classed as permitted development as long as they stay within the rules. However, you should never assume this applies automatically.
You may need extra permission if your property is listed, in a protected area, on a flat roof in certain locations or subject to local restrictions. You also need to think about leasehold permission, Building Regulations, DNO notification and the condition of the roof itself.
At LORD Roofing, we look at solar installation as part of the whole roof. That means considering the roof covering, structure, access, weatherproofing and long-term maintenance before panels are fitted. If you are thinking about installing solar panels and want practical advice from a roofing team, get in touch.
