Did you know? Installing solar panels might be easier than you think – in most cases, you won’t need planning permission at all!
While there are some exceptions, the majority of solar panel installations don’t require approval, making the transition to cleaner energy hassle-free.
*When is Planning Permission Needed?
Planning permission is only necessary if your property is in a designated area, such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a Conservation Area.
What About a Standard 12-Panel Installation?
For most homes, a typical 12-panel solar setup doesn’t require planning permission, unless your property is listed or located in a conservation area.
What if the Installation Exceeds 1 Megawatt?
Previously, a planning requirement existed for installations over 1 megawatt, but this has now been removed to encourage more renewable energy adoption. For most domestic and business properties, no permission is needed. Learn more.
What About Places of Worship?
Places of worship with ecclesiastical exemptions, like the Church of England or Roman Catholic Church, don’t need listed building consent, but they will need approval from the relevant denominational authority.
For more details, check out Historic England’s guidelines: Historic England's Solar PV Advice.
Do Listed Buildings Require Planning Permission?
It’s always best to double-check with your local authority. Generally, if you want to install solar panels on a listed building, planning permission will be required.
