Solar Panel Planning Permission

A widely talked about issue within the industry that must be taken into consideration but must not be seen as barriers against an installation. Planning regulations across the country have been relaxed and are continued to be debated in parliament which is only likely to lead to further relaxations in the law. This is mainly down to the Governments support for renewable energy and meeting carbon reduction targets.

There have been specific changes for the installation of domestic micro generation systems, introduced in April 2008. These have lifted the requirements for planning permission in England.

Planning permission is NOT required for ground mounted systems if they adhere to the following criteria:

No more than 4m in height

Installed less than 5m from any boundary

An array equivalent or less to that of 9m2

Must not be situated on a wall noticeable from a public highway in a conservation area or world heritage site.

Planning permission is NOT required for roof mounted systems
if they adhere to the following criteria:

Is a Domestic property (all non domestic installs require planning permission)

The solar PV panels should not project more than 20cm above the plane of the roof or above the highest part of the roof, with exception to the chimney

Not a listed building

Not in an area of natural conservation