Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to install solar panels on your home in the UK. Solar panels are usually classed as permitted development, which means you’re allowed to install them without submitting a full planning application. The key is that the installation must meet specific conditions — mainly related to the system's impact on the appearance and structure of your property, and its effect on the surrounding area.

As long as the panels don’t protrude more than 200mm beyond the surface of the roof or wall, are not installed higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys), and are positioned to minimise visual impact, you're generally in the clear. The panels also shouldn’t be installed on a building in a conservation area or on a listed structure without additional consent.

What Are the Exceptions to Not Having Planning Permission for Solar Panels?

While most homeowners can install solar panels without needing planning permission, there are some important exceptions. If you live in a listed building or within a conservation area, you may need consent before making any external changes. Also, if you’re installing standalone solar panels — not on the roof but somewhere else on your land — these come with their own limits. For example, they must not exceed four metres in height, and only one standalone system is allowed within the curtilage of a house under permitted development rights.

If you plan a large installation or something that will be very noticeable from the road or neighbouring properties, your local authority may require a planning application. Always check local guidance first, especially in areas with stricter rules.

Can I Install Them Myself?

Technically, you can install solar panels yourself if you have the required electrical and roofing skills, but it’s not recommended unless you're a qualified professional. Solar PV systems must comply with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) for you to be eligible for incentives or to safely connect to the grid. Most insurance providers and energy companies will also expect the system to be installed by an MCS-accredited installer.

Doing it yourself might seem like a way to save money, but if it goes wrong — either from a structural or electrical standpoint — the costs and risks could outweigh the benefits. There’s also a safety factor involved, especially when working at height or handling electrical systems.

How Many Solar Panels Can I Install on My Roof?

There’s no fixed legal limit to the number of panels you can install, but space, weight, and structural capacity will be your main constraints. The average UK home roof can hold 10 to 16 panels, depending on orientation, size, and pitch. That would typically give you a 4kW to 6kW system — enough to power most of a typical household’s energy use.

Larger systems are possible, especially on detached homes or properties with big south-facing roof areas. However, once you go over a certain size — usually around 3.68kW per phase — you may need permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) before installation.

Are There Restrictions for Solar Panels on a Listed Building?

Yes — listed buildings are subject to stricter planning controls. Any change that affects the character of a listed property requires Listed Building Consent, and this includes solar panels. Installing panels without this consent can be considered a criminal offence, so it's essential to go through the proper channels.

That doesn’t mean solar panels are out of the question. If the panels are discreet and do not harm the historic appearance or fabric of the building, consent can often be granted. In some cases, panels can be mounted in the garden or on outbuildings instead, which may face fewer restrictions.

Can I Put Solar Panels in My Garden Without Planning Permission?

You can install freestanding solar panels in your garden under permitted development, but again, there are limits. The panels must not be taller than four metres, must not be within five metres of the boundary, and there can only be one system on the property. They also shouldn’t be installed in front of the main elevation of your home that faces a road.

If your property is in a conservation area or similar protected zone, or if you plan a large-scale ground-mounted system, you’ll likely need planning permission. Always speak with your local planning department before proceeding.

Do I Need Building Control Approval for Solar Panels?

In most cases, installing solar panels does not require a separate Building Control application, but the installation must still comply with Building Regulations. This includes ensuring the roof can bear the extra load and that all electrical work is safe and compliant.

If structural work is needed to support the panels, or if the installer finds that the roof isn’t strong enough as it is, Building Control may need to be involved. It’s also critical that electrical installations are signed off by a competent person registered under a government-approved scheme.

Do I Need Permission to Connect to the Grid?

Yes, but this isn’t the same as planning permission. If your solar panel system generates more than 3.68kW per phase, your installer will need to get prior approval from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). For smaller systems, installers typically notify the DNO after installation.

The connection ensures your system won’t cause disruption to the local power network and allows you to export surplus energy. If your installer is MCS-certified, they’ll usually handle the notification process for you.