Do I Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?
Usually NO
In most cases, NO — solar panels on your roof are usually permitted development and do not need planning permission.
Keep reading for the full rules.
Solar panels on domestic properties are generally permitted development under Class G of the GPDO 2015. You do not need planning permission in most cases, though there are limits on how far the panels can protrude from the roof and restrictions for listed buildings and conservation areas.
Permitted Development Rules by Region
Permitted Development Rules — England
- ✓Solar panels must not project more than 200mm beyond the plane of the roof.
- ✓The installation must not be higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney).
- ✓Solar panels on listed buildings require listed building consent.
- ✓In a conservation area, solar panels on the principal elevation (visible from the highway) are NOT permitted development.
- ✓Ground-mounted solar panels may be permitted if they do not exceed 9m² in total, are less than 4 metres high, and are at least 5 metres from the boundary.
Size & Position Limits (England)
| Requirement | Limit / Rule |
|---|---|
| Roof panels: max protrusion | 200mm beyond roof plane |
| Roof panels: max height | Must not exceed existing roof ridge |
| Conservation areas (principal elevation) | NOT permitted — planning permission required |
| Listed buildings | Listed building consent required |
| Ground-mounted: max area | 9 m² |
| Ground-mounted: max height | 4 metres |
| Ground-mounted: boundary distance | At least 5 metres |
When Do You Need Planning Permission?
Even if your project is usually permitted development, planning permission is required in these circumstances:
- ✗Your property is a listed building.
- ✗Your property is in a conservation area and the panels are on the principal elevation (front of the house).
- ✗Ground-mounted panels exceed 9m² or 4 metres in height.
- ✗Your council has removed PD rights via an Article 4 Direction.
What Happens If You Build Without Permission?
Unlawfully installed solar panels on listed buildings can result in enforcement action and prosecution under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Enforcement notices: Your council can issue an enforcement notice requiring you to stop the work, remove it, or restore the land to its original condition. You have a right of appeal against an enforcement notice.
Retrospective applications: If you have already carried out work that required planning permission, you can submit a retrospective planning application. If approved, this regularises the work. If refused, you may be required to remove it.
Time limits: For dwelling houses, the council generally has 4 years to take enforcement action for most types of work. For breaches of planning conditions, the time limit is 10 years. There is no time limit for listed building enforcement.