Solar

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

By Quotes Buddy team Last reviewed 7 October 2026

Usually not. Panels on most homes count as permitted development, as long as they stay within size limits. Listed buildings, conservation areas and some flats are the main exceptions, and England changed its rules in August 2026.

The short answer

Most homes don’t need planning permission for solar panels. They usually count as permitted development, which means no application is needed as long as they meet certain limits. The main exceptions are listed buildings, conservation areas, national parks and some flats.

England: new rules from 27 August 2026

England updated its rules for home solar on 27 August 2026, adding separate rules for blocks of flats and for plug-in solar. For 12 months you can follow either the old rules or the new ones.

Panels on a house

On a sloping roof, panels must not go above the highest part of the roof (chimneys aside) and must stick out no more than 200mm.
On a flat roof, no more than 600mm above the highest part of the roof.
Panels should be placed to keep their effect on the building’s look to a minimum, and removed when no longer needed.

Conservation areas and listed buildings

In a conservation area or World Heritage Site, panels can’t go on a wall that faces a road.
A listed building needs listed building consent, and panels aren’t allowed under permitted development on other buildings within its grounds.
On a flat roof in protected areas such as national parks, you need prior approval from the council.

Panels in the garden

A ground-mounted array of up to 9 square metres is allowed without permission. Height limits depend on how close it is to the boundary, whether it is in front of the house, and whether you are in a conservation area.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Scotland: panels can stick out up to 1m. In conservation areas they’re only allowed on the rear of the house, or on a side that doesn’t face a road. Not allowed on listed buildings.
Wales: not above the ridge and no more than 200mm out. Conservation areas need permission for front or side walls visible from the road.
Northern Ireland: no more than 20cm from the roof slope and not above the ridge. Listed homes need consent, and in conservation areas you need permission if the panels would be on a roof slope that faces and can be seen from a road.

Building regulations

Building regulations normally apply. The roof must be able to take the weight, and some roofs need strengthening. An MCS-certified installer registered with a competent person scheme can sign this off for you. They should also register the system with your local electricity network.

If you’re not sure

Ask your council, especially for a listed building, a conservation area or a flat. A good installer will also check before fitting.

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