With awareness of the climate crisis peaking, more homeowners are considering ways in which they can change their energy habits and draw more on clean energy in the running of their home. Having Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on your home or land can therefore seem like an ideal option.

There are several factors to think about before making this change, but the question often at the forefront of homeowners’ minds is: do I need planning permission for solar PV installations?

The short answer is: not in most cases. However, Solar PV systems are still subject to usual building regulations and specific regulations concerning the placement and number of panels. The following article will outline the requirements of solar PV installations and where planning permission is required.

What is in a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system?

Solar PV systems consist of an array of PV panels arranged on a roof, wall or on private property. An inverter converts the DC electricity generated into AC for use in the home, and a power meter measures the amount of electricity generated and how much is sold back to the grid.

Some homeowners opt to have a battery bank installed, which allows any surplus electricity to be stored for use when little or no electricity is being generated from the panels (for example, at night); under some schemes, for example those run by EDF Energy and Eon, the battery can also allow the National Grid to draw on your electricity reserves when the price of electricity is higher. If a battery is installed, the system will also need a charge controller to ensure the battery does not overheat.

With so many components being added to the home, it is understandable that homeowners are concerned about the need for planning permission.

Benefits of Solar PV installations

Whilst a comprehensive review of the pros and cons of solar panels is beyond the scope of this article, it is useful to firstly examine why homeowners may be compelled to install solar panels on their home or property.

The main advantage to the individual household is the reduction in energy bills. The average Solar panel array consists of 10-15 individual panels, each generating 200-250W electricity that can then be used to power your home.

Furthermore, through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) (previously the Fit-in-Tariff, FIT, scheme), any surplus electricity generated can be sold back to the National Grid. The SEG is in effect in England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland,  the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation allows homeowners to claim Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) which allow them to sell surplus electricity generated from their solar panels to specific energy suppliers, and set up an agreement to continue to do so.

Energy Saving Trust estimates that homeowners can expect annual savings on their energy bills of between £245 (for those generally out each day until 6pm) to £385 (for those generally at home throughout the day), including SEG. Without SEG, these estimates are between £120 and £295. The latter figures will be of particular interest for those continuing to work from home throughout the pandemic and for the foreseeable future. The average installation costs £4800, and Solar panels themselves will usually last 25 years; providing you are planning to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, you are assured of a good return for your investment.

In having solar panels installed and used year-round, homeowners take a major step in committing to clean energy. Whilst this goal was once relegated to the climate-conscious among us, thanks to global and national campaigns such those run by Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion, alongside the worldwide focus on the outcome of the COP-26 summit. Climate change and our dependence on fossil fuels is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Many homeowners feel impelled to commit to clean energy, with solar panels being one method by which this can be achieved relatively easily.

Do I need Planning Permission to have Solar PV systems installed?

Since 2008, solar panels have been considered ‘Permitted Development’, with no need to apply to the local planning authority for permission to install them. Normal building regulations still apply: the roof must be able to support the load of the panels, and this must be checked and proven; if strengthening work is deemed necessary, it must be carried out. However, specific regulations also apply and homeowners must ensure these are met:

Regulations for Solar PVs on a roof:

• The array of solar panels must not extend beyond the highest point of the roof (excluding any chimneys)
• The panels should not protrude more than 200mm from the roof
• If a panel is no longer used for generating electricity, it should be removed as soon as reasonably possible
• Solar panels must be installed in such a way as to minimise any change to the building’s appearance.

Regulations for Solar PVs on land:

• The first installation of a Solar PV system is classed as ‘Permitted Development’; any subsequent installations will require planning permission from the local planning authority.
• The solar panels must be installed so as to minimise the impact on the appearance of the area, and a minimum of 5m from the property boundary
• The Solar PV system can stand a maximum of 4m above ground level.
• The Solar PV system must not cover an area greater than 9m2.

Regulations for installations in Scotland:

Solar PV systems in the following circumstances require planning permission in Scotland:

• Installations on the walls of blocks of flats
• An installation within 1m of the edge of a flat roof

Exceptions:

In the following instances, ‘Permitted Development’ of Solar PVs does not apply:

• If the system is to be installed on a Listed Building
• If the system is to be installed in a Conservation Area or World Heritage Site
• If the system does not meet the above requirements for ‘Permitted Development’

Lastly, the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) must be notified of any Solar PV installation. Installers can notify the DNO of new systems with a Declared Net Capacity (DNC, an estimation of the electricity output) less than 3.68kW after the system has been commissioned. As the average domestic Solar PV installation has a DNC of 3.5kW, this applies to most installations.

Crucially, systems with DNCs greater than 3.68kW need to notify the DNO before the system is installed.

In either case, your MCS-certified installer should notify the DNO on your behalf (see below).

How do I ensure my Solar PV installation meets these requirements?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) assures homeowners that installations, the solar panels and equipment themselves are of a high standard, safe and effective, and meet all the requirements listed above.

Homeowners are therefore strongly advised to use an MCS-certified installer to ensure their Solar PV system meets the requirements for ‘Permitted Development’; an MCS-certified installer will go on to notify the DNO of your installation through the correct procedures on your behalf.

If you are considering extending or altering your home, you may find some of these services useful: