Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Usually not. Most homes can fit roof panels under permitted development rights. The exceptions are listed buildings, flats and some homes where those rights have been removed.
Updated October 2026
Permitted development rules for houses (England)
You can fit solar panels to the roof of a house without planning permission if:
- the panels don't protrude more than 20 cm from the roof slope
- they don't sit higher than the highest part of the roof, excluding the chimney
- on a flat roof, they stand no more than 60 cm above the highest part of the roof
- they're sited, as far as practical, to minimise their effect on how the building looks
- they're removed once no longer needed
Rules were relaxed in late 2023 to make flat-roof and conservation-area installations easier. Your installer will confirm what applies to your home.
When you do need permission
Listed buildings
Any solar installation on a listed building, or within its grounds, needs listed building consent. Councils often approve panels on rear or hidden roof slopes.
Flats and maisonettes
Permitted development rights for solar cover houses. Flats usually need planning permission and the freeholder's consent.
Removed permitted development rights
Some new-build estates and conservation areas have an Article 4 direction or a planning condition that removes permitted development rights. Your council's planning department can tell you.
Ground-mounted panels
A ground-mounted array in your garden is usually permitted if it's no more than 9 m² in area and 4 m high, and at least 5 m from the boundary.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Each nation sets its own permitted development rules. They broadly match England's for roof panels on houses, with some differences for conservation areas and flat roofs. Check with your local council or ask your installer before work starts.
Other approvals your installer handles
- Building regulations: covered by your installer's competent person scheme.
- Network operator: systems up to about 3.68 kW are notified after fitting. Larger systems, or most systems with a battery, need approval first.
- MCS certificate: issued after installation. You need it for export payments.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Most houses in England, Scotland and Wales don't. Roof panels are permitted development as long as they don't stick out more than 20 cm from the roof slope or sit above the highest part of the roof.
Do I need permission for solar panels on a listed building?
Yes. Any solar installation on a listed building, or within its grounds, needs listed building consent from your local council.
Can I put solar panels on a flat roof without permission?
In England, usually yes. Panels on a flat roof are permitted development if they stand no more than 60 cm above the highest part of the roof.
Do I need building regulations approval for solar panels?
Your MCS-certified installer handles this. Electrical work is self-certified, and the installer checks your roof can carry the extra weight.
Do I need to tell my energy network about solar panels?
Yes, but your installer does it. Systems up to about 3.68 kW are notified after installation. Larger systems need approval from your network operator before they're fitted.
Check your roof in two minutes
The calculator flags listed buildings and conservation areas as you go.