When it comes to planning permission and solar panels, the regulations in England are as follows:
1. General Rules for Solar PV Systems:
- You generally do not require Planning Permission for home solar PV systems.
- It is advisable to check with your local planning officer if any part of your home is a Listed Building, in a Conservation Area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or a World Heritage Site.
2. Solar Panel Placement on Buildings:
- Solar panels on buildings are considered “permitted development” as long as they do not:
- Protrude more than 200mm from the wall or above the roof slope.
- Exceed the height of the highest part of the roof.
- They are permitted in a Conservation Area, but not on a wall that fronts a highway.
- If the array is in the grounds of a listed building, you will need to apply for planning permission.
3. Stand-Alone Ground Mounted Solar Panels:
- Stand-alone ground-mounted solar panels are also considered “permitted development” if they:
- Are less than 4m high.
- Are more than five meters from the property boundary.
- Have a surface area not exceeding nine square meters or any dimension of its array does not exceed three meters.
- In a Conservation Area, they must not be nearer to the highway than to the dwelling.
- If the array is in the grounds of a listed building, you will need to apply for planning permission.
4. Building Regulations for Solar Panels:
- If you intend to install solar panels on your roof, Building Regulations will apply.
- The existing roof’s ability to carry the load weight of the panel(s) will need to be checked and proven.
- Building regulations also apply to other aspects of the work, such as electrical installation.
5. Common Conditions for All Solar Installations:
- Panels on a building should be sited to minimise their effect on the appearance of the building.
- They should also be sited to minimise their impact on the amenity of the area.
- When no longer needed for microgeneration, they should be removed as soon as possible.
6. Roof and Wall Mounted Solar Panels:
- Panels should not be installed above the ridgeline and should project no more than 200mm from the roof or wall surface.
- For listed buildings, installation may require an application for listed building consent, even if planning permission is not needed.
7. Wall-Mounted Solar Panels Only:
- In conservation areas or World Heritage Sites, planning consent is required if panels are to be fitted on the principal or side elevation walls and they are visible from the highway. If fitted in your garden or grounds, they should not be visible from the highway.
8. Standalone Solar Panels:
- Standalone solar panels should be no higher than four meters.
- They should be at least 5m from boundaries.
- The size of the array is limited to 9 sq m or 3m wide and 3m deep.
- They should not be installed within the boundary of a listed building.
- In conservation areas or World Heritage Sites, they should not be visible from the highway.
- Only one stand-alone solar installation is permitted.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the government website or consult with your local planning officer to ensure compliance with specific regulations in your area.