Planning Permission No Longer Required for Solar on Flat-roof Homes
In late 2023, as part of the government’s plan to boost solar panel installations across the UK, permitted development rights were extended for property owners looking to install flat roofs. If you’re a homeowner in England, Wales, and Scotland, you can install solar photovoltaic PV panels without planning permission.
However, it doesn’t just extend to homeowners; as part of the confirmation, the government also eradicated the 1MV capacity restriction, which previously meant that businesses had to apply for planning permission if the solar panels they installed generated over 1MW of electricity.
The changes align with the government’s broader efforts to speed up the planning process, as seen in the recently introduced Levelling Up and Regeneration Act.
Changes to the law
Announced by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the 30th of November 2023, the changes to development right rules were made in the hopes of slashing the waiting times for rooftop solar installations that were previously delayed by the planning system – a wait which usually included additional costs and was more than 8 weeks. So the changes to the planning system hope to encourage more people to install solar panels in their homes as a result.
In addition to eliminating long wait times and encouraging widespread adoption of solar panels in the UK, the revised regulations also promise to help property owners reduce their energy bills and contribute to reducing their carbon footprint and harmful emissions.
The industry supports the decision as a no-brainer
Solar Power Portal received comments from Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Graham Stuart MP, who added that the move will help the UK reach its 70GW by 2035 solar target and support long-term skilled jobs. Housing and Planning Minister Lee Rowley MP also said the move amounts to “cutting red tape in the planning system,” removing costly delays for those looking to install solar panels and benefit from cheap renewable energy. as reported by Solar Power Portal.
Also commenting on the announcement, Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett said: “The potential of installing solar power on large commercial rooftops is vast, its prospective capacity having been estimated at 15GW across the country. “So eliminating one of the stumbling blocks on the way to fulfilling that opportunity is extremely welcome. It will help to make British businesses more competitive by slashing energy bills, bolstering the economy and pushing us further towards net zero.
Solar panels won’t be permitted everywhere, however
Even with the new changes, these permitted development rights will still be subject to conditions.
For example, “If your property is in a conservation area, panels must not be fitted to a wall which fronts a highway. This includes roads, paths, and public rights of way.” Read more exceptions and conditions here.
Is it worth installing solar panels on a flat roof?
Solar panels can be successfully installed on a flat roof, as the minimal slope will accommodate solar PV panel systems.
However, to do so will take a little more consideration, as to maximise efficiency, you might need a mounting system to tilt the panels towards the sun at the right angle. A creditable and reliable installer can help with this.
Use the solar.com marketplace to find one, or calculate the costs here first.
