Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Solar panels on a house roof are permitted development in England in most cases, with a few limits on where they go and how far they stick out.
Check your own solar panels in about 20 seconds: we look up your postcode's official conservation area and Article 4 data and apply these rules to your home.
These are the rules for houses in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own, similar but different. Flats and maisonettes have no householder permitted development rights.
Usually no planning permission needed if
- Panels stick out no more than 20cm from the roof or wall.
- Nothing higher than the highest part of the roof (chimneys aside).
- Placed, as far as practical, to limit the effect on how the house and area look.
You need planning permission if
- Your home is listed: you need listed building consent for most work, inside or out.
- In a conservation area, panels on a wall that faces a road.
- Your permitted development rights were removed by a planning condition or an Article 4 direction (ask the council, or check the planning history of your home).
Building regulations
Yes for the electrics and the roof's strength: a registered installer can certify it. Check the roof can take the weight.
Planning permission and building regulations are separate: a project can need one, both or neither.
Also think about
- Tell your network operator: installers usually do this.
- Flats: the freeholder's consent, and planning, are usually needed.
Questions people ask
Do I need permission for panels in a conservation area?
Panels on a roof are often still permitted development, but not on a wall facing a road. Check with the council, as some areas have extra controls.
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General guidance from LocalWins, last checked October 2026. It is not legal advice or a planning decision, and every home is different: confirm anything important with your council or a qualified professional.