Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels in the UK?

As solar energy continues to gain momentum across the UK, it’s important for businesses, schools, and property owners to understand the current regulations surrounding solar panel installations. Knowing when planning permission is required-and when it isn’t-can streamline your installation process and prevent any unnecessary delays. This update will outline the key rules for installing solar PV systems on commercial, Industrial, and public sector buildings in England.

What are the current planning permission rules for solar?

In some cases, installing solar panels on a non-domestic buildings is considered Permitted Development under UK planning laws. Which means that planning permissions isn’t typically required, as long as certain conditions are met. This applies throughout England and are designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy without any unnecessary barriers.

The same rules generally apply to domestic properties. Homeowners can usually install solar panels on their roofs without needing planning consent, provided the system complies with size and placement limitations.

When is planning permission NOT needed?

Planning permission is generally not required on solar panels on commercial buildings if the following conditions are met:

• The solar panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the surface of the roof or wall.
• The highest part of the solar panels must be lower than the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).
• The installation must not be on a listed building or within the grounds of a listed building.
• If the property is in a designated area, such as a conservation area or World Heritage Site.
• The solar panels are not installed on a wall that faces a highway.

These conditions are set out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. This gives property owners the freedom to install renewable energy systems without the delays & costs of a full planning application.

When is planning permission required?

There are specific situations where planning permission may be necessary. These include:

• Installing solar panels on a listed building or on land within the grounds of a listed building.
• Properties located in conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or world heritage sites, particularly where panels would be visible from public roads.
• Ground-mounted solar arrays on commerical or agricultural land, depending on their size and placement.
• Large-scale installations or where structural changes to the building are required.

In these cases, a planning application must be submitted to your local authority.

Planning support for commercial and public sector buildings

With increased funding from the UK government, such as the recent £200 million commitment to solar installations on schools and hospitals, more organisations are considering rooftop solar for their properties. While many of these installations will fall within permitted development rules, larger or more complex projects may require additional planning support.

At Fusion Electrics, we assist with every stage of the solar process—from initial feasibility assessments to handling planning applications where needed. Our team works closely with local authorities to ensure compliance and to help projects move forward without unnecessary delays.

How can Fusion Electrics help?

At Fusion Electrics, we specialise in designing and delivering high-performance solar panel systems for commerical, industrial, and public sector buildings across the UK. From small-scale rooftop arrays to large, multi-site installations, our team handles the process from end to end.

Whether your project qualifies under Permitted Development or requires full planning permission, we ensure every detail is managed efficiently and compliantly. Our expertise in navigating local regulations and delivering MCS-Certified installations makes us a trusted partner for organisations across the UK.

If you are planning a solar project and want to speak to an expert, contact Fusion Electrics today.