Solar panels

Free planning advice is available for residents if you are considering solar panels or other energy efficiency measures via our Duty Planning Service

Solar panels on a residential property

There are two main types of solar energy:

Solar photovoltaics (PV)

This is the most common form of solar energy.

These are solar panels or solar roof tiles that capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity that you can use in your home.

If you're interested, you also have the option to join our Solar Together scheme. This helps residents to save money on solar photovoltaics by pooling buyer power.

Solar thermal

These are smaller panels that generate heat from sunlight, which is usually used to supply hot water.

Planning permission for solar panels

Solar panels do not normally require planning permission, except where:

  • exceeds the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney)
  • project more than 200mm from the roof slope or wall surface
  • listed buildings
  • an Article 4 direction removes permitted development rights
  • on a wall (excluding the roof) which fronts a highway in a conservation area.

If planning permission is required, you must submit an application with details of the location, design and appearance (including projection of panels from roofslope).

Note: Some Article 4 properties (Properties affected by Article 4 Directions) may need planning permission.

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