Solar · Advice
Can leaseholders in a block of flats get solar panels?
Short answer
Usually only with the freeholder's agreement, because the roof and walls normally belong to the freeholder or management company. Options are a communal system on the roof shared among flats, individual plug-in panels on a balcony where the lease and planning rules allow, or a landlord scheme. Lenders and insurers also need to agree.
Last checked 24 September 2026 · 1 source
In more detail
- England SI 2026/896 now sets separate permitted-development limits for blocks of flats and bars plug-in solar on timber balconies/walls.
- DESNZ response notes concerns about balcony panels in multi-occupancy buildings (fire, falling panels) and landlord/occupier responsibilities.
- Shared-roof systems need metering arrangements to split benefits; SEG is paid to the export contract holder.
The facts, dated
- 01England GPDO amended to separate solar limits for dwellinghouses and blocks of flats (in force 27 Aug 2026) — 2026-08-27
regulation · England · checked 24 September 2026 · legislation.gov.uk
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk — www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/896/made
Last checked: 24 September 2026