Solar · Fitting
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in England?
Short answer
Usually not for a house. Since 27 August 2026, rooftop panels are permitted development if they protrude no more than 0.2 m and stay below the highest part of the roof. Listed buildings always need consent, and in conservation areas panels on walls or balconies fronting a road are excluded. Article 4 directions can remove these rights.
Last checked 24 September 2026 · 1 source
In more detail
- SI 2026/896 in force 27 Aug 2026; separate rules for pitched roofs, flat roofs, walls, balconies, blocks of flats.
- Stand-alone: 9 m2, height 1/2/4 m by position; not within listed curtilage.
- Plug-in solar not on wooden walls/balconies/fences.
The facts, dated
- 01England GPDO amendment (SI 2026/896) in force — 2026-08-27
regulation · England · checked 24 September 2026 · legislation.gov.uk
- 02Pitched roof protrusion limit under Class A — 0.2 m
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