This guide provides a detailed overview of solar PV planning permission requirements, focusing on commercial and industrial contexts, to help property owners and energy managers navigate the process effectively.
For businesses considering solar installations, understanding the regulatory landscape is critical, and it is key to determine whether planning permission for solar PV panels is required
At the beginning of 2024, a review led by the Departments for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), and Media and Sport identified planning rules for solar PV panels as a key barrier to broader adoption.
This guide provides a detailed overview of planning permission requirements, focusing on commercial and industrial contexts, to help property owners and energy managers navigate the process effectively.
Commercial Solar Installation – Ryedene Primary School, Essex (Image: Tanjent)
What is planning permission for solar PV panels?
In many cases, solar PV panels installed at commercial and residential properties benefits from ‘permitted development rights’, which allow projects to proceed without formal planning approval. This has been the case since late 2023, at which time the government also removed the 1MW capacity restriction, which required businesses to apply for planning permission if its solar panels were to generate over 1MW of electricity.
These rights are subject to specific conditions and limitations, particularly for commercial properties. Understanding when planning permission applies for solar PV is essential to avoid delays, fines, or the need to remove non-compliant installations.
Do solar PV panels fall under permitted development?
Permitted development rights are granted under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, allowing certain developments to proceed without a formal application.
For commercial properties, permitted development rights apply to rooftop solar PV systems that meet the following conditions:
- The panels do not exceed one metre above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).
- The installation does not extend beyond the roof’s edge.
- The system is not installed on a listed building or within a conservation area where it would affect the building’s character.
Ground-mounted solar PV systems may also qualify for permitted development if they meet size and location restrictions. However, larger arrays or installations in sensitive areas often require full planning permission for solar PV panels.
Read more: Solar Power Portal
