The latest national standards for photovoltaic panel spacing

Do solar panels comply with building regulations?

Your solar panel system must comply with building regulations in terms of structural integrity, electrical safety and fire safety. These regulations may vary depending on the size and type of the installation. It's advisable to work with accredited installers who are familiar with these requirements.

When did solar panels become a building regulation?

In 2005, household electrical work was absorbed into the UK government’s official Building Regulations. A year later, the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 brought microgeneration systems like solar panels under the umbrella of the Building Regulations. Should you receive a building regulations certificate for your solar panels?

Should guidance on solar PV be included in the National Policy Statement?

The solar industry very much welcomes the addition of guidance on solar PV to the National Policy Statement for renewable energy infrastructure. However, there are several provisions which could be strengthened, which we have outlined below.

Do you need planning permission to install solar panels on your roof?

An increasing number of people are investing in solar energy. More and more homes are having solar panels, or solar tiles, installed on their roofs. Of course, with such installations, the topic of planning permission and building regulations often comes to the surface.

When will solar panels be mandatory?

In March 2024, the European Parliament approved a law requiring solar panels on all new residential buildings by 2030. The EU Solar Standard makes it mandatory for member states to gradually include solar installations in new public, commercial, and residential buildings.

How much space do you need for solar panels?

You will also need around 10 to 25 square meters of roof space available. The shape of the roof is not important. If there is any shade over the solar panels, this can have a large effect on the overall efficiency of the system.