National Photovoltaic Panel Planning

What is a solar photovoltaic (PV)?

iple solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. They are used to generate energy at a large scale to feed into the electricity grid and to supply power o domestic and commercial consumers. They differ from small-scale solar panels, which are used by homeowners, businesses or community groups to supply p

What is a large scale solar PV installation called?

Large scale solar PV installations are known as solar farms. Planning is a devolved matter. The main focus of this briefing is on planning in England. The joint briefing paper Comparison of the planning systems in the four UK countries: 2016 update provides information about planning and consenting regimes in the other UK countries.1

Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?

The installation of solar panels and equipment on residential buildings and land may be 'permitted development' with no need to apply to the local authority for planning permission. There are, however, important limits and conditions, detailed on the following pages, which must be met to benefit from these permitted development rights.

Are solar farms a 'critical national priority'?

The Secretary of State will decide applications for large-scale solar farms in line with energy national policy statements. These were updated in January 2024. They now state that the development of low-carbon infrastructure, such as solar farms, is a ‘critical national priority’.

Can solar panels be installed without a planning system?

Changes to permitted development rights rules will mean more homeowners and businesses will be able to install solar panels on their roofs without going through the planning system. Currently those who have to go through the planning system are having to wait over eight weeks and face extra costs.

Do LPAs approve small-scale solar farms?

LPAs in England will decide applications for smaller-scale solar farms in line with their local plan and the national planning policies. Government guidance advises LPAs to approve renewable energy developments whose “impacts are (or can be made) acceptable”.