Is it illegal to install photovoltaic panels on your own roof

Is it illegal to install solar panels on a residential property?

A do-it-yourself solar panel installation is not illegal. You’ll typically not need planning permission to install solar panels on the roof of your residential property. You’ll need permission to install solar panels on a listed property or a conservation area.

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.

Are solar panels legal?

However, it’s crucial to understand that while installing solar panels is legal, certain conditions must be met. For most domestic properties, solar panel installations are considered a “permitted development” and do not require planning permission, provided they respect certain size criteria.

Will a new roof fit a solar panel?

Yes, they will – regardless of whether your solar panels qualify for permitted development. This means that you’ll need to prove your roof’s ability to carry the weight of the solar panels you intend to install and, if necessary, strengthen or alter it to get it ready.

Can solar panels be installed above a roof?

You don’t install solar panels above your roof’s ridgeline or the highest point of the roof, excluding chimneys. The solar panels don’t project over 20cm above the roof’s surface, but they may project by up to 60cm for flat roofs. You make every practical effort to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the building during installation.

Can you install solar panels on land instead of a roof?

If the DIY solar panel installation is on land instead of your roof, the first installation will be permitted development, but any additional units will require planning permission. You must also ensure that: The panels are not taller than 4 meters and don’t exceed an area of 9 square meters.