Solar Panel Building Regulations and SAP calculations

Written-by

Janet Richardson

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett-Gardiner

Updated on

Oct 03, 2023

Solar Panel Building Regulations and SAP calculations

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. There is a lot of uncertainty with regards to whether or not you need planning permission, especially with numerous internet sites claiming different facts.

However, on this page, we lay out exactly what you need to do, the planning you need, and the regulations you need to follow in order to have solar panels (or tiles) installed.

Planning permission

In April 2008, changes to legislation were made. This deemed that the installation of solar panels became a permitted development. As a result of this, planning permission is no longer required for solar panels unless the building is listed or located in a conservation area. However, living in a conservation area does not, in itself, prevent you from carrying out the installation.

There are a large number of formally approved solar panel installations in conservation areas, including on roofs that face the road. What you need to do is speak to your local council and let them know about your decision to install. Unless there is a valid reason to state otherwise, permission for the installation should be granted. In some conservation areas (such as historical ones), it may be requested that you use solar roof tiles instead of panels.

Practical advice

In addition to the official regulation that surrounds PV installation, it is essential to consider some of the practicalities that come with having solar panels fitted. The orientation of the proposed installation site is a crucial part because solar systems are most efficient when they are fitted to a roof that faces south at an angle of 32 degrees. You will also need around 10 to 25 square metres 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. As a result, it is important to clear the installation area of any overhanging branches, and to ensure the panels are not fitted in the shadow of a chimney or aerial.

Permitted developments

In the vast majority of cases, installing solar PV will not require any form of planning permissions. This is because solar panels are (as mentioned earlier) permitted developments (or PD) under the relevant legislation. If you wish to avoid the need for planning permission, the panels must:

• Not be installed above the highest point of the property (not including chimneys)
• Be fitted in a way that least affects the external appearance of the property and the surrounding area
• Not protrude more than 200mm from the surface of your roof
   

An inspector from your local Building Control Office may decide to visit your property before the installation begins. This is standard procedure. In addition to this, if you stop using your panels for the generation of electricity, they need to be removed as soon as possible.

Planning permission

It is true that the majority of solar PV installations will be classed as a PD. However, there are instances where you will need to seek planning permission from your local authority. This is the case if your solar panels:

• Do not meet the PD requirements set out in the above section
• Are set to be installed on a listed building
• Are set to be installed on a world heritage site
• Are standalone, and you plan to install multiple units (the first standalone unit is a PD)
   

If you live in Scotland, there are a few additional rules that require planning permission. If the solar panels are going to be installed on the exterior walls of a block of flats, or if any of the panels will end up sitting within one metre of the edge of a flat roof. You can find out more information by contacting your local planning office.

Building Regulations

Regardless of whether or not planning permission is required for the installation of your solar panels, the installation itself is still subject to standard building regulations. You will need to check that your roof is capable of supporting the additional weight that comes with the solar panels. You will also be required to carry out any potential alterations to make it safe.

All other standard health and safety measures must be adhered to, and you may have to prove to your local planning office that your property fully complies with these specific requirements. The best way for you to avoid any problems with building regulations is to use an MCS certified installer for the fitting of your solar panels. You can find a full list of them on the MCS website.

List of considerations:

• In most cases, solar panel installations on residential properties in the UK do not require planning permission but they will need to meet criteria such as not being more than 200mm from the surface of the roof. 
• If your property is a listed building or located within a conservation area, stricter rules may apply. You may need to obtain consent or adhere to specific design guidelines.
• 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.
• To connect your solar panel system to the electrical grid and benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you will need to speak with your local District Network Operator (DNO). 
• If your solar panel installation involves work on a shared or party wall, you may need to comply with the Party Wall Act. This might require notifying your neighbor and obtaining their consent.
• If you live in a house with permitted development rights you can install solar panels without planning permission, subject to certain conditions and limitations. These rights may vary based on location and property type, so you must check with your local planning authority.
• Large-scale solar projects may require an Environmental Impact Assessment, especially if they are located in environmentally sensitive areas like a green belt or AONB. 
• Safety regulations should be followed during the installation process, including proper handling of electrical components and ensuring the safety.
• Check with your home insurance provider to ensure that your solar panel system is adequately covered in case of damage or other unforeseen events.
• It's crucial to consult with local authorities, experienced installers and legal professionals when planning a solar panel system to ensure compliance with laws and regulations in your specific location. Regulations can change over time, so staying informed about the latest requirements is essential.
   

Want to Know More?

Have you found yourself interested in solar panels? If you're ready to get some quotes in, head over to our directory of approved installation companies or simply give us a ring using the number at the top of this page and have a chat.