Guidance on the installation of solar panels

Before installing solar panels, it is always important to ensure your home or business is as energy efficient as it can be. That way you’ll get the most from your investment. To find out more about how to use less energy in the home contact the Energy Saving Trust advice centre free on 0800 512012 or e-mail advice@est-nyh.org.uk . More information is also available from the energy – efficiency pages of this website.

To find out how to use less energy in a commercial premises visit the York Greener Business website. This website is part of a regional Environmental Business Support Programme that has been developed to provide resources and tools to help businesses in York to go green.

Do I need planning permission?

Domestic properties

In many circumstances, solar panels fixed to the wall or roof slope of a dwelling or block of flats are classed as "permitted development" and do not require planning permission.

Unless your property is within a conservation area (see below), planning permission is not required to install solar panels on a wall or roof slope of a domestic dwelling i.e. house or block of flats providing:

1.  the solar panels do not protrude by more than 200mm beyond the plane of the wall or roof slope (measured perpendicularly);
2.  the highest part of the solar panel is no higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding any chimney);

Conservation areas

As a guide, planning permission is not required to install solar panels on the roof slope of a domestic dwelling i.e. house or block of flats, in a conservation area. This applies even if the roof slope fronts a highway. However, within conservation areas, planning permission is required when installing solar panels or other equipment on a wall fronting a highway.

All installations are subject to the following conditions:

(a) the solar panels shall, so far as is practicable, be installed so as to minimise the effect on the external appearance of the building;

(b) the solar panels shall, so far as practicable, be sited so as to minimise the effect on the amenity of the area; and

(c) any solar panels no longer needed for microgeneration are removed as soon as is reasonably practicable.

Please note that freestanding solar panels are subject to additional restrictions, not covered in this guidance note.

Domestic Listed Buildings

If you wish to install panels on a Listed Building you will need listed building consent before you can commence.  This will be in addition to planning permission if any of the above criteria are not satisfied. If the solar panels are to be installed on a building within the curtilage of a dwelling which is a listed building, planning permission will be required.

English Heritage have published a number of helpful guidance documents in connection with energy conservation and micro-generation

Additional considerations

You will also need to check that there are no restrictions on development at the property as a result of any conditions imposed on the original planning permission, or through it being covered by what is known as an Article (4) direction. Either of these mechanisms could have removed permitted development rights for certain types of development. If you are unsure of any possible restrictions applied to your home the council can check this for you. There is a charge for this through the Householder Enquiry Service (£63 including VAT) and you will need to complete a Householder Enquiry Form (see below). It may also be advisable to check the deeds of the property for any restrictions that may apply.

A 10-step guide to help residents install solar electricity generating panels is available from the renewable energy technology page  of this website and will guide residents through the process of choosing and installing the right technology for them.

Confirmation about whether your domestic installation is permitted development

If after reading the above, you are still unsure about whether planning permission is needed for a solar installation on a domestic property, or you would like written confirmation that you do or do not require planning permission, please complete and submit a Householder Enquiry Form. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy of the form by contacting (01904) 551553 or calling at the Council offices at 9 St Leonard`s Place. This will enable an officer to assess your proposal against all of the relevant criteria, check the site history and any other local designations, and come to a view as to whether planning permission is required.

This is not compulsory, and there is a charge of £63 (including VAT) for the service, but it is advisable if the comfort of a written response is required.

If consent is required, you will need to submit a householder application for planning permission, including a location plan, site plan, existing and proposed elevations, roof plan and details of the proposed installation (e.g. manufacturers brochure/photographs). If the site is within a conservation area, you will also need to submit a Design and Access Statement.

Refer to: Planning applications > How to make a planning application for further guidance.

Commercial properties

Industrial and Warehouse Buildings

Planning permission for solar panels is required if:

• The installation is used for any purpose other than those of the undertaking concerned
• The installation is within 5 metres of any boundary of the curtilage of the premises
• The external appearance of the building is materially affected (it is advisable to check whether this would apply through the submission of a Commercial Enquiry Form – see below)

Schools, Colleges, Universities and Hospitals

Planning permission for solar panels is required if:

• The installation would not be incidental to the existing use of the site
• The installation would be within 5 metres of any boundary of the curtilage of the premises
• The height of any building as extended or altered would exceed 5 metres if located within 10 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the premises, or in all other cases, the height of the building being extended or altered
• The site is within a conservation area
• The installation would be within the curtilage of a listed building

Office Buildings

Permitted development rights in office buildings for solar panels only apply to alterations at ground floor level, therefore, planning permission would be required in the vast majority of cases. You can submit a Commercial Enquiry Form if you think this does not apply (see below). Planning permission would always be required if the property is located within a conservation area.

Confirmation about whether your commercial installation is permitted development

If after reading the above, you are still unsure about whether planning permission is needed for a solar installation on a commercial property, or you would like written confirmation that you do or do not require planning permission, please complete and submit a Commercial Enquiry Form. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy of the form by contacting (01904) 551553 or calling at the Council offices at 9 St Leonard`s Place. This is not compulsory, and there is a charge of £63 (including VAT) for the service, but it is advisable if the comfort of a written response is required.

If consent is required, you will need to submit a full application for planning permission, including a location plan, site plan, existing and proposed elevations, roof plan and details of the proposed installation (e.g. manufacturers brochure/photographs). If the site is within a conservation area, you will also need to submit a Design and Access Statement.

Refer to: Planning applications > How to make a planning application for further guidance.

If you wish to install solar panels on a listed commercial premises, listed building consent will be required.

Application Costs

If planning permission is required the submission fee for a householder planning application is £150.

The submission fee for a commercial planning application is £170.

There is no additional fee for listed building consent.

Other permissions needed for domestic and non-domestic premises

The installation of solar panels may require approval under the Building Regulations, due to:

• 1. The additional loading on the roof structure, and
• 2. The associated electrical works.

To determine if your home or premises requires a Building Regulations application please contact

Building Control on 01904 551354 or email building.control@york.gov.uk

It is important to make sure the roof structure / wall and existing coverings are in sound repair prior to installation.