We are keen to promote micro level renewable energy where possible in order to contribute towards a more sustainable city. Energy which is used at source is the most efficient way of utilising renewable energy.

Along with domestic wind turbines, Solar panels are becoming more a cost effective and environmentally friendly way of powering a home.

Do I need planning permission?

You can check whether permission is needed by completing and submitting a Householder Enquiry Form, which you can download on the right handside of this page or obtain from the Council offices at 9 St Leonard's Place.

Solar panels fixed to the roof of a single dwelling house or curtilage building are classed as "development", but may often be "permitted development".

As a guide, planning permission will not be required for installation of solar panels on house roofs subject to all of the following:-

• The panel(s) should be fixed parallel to the existing roof slopes.
  
• The panel(s) should project no more above the roof surface than a typical roof light (a 'velux' style window - up to 10 cm projection).
  
• The highest part of the panel(s) should not be higher than the highest part of the original roof.
  
• There are no restrictions on development at the house (as a result of conditions imposed on the original planning permission).
  
• The property is not a Listed Building.
  
• The property is not within a Conservation Area. It may still be possible to install solar panels without planning permission but the Development Control Section should be contacted first. Generally the installation of panels on the roofslope fronting a highway would be considered to be a material alteration requiring planning permission.
  
• The property is not a flat, whether it is in a purpose-built block of flats or a house or other building converted into flats.

Solar panels fixed to house walls do not normally need permission provided:-

• The highest part of the panel(s) is not higher than the highest part of the original roof.
  
• The highest part of the panel(s) does not exceed 4 metres in height, within 2 metres of a boundary of the curtilage of the house.
  
• The panel(s) does not project closer to a highway than the original house unless there would be 20 metres between it and the highway.

In conservation areas solar panels on walls would not be "permitted development". They would need planning permission and it is likely that they would be refused on visual appearance grounds. There could also be efficiency problems if panels were to be installed on walls.

Other permissions     

The installation of solar panels will also require a Building Regulations application, due to:
 a) the additional loading on the roof structure, and
 b) the associated electrical works.
Please contact Building Control on 01904 551380 for more information.

For further advice including information on low carbon buildings and government grants for solar panels, see the Energy Saving Trust website.