What’s the maximum number of solar panels you can have in the UK? Assuming your property doesn’t require planning permission for a solar installation, there is no legal maximum number of solar panels that you can install on your roof in the UK. Other than usable roof space, there is nothing limiting how many solar panels you can put up there.
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.
Since most UK homes have single-phase electricity, this means anything over 3.68 kWp will require you to gain permission beforehand. DNOs usually approve solar panel installations without too much trouble or delay, though.
Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas usually require planning permission for solar panels, but for the majority of other homes a solar installation counts as a ‘permitted development’. However, it is a legal requirement of all rooftop solar panel installations that no panel sits closer than 400mm from the edge of the roof.
This is because they generally fall under permitted development rights, which allow homeowners to make reasonably sized changes without getting permission. The exceptions to this rule are typically flats, listed buildings, homes in conservation areas, and ground-mounted installations. What are the building regulations for solar panels?
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.