In the UK, the installation of solar panels is subject to both planning permission and building regulations approval. While planning permission focuses on the aesthetics and impact of the installation on the local environment, building regulations primarily deal with the technical aspects of the installation.
Compliance with building regulations helps protect the integrity of the building, ensures electrical safety, and minimizes the risk of accidents or damage caused by improper installation. In the UK, the installation of solar panels is subject to both planning permission and building regulations approval.
However, make sure you follow all building regulations and apply for planning permission if necessary, as your neighbour could report your installation to the local authority if you don’t – which could result in your panels having to come down.
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?
A year later, the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 brought microgeneration systems like solar panels under the umbrella of the Building Regulations. You should receive a building regulations certificate, known as a completion certificate, for your solar panel system.
Rooftop solar installations always need building regulations approval, but rarely require planning permission. This is because they generally fall under permitted development rights, which allow homeowners to make reasonably sized changes without getting permission.