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.
The solar panels must not be installed on a building that is a listed building, unless the panels are flush with the roof or integrated into the roof covering. If your solar panel installation falls within these parameters, your neighbours won’t have any grounds to object.
Your local authority can also apply for a Confiscation Order to take away any money you’ve earned with your system – so there’s absolutely no benefit to installing solar panels that don’t meet building regulations. It’s crucial that your solar installation follows all building regulations.
In Scotland, you won’t usually need planning permission for domestic solar panel systems if they're below a certain size. However, you should confirm this with your local planning officer, especially if your home is a listed building, in a conservation area, or World Heritage Site.
Before installing solar panels on a flat roof located on Article 2 (3) land, you must apply to your local planning authority (LPA) for prior approval to assess their impact on the appearance of the site. If the LPA deems the impact detrimental, then planning permission is required.
There are certain parameters that solar panel installations must adhere to in order to be considered a ‘permitted development.’ These parameters include: The solar panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the surface of the roof, or more than 1m above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys).