There are many benefits to installing solar panels on residential properties in the UK. They are growing in demand with many household owners and property developers installing them on their property. However, when it comes to solar panels on houses, there are some key legal requirements in the UK. To make sure you stay within the law, we'll discuss what you will need to consider and the steps you need to take.
In this guide, we'll cover:
Solar panel regulations in the UK
Solar panels and planning permission
The building regulations homeowners need to abide by
Responsibilities of homeowners and the rules they must follow
Is Planning Permission Required for Solar Panels?
In a lot of residential situations, planning permission does not need to be obtained due to permitted development. This means the homeowner or property developer does not need to obtain planning permission if installing solar panels on their home.
However, there are certain situations in which planning permission should be obtained. For instance, if you want to add solar panels to a property that is listed, you would need planning permission. Also, if the property is in a conservative area, this would require planning permission.
Permitted Development Rights
When solar panels are going to be installed, it’s not always the case that planning permission is required. Domestic solar panel installations are considered to have permitted development under the UK planning law. This means that planning permission is not required to install solar panels. This law was changed in 2023 to encourage homeowners to use more renewable energy sources.
Certain conditions must be met for permitted development rights for solar panels which include:
Panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the roof. This helps to protect the appearance of the building.
The solar panels must not affect the structure of the roof or the appearance of the property.
A certified installer must confirm the roof can bear the weight of solar panels.
Exceptions Requiring Planning Permission
In some cases, planning permission may still be required for installing solar panels. Here are some of the following exceptions:
If the property is a listed building, planning permission would be needed to install solar panels.
If the property is located within a conservation area, this would also require planning.
If the solar panels alter the appearance of the property.
If the local planning authority has its own regarding planning for solar panels.
Flats also would require planning permission to install solar panels.
Solar Panel Installation and Building Regulations
You need to make sure that any solar panel installation complies with UK building regulations. There are particular safety regulations such as electrical regulations. There are standards for wiring and fire safety that must be followed. It is also important to follow the roof structure regulations.
A certified installer is required to do the installation. To stay within building regulations compliance, the installer must be a member of a government-approved scheme.
The main scheme is the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This certifies an installer and gives quality assurance and consumer protection. This is for those installing electricity technologies which include solar panels and heat pumps.
Structural Integrity
Building regulations require solar panels to only be installed if there is structural integrity. This clearly states that the roof must be examined to confirm it can hold solar panels. An installer is essential to check the weight of the solar panels that will be supported by the roof.
The installer will assess the roof’s structural integrity and will make sure it can handle the additional load.
Grid Connection and Energy Tariffs
Connecting to the Grid
The homeowners who want to install solar panels on the National Grid will need to contact their Distribution Network Operator (DNO). They are in charge of the local electricity network and will make sure the connection to the grid occurs smoothly. Any surplus energy which is generated can be fed back into the National grid to make sure this is efficient. By informing them, this can also generate income for the property owner through the Smart Export Guarantee.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee, known as SEG gives homeowners payments from the surplus energy. Homeowners can sell the excess electricity generated by their solar panels to energy suppliers who offer a tariff. The tariff depends on the energy supplier and is often recorded by a meter. This is often a good side income which would be beneficial to landlords. Property developers will also find this a benefit on new properties.
To take advantage of the scheme, the homeowner needs a smart meter and has had a certified installation.
Rights and Responsibilities of Homeowners
Neighbours’ Rights
Homeowners need to respect their neighbours’ rights when they are considering solar panels. While installing the solar panels is straightforward, homeowners should consider the potential impact on neighbours:
Solar panels on a property may block neighbour’s sunlight
This may cause glare on the neighbour's property
They might be concerned about the value of the property if attached
They can worry about the impact on the visual appeal of the property.
Neighbour disputes may occur if their property is affected. Communication is key to avoiding issues.
Homeowners' Associations and Leases
If the property is subject to a lease, there might be restrictions on alterations to the building. This could be relevant in terms of flats which come with a lease. The owner should check the terms of their lease in the case of alterations. There also may be an issue if the homeowner is part of a homeowner’s association. They may have set restrictions on the houses. It’s best to consult the association before installing solar panels to get approval.
Incentives for Solar Panel Installation
Government Grants and Loans
Here are some of the available government incentives for installing solar panels:
Green Mortgages have special rates if you purchase an energy-efficient property.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) enables you to get help if you are making energy-saving improvements. This can help with the cost of installing the solar panels. You need to be on certain benefits or live in social housing to be applicable.
Solar Together is a community buying scheme that enables a reduction in installation for an entire group. Homeowners in a particular council apply for solar panels. Companies bid to install the solar panels for the group.
Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 sees low-income households in an off-grid area get a grant of up to £10,000 for solar panels.
Zero per cent VAT means that the VAT rate for solar panels is at zero per cent.
Best Practices for Installing Solar Panels
1. Use Certified Installers
When homeowners want to install solar panels, they need to use certified installers. By doing this, you can ensure compliance with solar panel building regulations UK. Certified installers will also suggest any eligibility for schemes.
They can also check if solar panel planning permission UK is required for installing solar panels. This can make sure you are within the law when installing solar panels.
2. Consider Long-Term Maintenance
Homeowners should also consider long-term maintenance of the solar panels. This will make sure they operate efficiently over a lifetime. If the property is sold down the line, homeowners can ask for a higher rate if they have sustained fully-working solar panels. The owner can have a long-lasting smart export guarantee to earn extra money.
Homeowners should make sure cleaning and repairs are done timely by a certified installer. They should do this annually to keep the solar panels in good condition.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
UK Planning Law Compliance
It’s important that when you install solar panels on your property you comply with UK Planning Law. You need to ensure that the installation adheres to permitted development rules which will allow you to install the solar panels without needing to apply for planning permission.
In the case that the property is listed or in an area of conservation, you will need to obtain planning permission. You will need to comply with UK planning laws and make sure you follow the set requirements.
Building Regulations Compliance
You also need to meet UK building regulations when you want to install solar panels on your property. It’s important to seek legal advice to make sure you are within the law when it comes to building regulations.
It’s important to use an installer who is certified to make sure you comply with building regulations. Using a certified installer will make sure that the solar panel system is safe and legally compliant.
They can highlight issues like structural problems and any potential disputes with neighbours.
FAQs
What are the building regulations for solar panel installation?
There are certain building regulations you must abide by for solar panel installation. The solar panels must not put excess pressure on the property’s roof. The installation would need to be completed by a certified installer. Electrical restrictions need to be considered too when completing the solar panel installation.
Can I sell excess energy from my solar panels to the grid?
You can sell your excess energy to your energy supplier. With the smart export guarantee, you can sell the energy for compensation. This is an excellent way to save some money on your energy bills.
What should I do if my property is listed or in a conservation area?
You would need to obtain planning permission to install solar panels if you live in a conservation area or your property was listed. In this case, you will need to gather all information and complete the application. Legal advice would be necessary as well as support from a certified installer.
You would need to provide the location and size of the solar panels. You would then need to submit it to the local planning authority. They would then review this and decide whether to grant the planning permission. This can take several weeks. You can then start installing but must follow any set conditions.
Are there any government incentives for installing solar panels?
There are several loans and grants that people can apply to when installing solar panels. It depends on the area and the circumstances such as household income. This can help to reduce the cost of installing solar panels.
Conclusion
Solar panels are an appealing option for homeowners with both environmental and financial benefits. To make sure you stay within the law when installing solar panels, you must consider the legal requirements. It’s important to work out if you will need planning permission for the installation. You should also consider whether the installation will be within building regulations. As we have discussed, it’s also important to contact the National Grid to reap the benefits of the solar panels.
When you are considering installing solar panels, you should consult with Lawhive’s property lawyers and experts. They will give you personalised advice on the legal requirements for solar panel installations.