Do Solar Panels Need Planning Permission?

The general position

Solar on a house often falls under permitted development, subject to conditions about how far the panels project, where they sit relative to the roof plane, and the property's designation.

Where it does not apply

Listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats and maisonettes. Local designations vary, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own planning regimes.

Edinburgh

The New Town and much of central Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site and heavily conservation-designated, so panel visibility from the street is often the deciding factor.

What to do

Check with your local planning authority for your specific property before you commit. Your installer will usually help, but the responsibility for consent sits with the property owner.