It is no surprise that sustainable energy is something that businesses need to invest in if they want to position themselves as  thought leaders and forward-thinking in their industry. Not to mention that sustainable energy is becoming increasingly important to consider, too.  

One of the first questions that business owners may ask is, ‘Do you have to have planning permission for solar panels and solar farms?’. Here, we’ll look at the legal and regulatory requirements around installing solar panels and solar farms.  

Planning permission for solar panels on commercial buildings  

First, let’s take a look at what exactly planning permission is and why certain projects will need it. Planning permission is a regulatory requirement by the local government that is implemented to control the use of land and development on that land. So, if your business is looking to have a new building constructed, you’ll need to first get permission from the local government.  

So, in terms of commercial solar panels and solar farms, the same rules apply. The government needs to ensure that any development aligns with local planning policies, taking into consideration the impact this will have on the environment and the community.  For commercial solar installations, whether on a small scale on a business rooftop or a large solar farm on open land, understanding these regulations is crucial.

So, do you have to have planning permission for commercial solar panels? The short answer to this question is likely no, however, there are some instances where you will need planning permission for solar panels on commercial buildings. Most commercial solar panels already meet the requirements for Permitted Development, which are rights that allow you to make certain building changes without having to fill in a planning application.  

There are, however, limitations to this to ensure that communities are looked after. For example, you’ll find it difficult to gain permission to be able to install solar panels next to a historical building.  

Factors influencing planning permission

There are different factors that influence planning permission, though. By taking a more detailed look at this, you’ll be able to work out whether or not planning permission is needed for your solar panels.  

Scale and location

The size and location of your commercial solar panels will impact whether or not you’ll need planning permission, as well as the location of the installation.  Small rooftop systems on commercial buildings often have different requirements than large, ground-mounted solar farms. Also, urban areas may have stricter visibility and aesthetic regulations compared to rural settings where solar farms are typically more acceptable.  

Environmental impact

Although installing solar panels is most definitely a positive step to take towards being environmentally friendly, the effect on wildlife, water sources, and soil integrity will still need to be taken into consideration when looking at installation.  

Heritage and visual impact

As mentioned previously, historical buildings will need to be preserved when looking to install solar panels. In areas where buildings or landscapes have historical significance, additional restrictions may apply.  

The visual impact of solar panels and the extent to which they alter the character of a site can be a significant factor in the approval process. When it comes to commercial buildings, it is usually the case that commercial solar panels can be installed without extensive planning permission if certain criteria are met (for example, not protruding significantly beyond the roof slope).  

However, it is crucial to check local regulations as they can vary widely. Some regions encourage renewable energy use by simplifying the approval processes for smaller installations. ‍

Planning permission for solar farms

In the UK, the process of obtaining planning permission for solar farms involves specific regulations depending on the size and location of the project. For smaller-scale projects under 50 megawatts (MW), applications are generally handled by Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), which assess the potential impact on local amenities, landscape, and the visual effects of the installation.  

Larger projects exceeding 50 MW are categorised as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and require approval directly from the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

So,  as you can tell, planning permission for solar farms is a bit trickier as they require more detailed planning applications. The key things that need to be considered include:  

• Land use: Solar farms need large areas to be installed, and converting agricultural land can easily cause disagreements.  

• Community impact: you may be required to engage with your local community to reassure them should they raise any concerns.  ‍

‍How to know if your solar panels fall under permitted development

There will be a different set of regulations for wall-mounted, ground-mounted, and roof-mounted solar panels. However, since April 2015, most non-domestic solar installations under 1 megawatt have been classed as permitted development under official regulations.  

However, it is important to mention that solar panels need to meet certain standards to meet permitted development.  

Roof-mounted solar:

• Commercial solar panels mounted on roofs or walls must not extend beyond 200mm from the surface of the wall or roof slope.

• For installations on pitched and flat roofs, panels must be positioned at least 1 metre away from the roof's external edges or the wall joint upon which they are mounted.

• In the case of flat roof installations, the panels mounted on the roof should not rise more than 1 metre above the roof's surface, nor should they be the tallest feature on the roof.

Ground-mounted solar:

• A ground-mounted solar array is limited to a total area of 9 square metres, cannot extend beyond 3 metres in any direction, and must not exceed a height of 4 metres above the ground.

• Only a single ground-mounted system is permitted per building.

• Solar panels must not be installed within 5 metres of the boundary surrounding a listed building's property. Installations within this boundary are likely to require planning permission.

Other conditions to be aware of

Besides the conditions outlined above, there are more general requirements that also need to be taken into account. We’ve mentioned before that the local government will ensure that the aesthetics of buildings are kept as close to the original version as possible. This includes the surrounding area of the building, too.  

Also, if there is any additional solar PV equipment needed beyond the panels and brackets required, you may need to get prior approval from the local authority 56 days before the installation of the panels. This allows the designs to be looked over and the impact on the environment to be reviewed.  

Additionally, your solar panel installation must comply with building regulations relevant to solar panel setups. These regulations focus primarily on safety, covering structural safety and electrical safety of the building. They ensure that the roof can support the extra weight of the solar panels and that the installation poses no direct or indirect hazard to people or property.

Navigating the planning process

You may need to begin the planning permission process. Being able to successfully navigate the planning process means that you’ll need to engage in a few key steps.  

• Preliminary consultation: make sure that you communicate with local planning officers initially to find out what the specific requirements are and if any obstacles may come your way.  

• Application preparation: ensure that you’ve included any environmental impact studies, detailed site plans, and visual impact assessments to cover all bases.  

• Community engagement: proactively address community concerns through meetings and information sessions.

There are also further instances where you’ll need to get planning permission for your solar panel installations. For example, if:  

• Your solar panels will be installed on a listed building

• Your solar panels will be installed on any building within the grounds of a listed building

• The site has already been designated as a scheduled ancient monument

• Your installation site is within any other type of conservation area that’s subject to specific local rules  

• If the building is on Article 2(3) designated land, and the equipment is not installed on a wall or a roof slope which fronts a highway

• With roof-mounted commercial solar panels, if the capacity for electricity generation across the whole of your site exceeds 1 megawatt (1 MW)

So, do you need to have planning permission for solar panels?

Securing planning permission for solar panels on commercial buildings and solar farms can be a complex process, but understanding the key factors and regulations can streamline your experience.  

Consult with renewable energy experts like us at Sustain Commercial Solar to ensure compliance with the planning permission process and to facilitate a smoother approval process. Contact us today on 0333 880 0891 for more information.  

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