Consents and Permissions for PV Systems

When considering installing solar panels on a property, you need to find out before work starts whether you need any permissions and/or consent. You can find out more about planning permission and permitted development rights by visiting the Planning Portal website.

Consent is required for installing any type of photovoltaic (PV) installation on a listed building or scheduled monument. Planning permission may be required for a building in a conservation area or for installations that affect designated wildlife sites. More information can be found on our Consent and Planning Permission Requirements page.

All PV installations must comply with Building Regulations and your local authority Building Control team will need to be notified. The parts of Building Regulations that apply to PV systems are Part A Structure, Part B Fire Safety and Part P Electrical Safety.

The installation of a PV system on a listed place of worship which is eligible for ecclesiastical exemption (Baptist Union of Great Britain, Church of England, Methodist Church of Great Britain, Roman Catholic Church and United Reformed Church) will need permission from the relevant denominational authority, but will not require listed building consent. Planning permission will also be required. Our Places of Worship web pages explain the processes you need to follow.