In most cases, installing solar panels on the roof of a detached, semi-detached, or terraced house, (not a flat or maisonette), and the roof of most types of outbuilding, is considered permitted development and does not require planning permission.
Even though they do not typically require planning permission, we always recommend making an application for a Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed Use or Development) to see whether their solar panels would need formal planning permission or not.
There is also guidance available for if you have already installed the panels.
If your property is not visible from a road you will not, in most cases, need planning permission to install solar panels.
The installation of solar panels is usually a permitted development provided it complies with the following criteria:
- the solar panels do not protrude more than 0.2 metres beyond the plane of the wall or roof slope or exceed the highest part of the roof (excluding the chimney).
- solar panels should as far as possible be sited to minimise their effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area.
Useful links
Please visit the Planning Portal to find out more about home energy generation.
Further information can be found the HEIS website.
Please note that when we signpost or refer to external organisations for services this is not an endorsement or a recommendation of an external organisation or private individual by South Cambridgeshire Council. We encourage residents to carry out their own research to compare different service providers to best meet their needs.