The permitted development limits for a house
| Where the panels go | The limit |
|---|---|
| Pitched roof | No more than 0.2 metres beyond the roof slope, and not higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding any chimney) |
| Flat roof | The highest part no more than 0.6 metres above the highest part of the roof |
| Wall | No more than 0.2 metres where the wall abuts a highway, 0.4 metres otherwise |
| Listed building or scheduled monument | Not permitted development |
| Conservation area or World Heritage Site | Not permitted on a wall, balcony or roof enclosure that fronts a highway |
| Plug-in solar | Not permitted development on a wooden wall, balcony or enclosure, or a timber-clad part of the building; a stand-alone kit not on a wooden fence, gate, wall or other means of enclosure |
These limits are from the legislation text, which was up to date with changes in force on 15 October 2026; the most recent amendment was made on 27 August 2026.
The conditions that come with it
- Panels must, so far as practicable, be sited to minimise their effect on the building’s external appearance and on the amenity of the area.
- Equipment must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable when it is no longer needed.
- On flat roofs in certain protected areas, prior approval is needed from the local planning authority before work begins.
When you do need permission
Listed buildings, scheduled monuments, panels outside the size limits, and some conservation-area walls need permission or consent. Blocks of flats have their own limits. If you are unsure, ask your local planning authority before you sign a contract, and ask your installer to confirm in writing that the design falls within permitted development. Integrated products sit closer to the roof: see solar roof tiles and slates.
“Solar always needs planning.” For most houses in England it does not. The Energy Saving Trust describes rooftop solar on houses as permitted development that doesn’t usually need permission, with exceptions.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
The limits above apply in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own permitted development rules, and the Planning Portal notes that policy in Wales may differ. Check with your local planning authority. Building regulations and the grid notification apply separately; your installer handles those (see solar inverters).
A good installer will tell you if your home needs permission before you pay anything.
Planning doesn’t affect export payments, but the MCS certificate does: see the Smart Export Guarantee.