Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

With the near constant increase in energy prices in 2022, more and more domestic homeowners are looking to greener, cheaper methods of powering their home.

And that neatly brings us to solar panels.  The demand for solar panel installations this year has surpassed everyone’s predictions and that demand does not look like it is going to slow down.  Yet for many, there are lots of questions that needed answered about solar panels including – do you need planning permission to install a solar panel?

Solar panels are subject to normal building regulations including of course, checking whether your existing roof can support the extra loads of a solar panel installation.  At Low Energy Services, we can carry this out for you as part of our initial site survey.

Beyond the existing building regulations, there are other things to consider including:

  • The new solar panel system should be installed so that it minimises its external appearance on the building
  • The solar panel installation can not be higher than the building itself (this excludes the chimney)
  • The solar panel system cannot protrude more than 0.2 metres from the plane of the roof slope

Planning permission may be required when you are intending of installing solar panels on a flat roof. This is because, due to the nature of the install, flat roofing solar panels need to be angled and therefore protrude beyond the 0.2 metres normally allowed.

Listed buildings require consent and planning permission for solar panels to be fitted.

If your property is in a conservation zone, it may be difficult to gain permission for a solar panel installation though not impossible.  Planning can be a complicated route however but our solar panel installers can advise you on how best to proceed with permission applications.

Power your business with energy from the sun

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) modules harness energy from the sun and generate this into electricity for use in and around your building. Solar Photovoltaics not require direct sunlight but rather depends on daylight to produce electricity, meaning a system can provide energy all year around, even on a cloudy day. Solar photovoltaic systems produce energy on site which reduces your reliance on the grid. This is healthier for the environment than relying on electricity produced using fossil fuels, and as this is self-generated it can lead to a decrease in energy costs too.

Why chose Solar PV?

  • It’s simple and easy to install
  • It connects to other technologies such as Battery Storage and Electric Vehicle Charging
  • It can be easily monitored via Energy Monitoring software
  • It’s a great way to raise the green credentials of your business
  • and it’s environmentally friendly too

From survey and design, through to installation and maintenance, we offer turnkey green energy solutions for domestic homes and businesses across Scotland.

At Low Energy Services, we offer an extensive portfolio of green energy services. As well as solar panel installers and battery storage system fitters, we can provide a range of green energy solutions covering everything from energy monitoring, control strategy analysis, building heat leakage analysis, design, supply, installation and maintenance of renewable technologies to general advice on how to make your building as efficient as it can be.

Based in Glasgow and providing energy solutions across Scotland and England, we design and install energy capturing and storing systems for businesses and home owners who are looking to reap the financial benefits of solar and battery storage solutions while reducing their carbon footprint and lowering their yearly energy costs.

What we do

We are experts in the design and installation of solar panels, battery storage and electric car charging systems and have a proven track record for delivering green energy results for businesses and property owners looking for bespoke low carbon electricity generating systems. To find out more about how Low Energy Services can benefit you as you move to greener, cheaper technology, please get in touch.