Solar Panels on Dwelling Houses

Surrey Heath Borough Council is keen to promote energy efficiency throughout the Borough. One of the ways this can be done is for house owners to use the power of the sun to heat water or to produce electricity using photovoltaic cells. The Council would encourage planning applications for this type of development; however it also has a duty to protect the quality of the existing built and natural environments, particularly with respect to Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. In some cases, therefore the need to preserve the local environment will outweigh the need to encourage residents to use solar power. Consequently, a balance needs to be struck between energy efficiency and environmental considerations.

This guidance note explains the situations in which planning permission may be needed for solar power installations on private dwellings.

Generally, you can install solar panels without the need for planning permission provided that:

• (a) The solar PV or solar thermal equipment would not protrude more than 200 millimetres beyond the plane of the wall or the roof slope when measured from the perpendicular with the external surface of the wall or roof slope; .
• (b) It would result in the highest part of the solar PV or solar thermal equipment being higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding any chimney);

If you live in a Conservation Area, you cannot, without planning permission, install solar panel(s) on the roof where the panel would be sited on the principal or side elevation of the dwellinghouse and would be visible from the highway.
If your proposal affects a Listed Building, you will need listed buildings consent before you install the solar panel(s). Listed buildings consent will only be granted where the Council is satisfied that the panel(s) would not be detrimental to the character or appearance of the Listed Building.

Where planning permission is required, the Council will want to ensure that solar panel(s) are sited where they do minimal harm to the appearance of the property and to the area. If you can site the solar panel at the rear or side of the property, this may be the best approach and may not need planning permission.

The Council may refuse applications for solar panels that are attached to the front elevations of houses or are prominent on the roof of the property.

*In situations where solar panel(s) are to be attached to the house by means of brackets or other supports it will be necessary for you to write to the Council to determine whether the proposed panels are "permitted development". This will also be the case if you wish to erect a freestanding solar panel or attach a solar panel to an outbuilding within the curtilage of a dwelling house. To help the council decide, you should provide a location plan, details of dimensions and siting.
This guidance note is intended to give you the basic facts relating to solar panels. If you are in any doubt as to whether planning permission is required or you need further guidance about your proposal please contact Surrey Heath Borough Council.