Before you start
You should check whether your proposal needs planning permission before installing solar equipment.
Check if you need planning permission
Solar panels on houses
In most cases, installing solar panels on a house is permitted development.
Find out more about permitted development rights
This means you do not usually need to apply for planning permission if:
- the panels are installed on your property
- they meet permitted development size and location limits
Roof-mounted solar panels will not normally require planning permission.
Wall-mounted solar panels may require planning permission, particularly where they are installed on a principal elevation or are visible from the street.
If your property is listed, you will usually need listed building consent before installing solar panels.
Free‑standing solar panels
Free‑standing or ground‑mounted solar panels may also be permitted development in some cases.
You may not need planning permission if:
- the installation is within the boundary of a house
- it meets permitted development size and location limits
Planning permission is more likely to be required if:
- the panels are placed in a prominent position (such as the front of a property)
- the installation is large or visually intrusive
- the property is a flat or shared building
Free‑standing solar panels are more likely to require planning permission than roof‑mounted panels.
When planning permission may be required
You may need planning permission if:
- the property is a listed building
- the property is in a conservation area and restrictions apply
- the panels do not meet permitted development rules
- the installation would have a significant visual impact
Listed building consent will usually be required for works to a listed building, including the installation of solar panels.
Whether planning permission is required depends on the specific circumstances of your property and the proposed installation.
Flats and other buildings
Permitted development rules for solar panels are different for flats and non‑domestic buildings.
Planning permission is more likely to be required.
Conservation areas and Article 4 Directions
If your property is in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 Direction, additional controls may apply.
Article 4 Directions usually apply to specific types of external changes, particularly those visible from the street or public areas, such as the front of a property.
In Westmorland and Furness, Article 4 Directions generally focus on external alterations such as windows, doors and materials. This can include wall-mounted equipment where it affects the external appearance of a building.
Roof-mounted solar panels are not usually affected by Article 4 Directions, but wall-mounted panels may require planning permission depending on their location and visibility.
Whether planning permission is required will depend on your specific property and the location of the installation.
Find out more about conservation areas and Article 4 Directions.
Other permissions you may need
You may also need:
- Building Regulations approval
- listed building consent (if your property is listed)
- permission from your landlord or freeholder (if applicable)
- approval from your electricity network provider (if required)
Further solar equipment guidance
Planning permission depends on your property and the proposed installation.
You can:
- check permitted development guidance
- apply for a Lawful Development Certificate for formal confirmation
- find out information about solar panels and equipment on Planning Portal
Get advice before you apply
If you are unsure about your proposal, you can: