Is It Legal To Install Your Own Solar Panels? UK

With increasing energy prices and the cost of living, more and more people in the UK are considering escaping the grid and becoming self-reliant with the help of solar power. 

Installing solar panels has a whole host of benefits, including the ability to sell excess energy back to the grid and providing a clean method of electricity generation. 

But can you install them yourself?

What regulations do you need to be aware of? And are there any other drawbacks to the DIY route? 

Here we answer these important questions and outline the essential factors any new solar enthusiast needs to know...

PS We offer MCS-certified solar panel installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.

Key Points: 

• It is legal to install solar panels yourself. 

• However, it can impact your installation in other meaningful ways.  

• Without MCS accreditation, most energy companies will not allow you to sell excess energy via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). 

• Insurance companies may not provide coverage. 

Can You Legally Install Your Own Solar Panels? 

Many households are looking to reduce the total cost of installing a domestic solar array by simply buying the equipment themselves and using online tutorials to do it themselves. 

And while you can legally install your own solar panels on your own property, it's certainly worth being aware of the responsibilities that come with it and what else it may impact. 

Without an MCS-accredited installer, the majority of Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) operators - the mechanism by which you sell your excess energy back to the grid will not accept your solar installation. 

In addition, as this is a self-build project it means that you need to be aware and abide by planning permission rules just as professional installers would be. 

As a reminder, this includes the following rules: 

• Solar panels should be installed below the highest point of the roof.

• The solar panels should be installed no greater than 20cm above the surface of the roof, or away from the surface of the wall that they are installed on.

• Every practical effort should be made during the installation to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the building.

Finally, it's a wise idea to enquire whether your home insurance or solar panel insurance will accept a DIY installation, as in many cases a condition of cover is to have them installed professionally by an MCS-accredited installer. 

Can Your Neighbours Object to Your Solar Panels? 

If you have abided by the criteria outlined under 'permitted development' or you have sought the required planning permission from your local planning department, then it's extremely unlikely that your neighbour's dispute would have any impact at all. 

With that said it's always a wise idea to keep your neighbours well-informed of your plans and reassure them that you have taken visual considerations into account. 

Informing your neighbours about installation dates and timelines may also go a long way to maintaining a good relationship throughout and beyond the project completion. 

Do You Need Planning Permission? 

Typically no, you can install solar panels on your roof if certain criteria are met and this is known as 'permitted development'. This also typically applies to conservation areas. 

The conditions that must be met, include the following: 

a. They should not extend more than 20cm horizontally from the building's wall or roof slope.

b. They should not be placed higher than the main roof's ridge line or the highest part of a flat roof if the building has flat roofs. Please note that features like chimneys, firewalls, parapet walls, or other structures above the main roof or flat roof should not be considered when determining the highest point of the existing house or flat.

c. They should be positioned to minimize their impact on the building's external appearance as much as possible.

d. They should be located to minimise their impact on the overall attractiveness of the surrounding area.

e. If they are no longer needed, they should be promptly removed when reasonably practical.

When considering the installation of solar panels on buildings that are officially listed, situated within World Heritage Sites, or located within designated conservation areas, specific regulations must be observed:

• Solar panels are prohibited from being affixed to any building within the confines of a listed property or on sites designated as historical monuments.

• In the event that a property is located within a conservation area or within the boundaries of a World Heritage Site, it is not permissible to install solar panels on a wall that faces a public road.

When do you need planning permission? 

If you are in any doubt about the above criteria, then it's recommended that you apply to your local planning department for pre-application planning advice or a lawful development certificate (LDC) before installing the solar panels. 

Should you reside in a conservation area and have the intention to install solar panels, it is always advisable to get in touch with your local council.

They will assess whether the proposed alterations align with the visual and aesthetic character of your area before providing authorisation for the installation.

Related solar guides: 

• Are solar batteries worth it? 

• Best Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates. 

• Solar panel inverters. 

• Second-hand solar panels. 

• Solar water heating. 

Can I install solar panels on a listed building? 

A listed building is a building that has been designated with historical or cultural importance and so is protected against any developments that could alter or extend the building/site, and prevent destruction to the building from occurring. 

This means that you will need to acquire listed building consent prior to installing any solar panels on or around your property. 

If you are not sure if your building is listed, you can check the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) website has a record of all the listed buildings in England.

Please note: listed building consent is not the same thing as planning permission, you will need both before proceeding with your installation. 

Can you take solar panels with you when you move? 

Yes, you can take solar panels with you if you decide to sell up and reinstall them on the new home you move to. 

However, this is often not really worth it. 

Why? 

Firstly, your solar system is likely to have been designed with your homes location in mind and therefore may not be a suitable size, shape or appropriate in some other way for your new home. 

Secondly, moving your solar panels to a new location may be expensive, labour intensive and could even void your solar panel’s warranty. 

Finally, why would you remove solar panels from a house you are selling? Solar panels are extremely attractive to prospective buyers, especially in the current year when more people than ever are environmental advocates. 

Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.

The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.

What is Article 4? 

"Article 4" is part of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, which is a piece of legislation that governs permitted development rights in England.

Article 4 Directions enable local planning authorities to restrict or withdraw certain permitted development rights within their areas.

Typically Article 4 Directions are used to control development in sensitive areas, conservation areas, or places where local authorities want to maintain greater control over changes to the built environment.

They can be applied to limit permitted development rights related to things like house extensions, changes of use, or alterations to buildings.

If you have a specific question about Article 4 in a particular location or regarding a specific aspect of planning and development in the UK, it's advisable to consult with the local planning authority or seek legal advice, as the details can vary depending on the specific circumstances and local regulations.

What about building regulations? 

Solar panels do need to meet the requirements of certain building regulations (this is all part of the surveying and installation process at Heatable). 

However, essentially the building regulations relevant to solar panels include the following: 

• The roof must be able to bear the weight of the solar panels and be strengthened prior to installation if necessary. 

• The installation must meet certain requirements covering electrical installation. 

As mentioned the above regulations are a standard part of the MCS survey and installation process. 

In some cases, your property may have to undergo additional work before your solar panels can be installed. 

Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:

When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:

• How much do solar panels cost? 

• Are solar panels worth it for your home? 

• Is your roof suitable for solar panels? 

• What are the best solar panels available? 

• Is battery storage worth it? 

To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation. 

Get a Quote for Solar Today 

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