Do solar panels comply with building regulations?

Your solar panel system must comply with building regulations in terms of structural integrity, electrical safety and fire safety. These regulations may vary depending on the size and type of the installation. It's advisable to work with accredited installers who are familiar with these requirements.

Do you need planning permission to install solar panels on your roof?

An increasing number of people are investing in solar energy. More and more homes are having solar panels, or solar tiles, installed on their roofs. Of course, with such installations, the topic of planning permission and building regulations often comes to the surface.

When did solar panels become a building regulation?

In 2005, household electrical work was absorbed into the UK government’s official Building Regulations. A year later, the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 brought microgeneration systems like solar panels under the umbrella of the Building Regulations. Should you receive a building regulations certificate for your solar panels?

Can solar PV panels be removed from a building specification?

Solar PV panels provide a cost-effective means of reducing emissions and energy bills. However, we recognise the practical barriers of installing solar PV panels, particularly in high-rise building conversions. As for new flats, for MCU buildings over 15 storeys, solar PV panels could be removed from the specification.

Can solar panels be built without permission?

This is because they generally fall under permitted development rights, which allow homeowners to make reasonably sized changes without getting permission. The exceptions to this rule are typically flats, listed buildings, homes in conservation areas, and ground-mounted installations. What are the building regulations for solar panels?

Do solar panels need planning permission?

It is true that the majority of solar PV installations will be classed as a PD. However, there are instances where you will need to seek planning permission from your local authority. This is the case if your solar panels: If you live in Scotland, there are a few additional rules that require planning permission.