Clean energy news

Relaxed Planning Laws around Solar PV Systems and Solar Carports in 2024

Homes and businesses are able to install rooftop solar panels more easily, under new rules announced by the Government in November 2023.

Changes to permitted development rights rules means more homeowners and businesses are able to install solar panels on their roofs without going through the planning system. The move was announced by the Government to encourage more homeowners and businesses to install solar panels, slashing their energy bills in the process and cutting down on harmful emissions.

“We are cutting through red tape to make it easier for homes and businesses to install solar panels on their rooftops. Removing the 1MW restriction for industrial rooftop solar will help us meet our target of 70GW of solar power by 2035, while supporting hundreds of long-term skilled British jobs, bolstering our world-leading renewables sector and reducing bills for consumers with solar panels.” Graham Stuart MP Energy Security and Net Zero Minister.

The changes will mean homes with flat roofs will be able to install panels without planning permission, bringing rules in line with those for businesses.

The previous rule which required businesses to apply for planning permission if their solar PV system generated more than one megawatt of electricity has also been scrapped, meaning organisations are able to install more solar panels on their roof, without the delay and cost of applying for planning permission.

Included within the new rules was the iteration that, where possible, developed land should be used for solar panels if they are placed over 10 metres away from people’s homes. These changes will make installing solar panels in canopies above car parks, also known as solar carports, much easier to install. Solar carports are rapidly growing in population with businesses looking to increase their existing solar PV systems and showcase their commitment to net zero emissions.

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