If spending less on energy, reducing bills and living a more environmentally-friendly life all sound appealing to you, then solar panels are the eco-investment you've been looking for. Generating your own usable, renewable, low-carbon electricity to power your home doesn't just give you energy independence, it also protects you against an array of other issues, events and phenomena beyond your control.

Whether you're concerned about grid failure, power cuts or similar interruptions to the electricity supply, solar panels - combined with solar storage batteries - will help to swerve these issues. You'll also be able to minimise the impact of socioeconomic problems such as the cost of living crisis. So, when energy prices rise, you'll be equipped to battle bills and save money in the long-term with solar power.

What's more, "solar costs are down nearly 90 percent over the last decade" thanks to the plummeting cost of batteries, new cutting-edge breakthroughs in efficiency and falling costs of raw materials required to make new solar panels.

In years gone by, you may have worried about various barriers to purchasing a solar panel - from price point to practicality - but as these factors fall away, all you really need to know is whether your home roof is suitable for a new solar panel installation.

Do I Need Planning Permission To Put Solar Panels On My Roof?

In most circumstances, solar panels fall under Permitted Development rules (rights that allow the improvement or extension of your home without the need to apply for planning permission) meaning that you can usually install panels on your pitched or flat roof without planning permission.

Only normal building regulations will apply to your solar panel installation; such as your roof's structural ability to support the weight of the panels, as well as relevant electricity and fire safety requirements. However, there are a few exceptions and conditions that you'll need to consider for certain buildings and areas.

The good news is that owing to changes in planning rules over the past year, "more homeowners and businesses will be able to install solar panels on their roofs without going through the planning system" in the UK.

  • Flat roofs are acceptable for solar panel installation without planning permission, now reflecting the rules previously set out for businesses.
  • Business premises can install more solar panels on their rooftops without delay or planning application cost, whereas previously they were restricted by limitations pertaining to electricity generation.
  • Already developed land can be used for solar panels, allowing solar panels to be installed in canopies above car parks.

What We Offer...

Plug-In Solar 3.24kW (3240W) DIY Solar Power Kit (For Ground or Flat Roof)

This expandable do-it-yourself solar panel power system comes with all the equipment you require to start saving money on your electricity bills. You won't need an EPC inspection, MCS Certification or The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Tariff, this low-cost solar solution, available at Roof Giant, offers a number of advantages over 'conventional' solar systems.

Plug-In Solar 1.21kW (1215W) DIY Solar Power Kit (For Tile or Slate Roofs)

A DIY solar panel kit for your tile and slate roofs. Plug-In Solar makes things easy by allowing you to choose your own location for your solar installation. The micro-inverters ensure each panel can produce the maximum power possible and is not affected by the performance of any other panel in the array.

Plug-In Solar 1.62kW (1620W) DIY Solar Power Kit (For Metal/Wooden Roofs)

If you have a metal or wooden roof, this plug-in solar power kit will generate free electricity to power your appliances. It is also completely modular, meaning that if you want to add more panels, or a solar battery, this can be easily achieved.

What Are The Exceptions?

Permitted development rights are subject to important conditions when it comes to listed buildings and conservation areas. You'll likely have to apply for listed building consent for the former, and then apply for a planning application after consent is granted. A planning application will be required for conservation areas unless specific conditions allow in the permitted development rules.

For all up-to-date information regarding planning permission and building regulations, please visit the GOV.UK website here.


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