Can my neighbours object to my new solar panels?

Understanding Solar Panel Installation and Planning Permission Requirements

If you’re considering installing solar panels on your property, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding their installation. In the UK, solar panel installations are generally considered to be ‘permitted developments,’ meaning that they don’t usually require planning permission from the local authority.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if your property is located in a conservation area or if it is a listed building, you may need to obtain planning permission before installing solar panels. Similarly, if you live in a flat or a shared building, you may need to get permission from your landlord or the management company before proceeding with your installation.

Can my neighbours object to my new solar panels?

It’s important to note that just because your solar panel installation is a ‘permitted development’ doesn’t mean that your neighbours can’t object to it. If your installation falls within certain parameters, your neighbours won’t have any grounds to object. However, if your installation falls outside these parameters, your neighbours may have valid reasons for objection.

Parameters for Solar Panel Installations

There are certain parameters that solar panel installations must adhere to in order to be considered a ‘permitted development.’ These parameters include:

• The solar panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the surface of the roof, or more than 1m above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys). Source
• The solar panels must not be installed on a roof that faces a highway, unless the roof is at least 45 degrees from the horizontal.
• The solar panels must not be installed on a roof that faces a conservation area, unless the panels are flush with the roof or integrated into the roof covering.
• The solar panels must not be installed on a building that is a listed building, unless the panels are flush with the roof or integrated into the roof covering.

If your solar panel installation falls within these parameters, your neighbours won’t have any grounds to object. However, if your installation doesn’t adhere to these guidelines, your neighbours may have valid reasons for objecting.

Addressing Neighbour Objections

If your neighbours do object to your solar panel installation, it’s important to try and address their concerns. The first step in addressing any objections is to talk to your neighbours and try to understand their concerns. Some common concerns that neighbours may have about solar panel installations include:

• Visual impact: Neighbours may be concerned that the solar panels will be unsightly and reduce the aesthetic appeal of the neighbourhood.
• Loss of sunlight: Neighbours may be concerned that the solar panels will block sunlight from reaching their property, potentially affecting their plants or garden.
• Property value: Neighbours may be concerned that the solar panels will reduce the value of their property.

If your neighbours have concerns about the visual impact of your solar panels, you may be able to address this by selecting panels that blend in with your roof, or by selecting a location for the panels that is less visible from the street.

If your neighbours are concerned about the loss of sunlight, you can reassure them that modern solar panels are designed to be low profile and are unlikely to block significant amounts of sunlight.

Finally, if your neighbours are concerned about property value, you can reassure them that studies have shown that solar panels can actually increase the value of a property.