Solar Energy UK
1 December 2023
The Government’s intention to broaden permitted development rights for rooftop solar panels has been welcomed by the solar industry. The announcement came yesterday from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.[1]
The move follows lobbying by Solar Energy UK.
As things stand, solar panels may be installed without planning permission in most circumstances. However, exceptions apply in the case of homes with flat roofs and for installations with a capacity of more than one megawatt – typically on large commercial buildings such as warehouses and factories. These lead to extra costs and delays, impeding the attainment of climate and energy security goals, while slowing economic growth and the reduction of energy bills.
Legislation introduced to the Commons today would strike out this red tape.
Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett said: “The potential of installing solar power on large commercial rooftops is vast, its prospective capacity having been estimated at 15 gigawatts across the country. So eliminating one of the stumbling blocks on the way to fulfilling that opportunity is extremely welcome, helping to make British businesses more competitive by slashing energy bills, bolstering the economy and pushing us further towards net zero.”
[1] New planning rules to boost solar rollout and slash energy bills
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