Find answers to common issues and questions you may have.
Planning restrictions in the UK preventing a full solar array. Is it worth putting panels on another part of my roof?
Due to planning restrictions and to maximise the array, is there any benefit of having 5 panels laid flat on the higher part of a flat roof where there is no shading? I assume the only benefit would be in summer but would like other peoples views please. I know it’s not ideal but I’m trying to get as many panels fitted as part of a permitted development instead of having to go through the planning permission route. Currently it’s 7kw and looking to increase the size with the 5 extra panels.
Miguel Rios 19th December 2023
REPLIES:
BY:
Planning rules on flat roof installations are being relaxed. Why not take the risk to do it ahead of time?
Nick Sharpin
Were in a conservation area that doesn’t allow anything above 30cm high. Anything higher than that requires planning permission which means architect drawings, planning fees etc… It’s not really worth it.
Miguel Rios
Not saying you should, but it’s perfectly possible to submit a planning application yourself with your own drawings etc. It doesn’t need to be posh, just clear what you’re proposing to do. You still need to pay the planning fee but that’s not much
Rick Brown
I’ve tried that… The planner has said he wants the drawings from the top elevation and a roof plan. I’ve provided him with my own with measurements all to scale provided by the installer but he’s not happy. He’s even gone as far as saying he wants all solar panels at the property in the drawings which is irrelevant as I don’t need planning permission for them but insists they need to go on there too.
Miguel Rios
In winter, my panels on the garage roof ( approx 10 degrees) produce usually 1/3 of what our panels on the main roof ( approx 38 degrees). Yesterday it was a slightly better ratio. During summer months they produce the same
Ed Milband
Panels should not be laid flat. They need water run off. I have 380w panels pointed southwest at a 20 degree slope which is about 30cm.at the back. Produced plenty of power this year , 430kwh per panel, south Essex.
Paul Orrock
Regarding panels laid flat. There was a post somewhere showing carport with nearly flat panels. Apparently water was not draining and panels delaminated.
Pawel Rama
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