Solar panels
Installing solar panels and equipment on residential buildings and land may be permitted development with no need to apply to the council for planning permission.
There are, however, important limits and conditions to permitted development rights which must be met to benefit from these rights. For information on permitted development rights, visit the interactive guidance on the Planning Portal website.
If you believe installing solar panels would be lawful under the permitted development regulations, and you require written confirmation from the council that the work does not need planning permission, you are advised to submit an application for a lawful development certificate.
If your installation does not meet government requirements, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Your planning application should include details of the location, design, and appearance of the solar panel, including a scale drawing showing the extent of projection of the panels from the roof.
Further advice on solar panels can be found via the:
- Lambeth Design Guide - Building Alterations, Extensions and Retrofit (PDF 2.7MB)
- Planning Portal - planning permissions for solar panels
If your property is in a conservation area and/or is a statutory listed building, please also refer to the solar panel advice on the Historic England website.