Rooftop solar on a business or farm building in England usually doesn’t need full planning permission. But over 50kW it does need prior approval from the local planning authority, and that has to be done properly before any work starts.

It’s permitted development

Solar panels on the roof of a non-domestic building are covered by permitted development rights. That means no full planning application. The rules sit in Class J of Part 14 of the General Permitted Development Order.

Since 21 December 2023 there is no 1MW cap. Large warehouse, factory and farm roofs can all use this route.

What changes over 50kW?

Over 50kW you send the local planning authority a short prior approval application before work starts. It looks at one thing only: design and appearance, mainly glare for neighbours.

How long does it take?

The local planning authority has 56 days to decide a valid application. An incomplete one can be returned, and that can hold up your install by weeks.

The basic rules

  • Pitched roof: panels no more than 0.2 metres proud of the roof.
  • Flat roof: panels no more than 1 metre above the highest part of the roof.
  • Edges: keep panels at least 1 metre from the edge of the roof.
  • Listed buildings and scheduled monuments need full planning permission. Conservation areas and World Heritage Sites have extra limits.

These rules apply in England. Wales and Scotland have their own.

What goes in the application

  • A location plan
  • A roof layout drawing
  • Panel and mounting details
  • A short statement on appearance and glare
  • The local planning authority’s application fee

Where it goes wrong

  • Starting without it. The local planning authority can take enforcement action, after the panels are up.
  • Missing a limit. Get the panel height or roof-edge distance wrong, or miss a listed building or conservation area, and permitted development doesn’t apply. You need full planning permission.
  • An incomplete application. Missing drawings or details mean it can be returned, costing weeks.
  • A weak glare statement. Glare is what the local planning authority looks at. A poor statement invites questions, conditions or a refusal.

Let us handle it

We now offer fixed-price rooftop prior approval, from £395 ex VAT plus the local planning authority’s fee. It’s easy for you: send us the address, a few roof photos and the system size, and we do the rest.

  • A check first. If your building doesn’t qualify, we tell you.
  • Sent in within 5 working days, or 48 hours on Express.
  • We follow it up with the local planning authority until you have a decision.
  • Installers: a fixed-price bundle for 5 sites.

See prices and get started → · How a commercial install works →

Sources

Correct at the time of writing (18 October 2026). Rules change, so check the latest guidance or talk to us about your building.