The limits
| Limit | Standard | Conservation area |
|---|---|---|
| Projection from roof | 0.2 m | 0.2 m |
| Above the ridge | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Wall-mounted, facing the road | Allowed | Not permitted |
Other conditions
- No more than 20 cm beyond the plane of the roof slope.
- No higher than the highest part of the roof, excluding chimneys.
- Sited, as far as practicable, to minimise the effect on the look of the house.
- Removed as soon as reasonably practicable when no longer needed.
When you can’t use permitted development
Flats & maisonettes
No householder permitted development rights at all.
Listed buildings
Not permitted development — planning permission and listed building consent.
Conservation areas
Same limits as anywhere else.
Article 4 directions
Your council may have removed this right on your street.
Planning conditions
An old permission may have removed permitted development rights. Not published anywhere.
New builds
Often have permitted development removed by condition. Check your deeds.
Your exact limits
House type, plot size, Article 4 and trees — worked out for your address.
£14.99one-off
Get my reportSolar panels rules by council
Some councils have Article 4 directions that change these limits. Pick yours to see what applies locally.
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Common questions
- Can I put solar panels on a listed building?
- You'll need listed building consent and usually planning permission. Panels on outbuildings or free-standing in the garden are sometimes easier to agree.
- Can I put solar panels on the front roof in a conservation area?
- Generally yes on the roof, within the 20 cm limit — but check for an Article 4 direction, which some councils use to control panels on front roof slopes.