Thinking of fitting solar panels on your roof?
Great idea — but before you pull out the cheque book, it’s worth checking the planning rules.
Most homes sail through, but there are a few conditions.
Here’s the low-down in plain English.
✅ The good news: most homeowners don’t need planning permission
Under what’s called permitted development rights, most domestic solar panel installations in the UK don’t require planning permission.
If you’re putting panels on the roof or wall of your home, it’s usually classed as permitted development, according to the UK Government’s Planning Portal.
That means no lengthy applications, no red tape — provided you follow the basic conditions.
⚠️ But there are some rules you’ll need to follow
To qualify for permitted development:
- The panels must not stick out more than 200 mm from the roof or wall surface.
- They can’t be higher than the highest point of the roof (excluding chimneys).
- They should be positioned to minimise the visual impact on the building and the surrounding area.
- If your home is listed, or in a conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll likely need to apply for permission.
If in doubt, always check with your local planning authority in Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
What this means for homeowners in Basingstoke and Hampshire
For most houses around Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and Alton, solar panels are a straightforward “yes.”
No paperwork, no waiting — as long as your roof-mounted system fits the guidelines above.
If you live in a listed property, conservation area, or new-build development, you’ll want to double-check the finer details before booking an installation.
What if you want ground-mounted panels?
That’s where things change. Ground-mounted solar arrays have different limits on height, size, and distance from boundaries — and larger ones may require planning permission.
In short: roof systems are simple. Ground systems need a chat first.
Before you install, do these three things
- Check your property status — listed, conservation, or AONB?
- Confirm your design — does it meet the permitted development limits (no more than 200 mm protrusion, below roof height)?
- Ask your installer — do they handle both the planning and building regulation compliance?
Building Regulations are separate from planning permission and cover the structure, wiring, and electrical safety of your solar system — which your installer must certify under BS 7671 and Part P of the Building Regulations.
🔍 Quick recap
- ✅ Most UK homes can install solar panels under permitted development
- ⚠️ You’ll need permission for listed buildings, conservation areas, or ground-mounted systems
- 🧱 All installs must comply with building regulations for safety and structure
- ☀️ A good installer will handle both sides for you — safely and legally
Why choose GU Solutions for your solar installation
At GU Solutions, we’ve been helping homeowners across Basingstoke and the wider Hampshire area with safe, compliant electrical work for over 20 years.
We don’t just bolt panels to your roof and walk away — we make sure everything is properly assessed, designed, and certified to meet both planning and building regulations.
Our team handles:
- Free site surveys and design consultations
- Guidance on planning and permitted development rules
- Full compliance with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)
- Smart integration with battery storage for year-round savings
So you get solar that saves money — and keeps the council happy.
Ready to go solar the right way?
If you’re in Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, or anywhere across Hampshire, we’ll help you check your property’s suitability, design your system, and handle the whole process from start to finish.
📞 Call 01256 473326 today or send us a message to book your free home energy survey.
Let’s make your home smarter, greener, and ready for the future — without the planning headaches.
