Solar panels and battery storage
Having your own solar panels and battery storage to power your home or business with clean energy can be a smart investment. By installing solar panels and producing renewable electricity you can reduce your energy bills, but you will also be playing your part to support our area's move towards net zero and contribute towards tackling the climate challenge.
Top tips for buying solar panels and battery storage:
- check out our group-buying scheme: Solar Together Bedfordshire
- read the Solar Panel Guide by the Energy Saving Trust
- check installers who are registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme
- consider other technologies such as battery storage as well as retrofitting your home with energy efficient measures such as insulation
- get more than one quote to compare the cost, system and services offered
- do your research; for example, solar panels differ in quality which is often reflected in the price and could impact on their lifespan and performance
- usually solar panel installations are considered as permitted development so don’t need planning permission; however if, for example, you live in a conservation area, a listed property or have a flat roof you may need to notify our planning team
When is planning permission required for solar panel installation?
Solar panel installations are considered a 'permitted development' and will generally not need planning permission. However, there are some conditions and limits that your solar system must comply with to be considered as a permitted development. Read about planning permission on the Planning Portal.
In some cases, when installation doesn’t meet the specified criteria, is on a listed building or in a conservation area, planning permission may be required.
Listed buildings
Whilst it is possible to install solar panels on a building that is located within the grounds of a listed building or on a site that is considered to be a scheduled monument, it requires listed building consent followed by applying for planning permission.
Conservation areas
If you live in a conservation area, it may be possible to install a solar system but there are specific limitations to take into consideration. For example, a solar system may be permitted as long as they are not visible from any public highways.
View map of conservation areas
Formal advice on planning issues
For formal advice or clarification on whether planning permission is required please request pre-application advice (there is a charge for this service).
Read our planning information or use the Planning Portal's interactive guide to help you understand more about your planning needs.
If you think the proposal would be a permitted development, then you can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate (there is a charge for this service) – this will confirm whether the proposal would be considered as a permitted development.
Submitting applications for a planning permission or a listed building consent
If you think the proposal requires planning permission, please apply for planning permission (there is a charge for this service).
If you think the proposal requires a listed building consent, please submit an application for this. Read more about listed buildings.