Planning permission no longer required for Commercial Solar installations.

From 06/04/12, Commercial Solar planning permission will no longer be required on non-domestic buildings for installations of Solar PV (upto 50kWp electricity) and Solar Thermal (upto 45 kilowatts thermal).

Since 2008 Permitted development rights have applied to domestic properties in respect of solar installations.  This means that, subject to a set of guidelines, it was never a requirement to seek planning approval before installing solar panels on your home.  However, non-domestic properties have always had to go through a formal planning process. The new regulations mean that projects that have been held back or cancelled in the past due to lack of permissions, will no longer face restrictions.

The usual permitted development guidlines apply with the following caveats:

Roof mounted solar projects: Must not protrude more than 200mm from the roof/wall – On flat roofs, installation must be no taller than 1m above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys) – Installation must be more than 1m away from the external edge of the roof – The installation must be removed if it is no longer being used/generating

Ground mounted solar projects: Installations up to 9m2 will not require permissions – The installation must not be taller than 4m – Only one ground mounted system must be present per building – Must be sited to minimise effect on amenity of area (where practical) – The installation must be removed if it is no longer being used/generating

The changes make it far easier for commercial and agricultural building owners to progress an installation quickly as all that will be required will be the DNO permission/approval to connect the system to the National Grid.

So, with Return on Investment figures looking very attractive and still in double figures and the next feed in tariff drop due to take place at the end of June 2012 now could be the ideal time to consider your installation.

For more information call Eco Environments on 0845 6868 111 or for a survey complete the Free No Obligation survey form

Full Government legislation: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/748/made