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Regardless of the home you own – listed or otherwise – you will still want to cut your energy bills and cut your carbon emissions. Listed building homeowners may worry that this is impossible, but as of 2024, Historic England guidance confirms that solar installations can be acceptable in many cases. As a result, many listed building owners in the UK have installed solar.
This guide will look at the aspects you need to consider when planning solar panels for your listed building home, including:
Though it isn’t always possible for all listed buildings, with the right and sympathetic approach, installing solar panels is achievable.
Yes, it is generally possible to install solar panels on your listed home. In 2024, Historic England published guidance expressly supporting elements such as solar arrays that, in some cases, help with climate mitigation. It states (p. 30), “Installation of panels will generally be acceptable if hidden from view.” However, it also states that, in some cases, it can be in view if it doesn’t harm the ‘special interest’ of the building, notably for more modern buildings.
With few exceptions, however, you almost always need to get Listed Building Consent (LBC). LBC applies to Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II properties as well as buildings within its curtilage, including, for e.g., garages, stables and sheds. Failure to do so can be a criminal offence and lead to fines, prosecution and the forced removal of such additions to the property.
Listed Building Consent, as with planning permission, is assessed by your local authority. It differs in that the planning authority’s conservation team handles LBC.
The process of applying for LBC takes around eight weeks, excluding pre-application approval and any revisions or further consultations. The process itself is usually free of charge, but there may be additional outlay for obtaining pre-application advice and supporting documents such as heritage statements and drawings.
As a first step, it is always advisable to get pre-application advice on the matter, which should lead to a smoother LBC process with higher chances of success. Before taking such steps, it may help to read Historic England’s current guidance (p. 30 onwards) on installing solar panels. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF paragraph 164) provides broader policy support for low-carbon measures.
Though many listed buildings have received consent to install solar panels, this isn’t without quite stringent demands. As a first step, you will need to produce a heritage statement that explains how the design will preserve the building’s character and relevance. The statement will cover the following:
Your particular route to having solar panels installed will be unique to your home. As noted in the comments regarding integrated/in-roof systems, while in-roof systems can reduce visual impact, they may be less acceptable where historic fabric would be lost. This is why pre-application advice is key.
There is a range of discreet solar system options you can select to improve your chances of getting Listed Building Consent. These include:
You can discuss this with your local authority ahead of submitting the consent application. Once you have selected the best options for your home, document the visual impact with photo-montages from key public viewpoints to support the formal consent application.
In addition to the hurdles of installing solar on a listed building, the building’s fabric may impose constraints that you need to work with. These include
Ground-mounted systems may also be limited – the curtilage of the listed building is usually covered in its listed status. We will discuss these in the next section.
The conservation officer may advise you during pre-application discussions that you would not be granted consent for rooftop solar. There are still options to consider:
During the consent application process, you can also consider installing a battery storage system. If you have it installed in accordance with building regulations, this may not require listed building consent if installed internally without affecting the historic fabric). With this, you can sign up for certain energy tariffs that offer hourly pricing changes, and use the battery to minimise your energy bills.
A typical 4kW domestic system installed in 2026 can cost in the region of £7,000-£10,000. Heritage installations, due to the paperwork, planning, and additional care required during installation, can cost 10-25% more.
There are programmes like Solar Together where groups of homeowners can come together to arrange multiple home installations in a reverse auction among selected bidders. This can result in significantly lower installation costs, but you will still have to attain Listed Building Consent individually.
Once you have had solar installed, energy savings will pay for it within 9-14 years. You will make savings from:
Research has also shown that energy-efficient measures can increase your home’s value by 2-3%, on a £300,000 listed building, which could be £9,000, covering much of the installation costs.
The Solar Co specialises in installing solar panels on listed buildings. After you’ve invited us to meet you, we will conduct an initial feasibility call at no cost to you to discuss the listing grade, location, roof type, and identify any conservation sensitivities.
Once you have contracted us, the next step will be an on-site survey, during which we will examine the building in more detail. We will assess the roof’s condition and structural soundness, and complete a visual impact review. We will also look at other locations beyond the building itself to assess more consent-friendly approaches to installing a solar array.
You will start the pre-application discussions with the local authority, and we will produce conservation-friendly system designs, photo-montages and a draft heritage statement to support the LBC application. We will also liaise with your conservation officer or appointed heritage consultant.
Once you have consent, our MCS-accredited teams will install the system. The team is experienced in slate, peg and lead roof details, and can work on sites in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
In many cases, yes. Listed building consent is always required for works affecting a listed property, and planning permission may also be needed depending on the installation. Your installer or planning consultant will usually advise and handle both together.
A standard application typically takes around 8 weeks, though complex cases can take longer. There is usually no fee for listed building consent itself, but you may incur costs for drawings, heritage statements, or professional advice.
Possibly, but it is more challenging. These buildings have stricter protections, so approval depends on minimising visual and structural impact. Panels are more likely to be approved on less visible areas or outbuildings rather than the main roof.
This is a criminal offence. You may be required to remove the panels and restore the building to its original condition, potentially at significant cost. It can also create serious issues when selling the property.
Not always. Solar tiles can reduce visual impact, which may help in some cases, but they involve replacing roof material, which can raise heritage concerns. Whether they’re suitable depends on the building’s significance and the specific proposal.
Just because you live in a listed building doesn’t mean that solar is out of the question. With sympathetic design, a strong heritage case and the right installer, many UK homeowners are successfully reducing bills and carbon while protecting the character of their homes.
Book a free, no-obligation heritage feasibility consultation with The Solar Co’s South East specialists, who will assess the property, advise on likely consent outcomes and design a sympathetic system tailored to the building. The sooner you begin the solar consent process, the sooner you can start saving on energy.
When comparing two solar quotes, you may encounter one company that is certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and one that isn’t. In practice, MCS certification is still the benchmark most homeowners, insurers, and lenders expect – the MCS-certified company helps ensure:
This guide will show you:
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme was originally set up by the government in 2006 as a nationally recognised quality mark for small-scale low-carbon installations. It became an independent, profit-for-purpose organisation in 2018 and is now one of the main certification schemes used for solar installations in the UK, alongside alternatives such as Flexi-Orb.
MCS covers a range of small-scale low-carbon installations that include:
The scheme covers both the products being used by installers and the installers themselves, so installers must use MCS-certified components. Consequently, the certification scheme covers the entire installation process from design to installer competence, customer service and post-installation handover documentation.
To meet MCS certification requirements, every competent installer is independently audited against their standards, reducing the risk of unsafe or underperforming installs.
MCS certification also requires the company to be a member of the RECC, HEIC or GGF. These are consumer protection bodies that cover you if, for example, you enter into dispute with us or we cease trading, and you need to be compensated for incomplete work.
In addition to addressing potential problems, an installer’s MCS membership will give you confidence in the installation’s performance. Once the installer has completed the project, the MCS handover pack will confirm your expected annual generation and allow you to check the savings claims made in the sales process against reality.
At a practical level, MCS certification offers you assurance that the installer has the required expertise in electrical, structural and roofing disciplines – and this is not just self-declared.
Regardless of how much energy you use, your solar panels will still produce the same energy for a given amount of sunlight on a given day. The battery, if you have one installed, will store some of the energy too.
The excess energy beyond that stored and used will then be sent to the grid. This is where the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) comes in – you will sell that excess energy to a supplier for between 4p-15p/kWh at 2026 prices, depending on whom you choose to sell it to. Octopus Outgoing Fixed is the generally accepted benchmark.
To access SEG payments, you must have had your system installed under an approved certification scheme — most commonly MCS. Suppliers will require approved certification before accepting an SEG application.
As well as the SEG, solar panels are also 0% VAT, and will remain so until at least 2027. Beyond the straight-up money-making potential of your installation, there are other benefits to having an MCS-certified installer, some of which are essential to home ownership.
Most suppliers, lenders and insurers are familiar with MCS as the default standard. Using a less widely recognised scheme can introduce additional checks or delays. If you’re planning to get government support for the install, ECO4, the Great British Insulation Scheme and Warm Homes Funding all require an MCS installer.
With other institutions recognising the scheme, certification matters in practice, as without such accreditation, there could be headaches down the line.
Not all solar PV installers are MCS-certified. In your search for one, you may encounter claims such as ‘MCS-style’ or ‘MCS-equivalent’. These do not explicitly state ‘MCS-certified’ and should be a warning sign. If you do contract them, and they fail to issue an MCS certificate within 10 working days, you could face delays, missed SEG payments, and complications later.
You need to be certain that the company is certified from the outset. If you are uncertain of a company’s certification, use the mcscertified.com Find an Installer tool to confirm that they are currently listed and that their certification specifically covers solar PV.
Take a note of their six-digit MCS certification number and ask them to confirm it on their quote and contract. After the installation team installs the array, your unique microgeneration certificate will be available from the MCS Installers Database at certificate.microgenerationcertification.org. You can access it by entering your property address. Additionally, you can confirm this by calling the MCS Customer Helpdesk on 0333 103 8130.
The legal and financial complications of not using an MCS-certified installer include:
The MCS is one of the main nationally recognised accreditation schemes (Flexi-Orb being the other) that are likely to be baseline eligibility requirements for future grant or funding schemes.
To be accredited by the MCS, installers must demonstrate technical competence, have suitable insurance, and have a documented quality management system. The technical competence includes:
Additionally, certified installers must use only MCS-certified products where required under the scheme — panels, inverters and batteries that themselves carry the standard. They must undergo annual audits and surveillance assessments to verify their ongoing compliance. For repeated failures, they can lose their certification or have it suspended until the issues are rectified.
The Solar Co is fully MCS-certified for solar PV and battery storage, with every install delivered under our membership of an approved consumer code — giving homeowners the full set of protections by default.
No — MCS certification is not a legal requirement to install solar panels. However, it is required if you want to access schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and is widely seen as a mark of quality and compliance.
Typically within a few days to a couple of weeks after installation. The installer submits the system details to the MCS database, and once processed, you’ll receive the certificate needed for SEG payments.
Flexi-Orb is a newer alternative certification route that is also recognised for SEG eligibility. However, MCS remains the most established scheme in the UK market and is more widely recognised across insurers, lenders and energy suppliers.
In most cases, no. MCS certification must be issued by an MCS-certified installer at the time of installation. Some companies may offer a full inspection and reinstallation to bring a system up to MCS standards, but this can be costly.
Yes — MCS certification now covers battery storage systems as well as solar PV, provided they are installed by an MCS-certified installer. This ensures the system meets required safety and performance standards.
MCS certification is what separates a compliant, future-proof solar installation from one that may fail at the first claim, sale or insurance renewal.
The three most important things it ensures are Smart Export Guarantee eligibility, insurance cover and resale confidence. If you are uncertain about an installer’s claim to have MCS certification, check them online at MCScertified.com.
Every quote and installation offered by The Solar Co is MCS-certified, and you can be assured of the quality and safety of our work, with all the paperwork handled on your behalf. Get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation quote today.
Solar panels and delicate roof materials may seem like a risky combination, but a team with the right skills and experience can install them safely without compromising the roof.
This guide will show you how a specialist installer will put the solar panels on your roof, what to expect during the process, and most importantly, why choosing the right installer is crucial. The Solar Co has South East England teams who can do this – contact us today for a solar panel quote.
When put in correctly, solar panels can be put on most slate and tiled roofs in the UK. It does require a high level of expertise and skill beyond what’s needed to install them on concrete or metal roofs. A team installing solar panels on slate or tiled roofs should have the specialist skills and experience to do it.
As part of the process, you should expect a pre-installation roof survey to assess the condition and structure of the roof tiles. In some cases, you may need to repair the roof before installing the panels, so that they remain in place for their expected lifespan.
There are five common roof tiles in the UK. All require different approaches to installing your system:
The site survey may reveal that some slates are cracked or brittle before the work begins on installing your solar system – the survey will show these issues.
Slate cracks easily. Solar panel installation teams prefer to use hooks that sit under the tiles and are fixed to a batten or rafter underneath it, avoiding surface penetration. This means that the weight of the solar system is transferred to the roof structure – not the tiles. The mounting rail system sits atop the hooks, providing alignment and structural support.
The hook shape must match the tile shape and thickness:
Particularly if the roof needs extensive repair, Solar PV Slates may be an option. Though these are more expensive, they serve as part of the roof structure, and can look almost identical to the roof slates they replace.
When it comes to fitting a solar system on a tiled roof, there are five stages to the installation process:
We will take a quick look at these stages below.
The roof survey:
During the process of putting up the solar system, the team needs a safe and secure work area to operate in. This is why scaffolding is necessary.
The tiles are selectively lifted or removed using a special tile ripper tool that slides under the tile, releases fixings, and lifts it without cracking.
When it comes to slate tiles, a good installer will minimise breakages and replace like-for-like as required.
Hooks are mounted through the gaps where the tiles have been lifted and fixed onto the roof structure (battens/rafters).
Tiles are then re-laid around the hook, sometimes after being trimmed or notched, so they sit flush, maintain a watertight finish and achieve an even surface profile. Poor cuts can allow water ingress, while misaligned tiles can create stress points that may lead to cracking over time.
Once the hooks are in place, the team will fix aluminium rails on the hooks, horizontally across the roof. These distribute the load across multiple fixing points and provide a flat, level mounting surface. The rails must be perfectly aligned, as even minor errors can become apparent once the panels are in place.
The team then place the solar panels on top and clamp them to the rails. From here, they wire the system into your home.
If done properly, the finished job should be fully weathertight, with no increased risk of leaks.
For a slate roof, this process can take 3-5 days, compared with 1-3 days on a standard roof due to the care required. This means that there will be additional costs.
A slate or tiled roof solar system installation will cost 15-30% more than a standard roof installation. In numbers, a typical 4kWp array will cost around £7,000-£8,000 at 2025 prices, where a slate or tiled roof system will cost £8,500-£10,500 depending on the system size and complexity.
The added costs involved come from:
The higher outlay will result in slightly longer payback time, but a similar savings potential over time to a typical solar installation. This includes the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which is available when it is put in by an MCS-certified installer.
When looking for an MCS-certified installer for your solar system, it is important to understand that not every company has the specialist teams to install one on a slate or tiled roof. When booking a survey, always ask about this, as it will save you time and energy.
Either before or during the survey, ask for case studies or photos of work that the team has done before. Also, check that they carry the appropriate liability insurance and can advise on sourcing the right tiles should breakages occur during the process.
The Solar Co has extensive experience with specialist roofing across the South East of England — ask us for case studies and photos before booking a survey of your home.
It might make sense to opt for Solar Slates as an alternative to solar panels. These are slightly less efficient but have a lower profile and a better aesthetic result. PV Slates, like those from GB-Sol, are MCS-certified solar panels designed to look and function like natural slates. Common uses include:
These can cost 1.5x or more than traditional solar panels, but the trade-off is a better look that could be more easily accepted by local planning committees. Where a major roof repair is necessary before installation, this added cost can be absorbed into the roof’s long-term viability.
No — when installed correctly, solar panels should not damage a slate roof. Installers use specialist hooks that slide beneath the tiles and fix into the roof structure without drilling through the slate itself. The main risk comes from poor installation practices, which is why choosing an experienced, certified installer is essential.
Yes — Victorian terraces with slate roofs are a common and suitable option for solar. A professional installer will assess the condition of the slate and the underlying roof structure during the survey. Still, in most cases, these properties can support a well-designed solar system without issue.
Not necessarily. If your roof is in good condition, solar panels can be installed without any additional work. However, if tiles are already brittle, slipping, or nearing the end of their lifespan, it’s often more cost-effective to carry out repairs or a partial re-roof beforehand rather than removing and reinstalling panels later.
In most cases, no — provided the system is installed correctly using approved methods. Reputable installers use non-invasive fixings designed to work with the roof covering. However, warranty terms can vary, so it’s always sensible to check with the manufacturer or installer before proceeding.
Yes — solar PV Slates are designed to blend in with traditional slate roofs, offering a more discreet appearance. They’re particularly popular on period properties or in conservation areas. While they tend to be more expensive and slightly less efficient than standard panels, they are MCS-certified and still eligible for Smart Export Guarantee payments.
Don’t write off the idea of having solar panels installed if you have a slate or tiled roof. This means choosing an installer with the right expertise. The Solar Co specialises in this type of installation across the South East of England – contact us to book a free, no obligation roof survey to find out what’s possible at your property.
There are real advantages to having a solar system installed on your flat roof in the South East of England. On a flat roof, they can be oriented flexibly towards the Sun. They can face both east and west if on a suitable roof, and can offer easier access for maintenance. Finally, you can hide them from the street’s view – an advantage, where it comes to conservation areas or listed buildings.
There are some genuine concerns you may have, including leaks, weight, wind and weather and whether their orientation can generate sufficient power for the investment. In this guide, we will allay these concerns by providing a jargon-free walkthrough of the challenges and proven solutions known to MCS-certified installers that can address most of them.
Yes, many homes with flat roofs across the UK can have solar arrays installed on them – particularly on modern homes, extensions and garages in the South East.
Because they require drainage, ‘flat’ roofs are rarely truly flat and will have a 1-5º gradient to ensure this. It has minimal impact on system design, but installers will still account for drainage and roof fall during layout planning.
The survey will focus on the biggest issues – the roof covering and its current condition, not just the pitch. We will look at this and the permitted development amendment in 2023, which allows the solar array to protrude above the roof’s highest point, later in the article.
Flat roof solar installations have certain issues that differ from pitched roofs, including:
An MCS-certified installer will account for these in the detailed site survey to determine the best solution for your property.
The most common choice for UK flat roof solar arrays is the ballasted system that requires no penetration through the membrane. In this case, tilt frames sit on protective pads that are in turn weighed down with concrete ballast blocks.These can weigh 15-30kg per square metre distributed across the structure, and as a result, the surveyor must assess roof strength and rigidity before work begins.
The alternative approach is the penetrating system where the frames are bolted through the membrane into the structural deck. To ensure weatherproofing, installers use EPDM-compatible flashing, but this carries a small risk of failure, so installers typically use it where ballast weight is impractical or wind exposure is severe.
A third way forward is where a small number of fixings and a reduced ballast load is used in a hybrid system. This is common where the roof has been partially reinforced for extra loads.
Finally, where the roof plane runs east-west, panels can be arranged in V-shaped pairs, with alternate panels facing east and west. This improves the aerodynamics and can cut the amount of ballast required as a result. It also allows you to fit more panels into the same footprint than a pure south-facing layout.
There is no absolute answer to this question as the array is specific to your flat roof. Solar yield, available roof area, ballast limits, and aesthetics all have an impact on the final solution. The angle of your flat roof may differ from that of a neighbour’s with a similar flat roof. Additionally, though shading can be an issue, you can achieve higher power density by fitting more panels per square metre.
The best angle for a solar panel array in the UK is 30-35º. It isn’t always possible with flat roofs because of wind loading. Additionally, the wider gaps required between rows can cause panel-on-panel shading. As a result, an installer will often choose a compromise tilt of 10-15º.
The lesser tilt can impact generation potential with losses of 5-10% from an optimal angle. One option is the east-west V tilt we touched on earlier – this creates a flatter daily generation curve, with higher average generation in the morning and afternoon. This can be useful for you if you aren’t having a battery installed.
The surveyor will assess the roof covering as a first step. Where a roof covering is nearing the end of its useful life (of 20-25 years for felt and 25-50 years for EPDM), it should be replaced before the team installs the panels.
The best roof membrane for a ballasted system is EPDM rubber and single-ply membranes. These membranes tolerate the weight of mounting arrays on protective slip pads without failing under the load.
It is also possible to install ballasted systems on felt and asphalt membranes. However, the surveyor will need to assess it for blistering, cracking, or seam failures before installing the panels on them.
If it is impossible to install a ballasted system, the team will use a penetrating fixing system. In this case, the installers will use bonded EPDM flashings or proprietary sealing kits to maintain the membrane warranty.
Whatever the solution the installer decides on, you should ask them for written confirmation that the mounting method they suggest preserves any existing roof warranty.
Most modern roofs can handle the extra weight of a ballasted solar array, which weighs about 15-30kg per square metre. That would mean that, if you have had a new extension added to your home in the last 10 years, it will probably take that weight. Regardless of the theory, there will be a structural survey of the roof that will include:
In some circumstances, the solar installation company will contract a chartered structural engineer to conduct a more thorough assessment of the roof’s existing strength. This might be the case if the proposed ballast loading is high or if the surveyor cannot determine the roof’s age. Common cases where an engineer is called in can be:
In such cases, the team may determine that reinforcement is needed. The cheapest solution may be adding noggins, which are shorter pieces of wood placed between the joists to improve load-bearing capacity, stiffness, and prevent the deck from twisting. More expensive alterations include adding new joists to reduce the deck flexing and, finally, replacing the deck and, if structurally unsound, the membrane.
Surveyors will always make more conservative judgements in these cases as a roof failure is catastrophic. The Solar Co will advise you if any remedial work like this is required before engaging in the solar panel installation, so there will be no unexpected costs.
In another guide, we look at planning permission for solar panels. Since 2023, homeowners have been allowed to install solar systems on flat roofs under ‘permitted development’ rules, subject to certain conditions. You don’t need planning permission if the panels do not protrude more than 60cm above the roof surface (to minimise visual impact), and they must sit below the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys). It is also one of the reasons solar arrays on flat roofs tend to sit at a less-than-ideal pitch.
You will still need planning permission if:
It can be helpful to know where you stand with planning permission. If you are unsure, contact your local authority for written advice. It can avoid problems down the line, for example, should you sell the home.
A flat roof install can typically cost £500-£1,500 more than one on a pitched roof, meaning that a 4kWp array can cost £6,500-£9,500 (2025/26 prices) fully installed. If you add a battery, this can cost around £10,000-£12,000. The added costs come from tilt frames, ballast and a more detailed structural assessment.
You should get at least three quotes before deciding which solar installer to work with. Before installation, ensure you obtain a written quotation from an installer that covers mounting hardware, ballast and any roofing repair/remediation separately. It will mean that you can compare the three or so quotes you get like-for-like.
One of the better flat roof layouts is the east-west V arrangement. As we touched on earlier, it requires less ballast and can increase the number of panels in a given space. It can mean you achieve a higher power output for the given space, and ultimately use less grid energy, resulting in greater long-term savings.
When it comes to long-term savings, remember that until 2027, solar panels and batteries are VAT-exempt. Additionally, if you choose an MCS-certified installer, you will qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) that enables you to sell excess electricity to the grid. There are also some grants available to install solar panels.
No — when installed correctly, solar panels should not damage a flat roof. Most systems use weighted mounting frames that sit on the surface rather than penetrating it. Warranty impact depends on the roofing manufacturer, so it’s always worth checking, but reputable installers work within approved methods to avoid issues.
Yes — EPDM roofs are well-suited to non-penetrative systems. Installers typically use ballasted mounting frames that are weighed down to keep the system secure without fixing into the roof membrane. This helps maintain waterproofing while still providing a stable installation.
In many cases, you won’t generate less — and may even generate more. Flat roof systems can be mounted at an optimal angle (typically 10–15° in the UK), which can improve performance compared to suboptimal pitched roofs. The main trade-off is spacing between panels to avoid shading, which can limit how many you can install.
Not significantly. Like any solar system, panels benefit from occasional cleaning, especially if dirt or debris builds up. Flat roofs can accumulate more dust or standing water, so periodic checks are sensible, but overall maintenance requirements are similar to pitched roof systems.
Yes — solar panels can be removed and reinstalled if roof work is needed. It is a relatively straightforward process for installers, but it does add cost. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s usually more cost-effective to replace it before installing solar.
Flat roofs are well-suited for solar systems, provided they are designed and completed correctly by MCS-certified professionals. A job done well from start to finish will include:
The Solar Co is the South East England specialist that handles every type of flat roof in-house, from structural survey to MCS-certified installation. Book a free flat-roof feasibility assessment with us, where we will inspect the roof, model the expected output, and provide a free, no-obligation written quote.
Most residential solar installs don’t require planning consent. However, all require sign-off from building regulations. This guide explains how installers must comply with building regulations to ensure your solar array meets legally required standards.
In researching solar panels, most people may have only considered whether the home needs planning permission. Though only a small percentage of homes need consent, building regulations require:
Once signed off, the company will give you the certification. You must keep these for insurance and sales purposes.
A certified installer handles every aspect of the compliance process on your behalf. In understanding what the building regulations require, you will be able to ask prospective solar panel fitting companies the right questions.
The Solar Co is MCS-certified and fully manages regulation compliance for every installation in South East England. Contact us today to have a solar system survey at your home.
Planning permission covers whether you’re allowed to alter or change your home’s appearance. Building regulations ensure that the work done is safe and structurally sound.
With a few exceptions, planning permission isn’t required – see this guide [link] to find out whether your home might be subject to restrictions. Building regulations cover every residential and business building, and the installer must sign off on the job upon completion.
Your local authority’s Building Control department oversees building regulations. Non-compliant installations can cause problems with insurance, mortgage lenders and future property sales.
Yes – unlike planning permission, building regulations approval is required for all solar PV installations without exception.
There are two routes to compliance:
Most solar companies use the competent person route, which means that you don’t need to interact with the local authority at all. Once installed, you will be issued a Building Regulations Completion Certificate – an important document that you need to keep for insurance and resale purposes.
The certification for a solar array comes in four parts:
Before construction begins, the company must conduct a survey to assess whether the roof can safely bear the weight of the solar system for its intended lifespan – this can exceed 25 years.
For older properties, a structural engineer may have to sign off on the proposed work. The pre-installation survey should flag any roof weaknesses or indicate that they plan to put a heavier system on the roof. You may need to repair your roof ahead of installation – we cover this in another article [link].
At this stage, the surveyor will ensure that the roof can safely support the solar array. This includes:
The majority of standard semi-detached and detached homes in the South East are well-suited to solar, but building regulations require a survey.
As well as the structural side, other regulations cover electrical safety – this is covered by Part P. Under the rules, a ‘competent person’ must carry out the electrical work. This includes:
Fitting must comply with BS7671 (IET Wiring Regulations), updated in July 2024, with specific provisions with solar PV and battery storage.
As with the structural side, an NICEIC- or NAPIT-registered fitter can self-certify the Part P compliance. There is no need for them to apply to the local authority for this separately.
If someone has fitted the system who lacks the appropriate registration, it isn’t just a problem of merely not receiving a piece of paper. It can result in home insurance being refused and even prevent future property sales.
Adequate ventilation around solar electrical components is important, as they can lose efficiency if they get too warm. From a safety perspective, it can overheat or even catch fire if not put in properly. This is why you must have Part F signed off.
Under Part F rules, the installer must place the inverter in a safe and dry location. This will usually be indoors (the garage or utility room is common), and there must be sufficient airflow around the unit.
Batteries must be located in a well-ventilated space, too. Lithium batteries in particular are subject to stricter placement rules under the new PAS 63100 standard.
Introduced in 2024, the PAS 63100 standard is a set of rules for the safe installation of home batteries.
Under these regulations, batteries must be stored in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage, utility room or specially built outdoor cabinet – away from sleeping areas and means of escape. The PAS standards also require that appropriate smoke detection is in place near the battery unit.
During a sale, insurance claim, or future inspection, non-compliance can cause problems. If it is found non-compliant, you may have to relocate the battery to a space that complies with the regulation, which could impact a house sale process.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certification ensures that the solar installer meets quality and technical standards. Another reason to ensure that the solar company you choose has this certification is so you can qualify for the Solar Export Guarantee (SEG) – the way that you can sell electricity to the grid for a fair price.
To self-certify the work without a separate local authority application, the installer must be registered by the NICEIC or NAPIT. The difference between NICEIC/NAPIT and MCS is that MCS certifies the work as a whole, and NICEIC/NAPIT certification covers electrical compliance in its individual parts.
A fully certified installer (MCS + NICEIC or NAPIT) can manage the entire building regulations process end-to-end — you receive all relevant certificates at completion. The Solar Co holds all the required certifications for these projects and can self-certify on your behalf – from structural survey to the final certificates we have covered above.
The process of surveying and certifying the project comes in four parts. Before installation, the company conducts a site survey to assess structural suitability, roof condition and inverter/battery placement. At this stage, they will flag any issues (such as urgent roof repairs) that could affect compliance with building regulations.
The next stage is compliance with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). For systems below 3.68kW, the installation company must submit a G98 application to the DNO before installation. Most solar arrays we install are for larger systems – for these, the installer must submit a G99 application, which requires formal approval. This process typically takes around 3-4 weeks before the installation can take place.
During installation work, it must meet the requirements of Parts A, P, and F. At every stage of the process, the installer has to document it for Building Control.
Once the team has completed the work, they will issue you with an MCS Installation Certificate (required for SEG payments), a Part P Electrical Completion Certificate (Building Regulations), and an EPC update if applicable. These documents are important and must be retained for mortgage lenders, insurers, and future buyers if you sell the property.
In most cases, your installer will handle building regulations compliance on your behalf. MCS-certified installers are familiar with the requirements and will either self-certify the work or notify the local authority as needed. It’s still worth confirming this before installation so you know everything is covered.
If the installation isn’t compliant, it can cause problems later — particularly when selling your home or making an insurance claim. You may be asked to provide certification, and without it, you could face delays or additional costs to bring the system up to standard.
PAS 63100:2024 introduces stricter guidance on battery safety, particularly around fire risk and ventilation. In practice, this means batteries are less likely to be installed in lofts or main living areas and are more commonly placed in garages, utility rooms, or outside. Your installer will advise on compliant locations.
An MCS certificate confirms that your solar system has been installed to industry standards and is required to access schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee. A Building Regulations certificate confirms the installation meets legal safety and structural requirements. You typically need both for a fully compliant system.
In most cases, solar panels don’t negatively affect insurance or mortgages, but you should inform your provider once they are installed. Some insurers may adjust your policy slightly to account for the added system. For mortgages, lenders generally view solar positively, especially as it can improve EPC ratings and property value.
Building regulations apply to all solar systems fitted in the UK. They must conform to structural safety (Part A), electrical safety (Part P) and ventilation (Part F). In addition, PAS 63100:2024 standard adds specific rules for battery storage.
The good news is that a fully certified installer handles every compliance requirement from start to finish. The Solar Co has MCS and NICEIC certification. Book a free, no-obligation survey with us to find out what a compliant solar installation will look like in your home.