Scotland has removed the planning permission requirement for rooftop solar panels, a condition that previously applied to installations over 50 kilowatts. The new rules also permit flat roof solar panel installations in most conservation areas, a move aimed at accelerating Scotland’s solar deployment.
Planning Permission No Longer Required
The Scottish solar energy industry has welcomed the government’s decision to eliminate the planning permission requirement for rooftop solar panels. This change, combined with the removal of non-domestic rates for rooftop solar last year, is expected to make installations more accessible for both homes and businesses.
Under the new rules, flat roof systems now qualify as permitted developments, a significant change designed to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar and help Scotland meet its climate goals. Flat roof systems can be built as long as they do not protrude more than one meter from the roof surface.
In protected zones, such as conservation areas, development is permitted under certain conditions, provided the panels are not on primary elevations or adjacent to a road. Only World Heritage sites and listed buildings remain fully excluded from the new regulations.
Industry Support and Additional Measures
Restrictions have also been relaxed for free-standing solar panels on the grounds of non-domestic buildings (up to 12 square meters) and for solar canopies.
Following an April announcement from the Scottish Government to ease permitted development rights (PDRs), these measures are designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045 and give consumers access to cheaper electricity.
Thomas McMillan, Chair of Solar Energy Scotland, noted that simplifying the planning process is a significant step towards achieving Scotland’s target of 6GW of solar capacity by 2030.
“With energy costs being persistently high, solar remains one of the most effective means of decreasing the charges of running residential and commercial buildings: this adjustment by the Scottish Government improves the process of installing solar faster and easier, which is enthusiastically welcomed,” McMillan stated.
Alignment with UK-Wide Targets
These changes align Scotland with similar measures introduced in England on November 30, 2023, though some differences remain depending on the building type. To ensure compliance, the detailed planning guidelines for each nation should still be followed.
According to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), the move will help avoid ‘costly planning delays’ that previously forced some applicants to wait more than eight weeks. The DLUHC says the change will drive down energy bills for homeowners and businesses that install solar panels, as well as lower emissions to support the government’s net zero commitments.
Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, highlighted that lifting the 1MW restriction for industrial rooftop solar will help the UK achieve its target of 70GW of solar power by 2035. He added that this will also support the growth of skilled jobs in the British renewable energy sector and lead to reduced energy bills for consumers.
Scotland’s removal of planning permission for rooftop solar panels marks a significant step towards its renewable energy goals. By streamlining the installation process for both domestic and commercial properties and aligning with broader UK efforts, these changes are set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, drive down energy costs, and advance the nation’s net zero commitments.