Do I need planning permission for balcony solar in the UK?

Usually no for a house: microgeneration is permitted development if the panel projects no more than 200mm from the wall or roof slope and you are not in a conservation area or a listed building. Flats and maisonettes are excluded from some permitted-development rights, so check with your local planning authority and freeholder.

What is the 200mm projection rule?

Permitted development for solar requires the equipment to project no more than 200mm beyond the wall or roof surface. A balcony-rail panel usually sits within this, but a steeply tilted mount can exceed it and may then need planning permission.

Is planning permission the same as G98?

No. Planning permission is about the building/appearance (your council). G98 is a free electrical notification to your DNO after installing a microgeneration unit. They are separate; a typical install needs no planning permission but does need G98.

I live in a flat — what do I need?

Flats and maisonettes do not get the same permitted-development rights as houses for external alterations, and you will usually need freeholder/leaseholder consent plus possibly planning permission. Check your lease and local planning authority before installing.

Planning permission & leasehold consent for balcony solar (UK)

Quick answer: For most houses, balcony/wall microgeneration up to 800W is permitted development and needs no planning permission — provided the panel projects no more than 200 mm and you're not in a conservation area or listed building. Flats and maisonettes are excluded from some permitted-development rights, so check with your council and freeholder. Planning permission is separate from the G98 electrical notification.

Permitted development & the 200 mm rule

Domestic microgeneration is generally permitted development, so no planning application is needed — as long as the equipment projects no more than 200 mm from the wall or roof surface. A flat-against-the-railing or low-tilt balcony panel usually qualifies; a steeply tilted mount can exceed 200 mm and may then need permission.

Flats & maisonettes

Permitted-development rights for external alterations apply to houses, not flats/maisonettes. If you rent or own a flat you'll typically need freeholder/leaseholder consent and possibly planning permission. Always confirm with your local planning authority.

Conservation areas & listed buildings

In a conservation area, on a listed building, or in some Article 4 areas, permitted-development rights are restricted — you may need planning permission (and listed-building consent) even for a small panel. Check before buying.

Leasehold / freeholder consent

Separate from planning: your lease may forbid altering the external appearance of the building or attaching anything to the structure. Even a removable, non-permanent install can need freeholder consent — the most common UK gotcha.

Not the same as G98

Planning permission (council, about the building) is not the same as G98 (a free post-install electrical notification to your DNO). Most installs need no planning permission but do need G98. See the full UK legal status.

FAQ

Do I need planning permission?: Usually no for a house within the 200 mm rule and outside conservation/listed areas. Flats often do — check with your council.
What's the 200 mm rule?: Solar equipment must project no more than 200 mm from the wall/roof to stay within permitted development.
Conservation area or listed building?: Restricted — you may need planning and/or listed-building consent even for a small panel.

Informational, not legal advice. Planning rules vary by local authority — confirm with yours before installing. Last reviewed 16 June 2026.