Solar panels are becoming a more familiar sight across Scotland. Current planning permission regulations exist to make installing solar panels and renewable technologies simple. For most domestic properties formal planning permission is not required if certain criteria are met, namely:

• Panels don't protrude by more than one metre of the roof edge, any outside wall of the house nor protrudes further than the highest point of the roof (which includes any chimney)
• The property is not a listed building
• The property is not in a conservation area
• If the solar panels are to be freestanding in your garden, no part of the solar panels will be in front of a wall which forms part of the principal elevation or side elevation where that elevation faces onto a road or
• The free standing solar panels will not be higher than three metres (including if they are positioned on a garage or outbuilding)

Even if planning consent is not required you will still need to check that your location is suitable. Do you own the roof/space on which you intend to erect the panels? Difficulties can ensue if the proposed location is owned in common with others. Remember that there may be associated electric or pipework required and wherever these are to run must be owned by you. If you are uncertain you must check your title to the property to verify ownership.

Whilst planning permission may not be required you may want to consider applying for a Certificate of Lawfulness. This is effectively confirmation from the relevant planning department that installing solar panels do not require permission. This can prove useful when you come to sell your property. Even when planning permission is not required the installation of solar panels will always be subject to current building regulations.

You also need to ensure the integrity of the roof before deciding on where to site the solar panels and how many. It is possible strengthening works will be necessary and this can add to the costs involved.

In the event that you are looking to lease your roof to a solar panel provider you must be aware of the limitations of any lease and consider carefully if such an arrangement will affect the ability to borrow against your property. This can be important if you are looking to remortgage or to sell.

For more information or advice about installing solar panels please contact our experienced property team.