Photovoltaic (PV) panels could power your home, reduce your bills and may earn you money.
Find out more on the MoneySavingExpert website.
Before deciding on solar panels
Consider improving your home's energy efficiency.
Start by reducing electricity consumption through simple measures such as choosing appliances with high energy ratings. Energy-efficient appliances use less power and can significantly lower your overall energy demand.
You may also want to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
An EPC provides an assessment of your home's energy efficiency and includes practical recommendations to help you save energy and reduce costs. Properly installed insulation, energy efficient windows and doors and reducing draughts can significantly reduce energy use and reduce your energy bills.
Additionally, your roof must be in good condition, have sufficient space, and receive ample sunlight throughout the day. If your roof is heavily shaded, solar panels may not be the most suitable option.
Find out more about Solar (PV) panels on the Energy Saving Trust website.
The Energy Saving Trust’s Solar Energy calculator can also give you an indication of the cost of a potential system.
Find an installer
Once you have an idea of the size and type of system that will suit your home, get various quotes to compare prices of different installers. Also, enquire about how long the work will take and the warranty for their work. Make sure you get binding quotations, preferably in writing.
We recommend using an installer who is certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Having your solar system installed by a non-accredited installer could mean that you are not eligible to apply for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
You can search for a certified installer on the MCS website.
You may also wish to check out Trading Standards Checked which is the council’s secure trader approval scheme.
Planning permission and permitted development rights
The installation of solar panels and equipment on residential buildings may be permitted development with no need to apply to London Borough of Bromley for planning permission
However, there are important limits and conditions that must be adhered to in order to benefit from these permitted development rights. In many circumstances, solar panels on roofs are permitted development provided that:
- The solar PV or solar thermal equipment does not protrude more than 0.2 metres beyond the plane of the wall or the roof.
- Providing it would not result in the highest part of the solar PV or solar thermal equipment being higher than the highest part of the roof (excluding any chimney).
More detail, and conditions are set out in Part 14 (Renewable Energy) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order. With further information also available on the Planning Portal and from our permitted development webpage.
Solar panels in conservation areas
Living in a conservation area does not automatically prevent you from installing solar panels. Nevertheless, you will need to pay closer attention to the specific rules and conditions set by the London Borough of Bromley.
Please check if your property falls within a conservation area.
- Solar panels and solar thermal equipment are not permitted in a Conservation Area if they are to be installed on a wall which fronts a highway. Any such equipment proposed to be installed on a flat roof in a Conservation Area may require prior approval with respect to the impact of its appearance on the Conservation Area.
Additionally, if you reside within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty please check for additional requirements.
Listed buildings
To install solar PV on a listed building you require listed building consent before works can commence. In addition to this, planning permission may apply.
Additional things to consider
You will also need to check whether there are any restrictions on development at the property due to:
- Conditions attached to the original planning permission.
- The property being subject to an Article 4 Direction.
- Restrictions listed in the property’s deeds.
Any of these may have removed ‘permitted development’ rights for certain types of developments, including solar PV.
Installing solar panels may also require approval under the Building Regulations, due to the additional loading on the roof structure and the associated electrical works. Building regulation queries regarding solar PV’s can be sent to buildingcontrol@bromley.gov.uk.
If permitted development rights do not apply, planning permission will be required.
Planning queries regarding Solar PVs can be sent to planning@bromley.gov.uk.