Amidst an unpredictable energy market and against a backdrop of the UK’s net-zero ambitions, solar energy is being pushed to the fore.

Solar PV technology, which uses semiconductor technology to convert sunlight directly into electricity, has seen huge advancements over the past decade. Improvements in manufacturing and efficiency, and a reduction in costs, make solar a serious consideration for businesses across the UK.

Developers are also keen to take advantage of this latest renewables boom, seeking opportunities to generate profits from clean energy sold into the grid from solar installations, everywhere from car park rooftops to dedicated solar farms.

This blog will look at some of the important planning considerations for anyone considering solar power for their organisation.

Solar energy and net zero targets

Solar PV technology has been around for over a century (in fact, the first solar panel was invented in 1883). Over the decades, advancements have made the technology cheaper and more efficient, improving its appeal across the board.

With solar PV now affordable, the UK Government sees it as a significant contributor to its ambitions to reach Net Zero by 2050.

Encouraged by Government schemes like Contracts for Difference, a long-term agreement that guarantees a set price for electricity generated by low-carbon projects, it is hoped that the UK will achieve 50GW+ solar capacity by 2030. This could be enough to cover up to 15% of the UK’s electricity demand.

Developing land for renewable energy

There are lots of reasons why organisations may want planning permission for solar PV installations.

For landowners, solar can offer an additional income stream to supplement other activities. For commercial operations, it can provide clean energy, mitigating the unpredictability of the general energy market.

For developers, the installation of solar PV panels in new builds or retrofitting to existing properties can support planning applications in line with Local Authority policy. They can even help to garner positive feedback from consultees as part of the planning process.

For communities, the wins of energy resilience and biodiversity improvements can hold significant weight.

Whoever the applicant and whatever the reasons for the installation, it’s vital to check with Local Authority guidance and seek professional planning advice to ensure any solar PV panels are compliant.

Diversification

In a rapidly evolving economy, diversification of income streams is increasingly appealing. Solar PV installations as part of a multi-use site (for example, alongside sheep grazing) can help protect landowners against seasonal fluctuations or sudden downturns in trade.

Biodiversity can also be incorporated into schemes to enhance a Planning Application and bring additional benefits. For example, a solar PV scheme could include wildflower planting, creating habitats for pollinators, planting hedgerows or managing land to benefit birds and small mammals.

In addition to creating opportunities for dual-use and biodiversity improvements, many modern solar projects now incorporate associated battery storage, allowing generated electricity to be stored and released when demand dictates.

Planning routes for Solar PV

Depending on the site, solar PV installation may fall within either permitted development or require full planning permission. Here’s a quick run-down of each scenario.

• Permitted Development - Some small-scale renewable projects can be built without a full planning application or the need for prior approval, if they meet strict limits in size and location, for example, roof-mounted solar panels on a farmhouse or office building.
• Prior Approval - Some schemes require the Local Planning Authority (LPA) to check specific impacts before work can begin, for example a roof-mounted scheme on a commercial premises that is greater than the microgeneration threshold, where the LPA must review siting, design and potential glare.
• Full Planning Permission - Larger or more complex projects, that don’t fall in either of the other categories listed above, need full permission, with detailed plans and stakeholder / public consultation. An example of this could include a large-scale solar development covering multiple fields.

Some of the common planning considerations include:

• Landscape and visual impact
• Biodiversity net gain
• Glint and glare near airports or busy roads
• Highways and transport impacts
• Grid capacity (whether the local electricity network can actually handle additional supply)

In England, the size of a renewable energy project determines the planning route. Schemes under 100 megawatts (MW) are decided by the LPA, whilst projects over 100MW require a Development Consent Order (DCO), assessed at the national level by the Planning Inspectorate and approved by the Secretary of State under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime.

To guide developers and decision-makers, the UK Government has published detailed renewable and low-carbon energy planning guidance, which sets out policy expectations and key considerations for bringing forward compliant schemes.

Even if you are confident you don’t need planning permission, you should always check with the LPA and secure a certificate of lawfulness.

Squires Planning – experienced experts in solar PV permission

At Squires Planning, we have the in-house experience to advise across three crucial areas of solar PV planning: applications, site promotion and general estate advice.

We advise and guide clients through full planning applications, prior approval processes and permitted development rights. Our professional team submits timely, accurate and compliant applications to give your scheme the best chance of approval in the planning system.

We also support site promotion by reviewing landholdings, preparing policy representations and engaging with local communities to mobilise support. From spotting opportunities to presenting sites to developers, we ensure landowners maximise their potential in line with planning policy.

For landowners, we can also provide strategic estate advice, harnessing our years of industry experience.

Our in-house experience:

Our team has a wealth of experience in successful planning applications in the renewables sector.

• Andrew Metcalfe: Experience with renewable NSIPs and TCPA projects on behalf of LPAs.
• Mark Campbell: Ground-mounted and roof-mounted PV, prior approvals, lawful certificates, full planning applications.
• Alban Henderson: Small-scale PV and battery storage approval for Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucester Royal Hospital.
• James Halls: Commercial rooftop installation approvals.

Want to see examples of our projects? Take a look at our recent Case Studies.

Ready to realise your renewable energy ambitions?

With the UK heading towards net zero, and energy markets adding uncertainty in an unpredictable economy, solar power is a serious consideration.

Whether you own a business looking to reduce overheads, a listed building looking to reduce your carbon footprint, or you have land to utilise to subsidise your income, we can help you plan for your future in compliance with your LPA.

Book a meeting today to harness our knowledge of planning for your solar scheme.