Does the government have a policy on locating solar PV schemes?

Stephen Tromans QC, Philippa Jackson and Jon Darby examine current government policy on locating solar PV schemes on agricultural land. The Government has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to increasing the supply of renewable energy.

Do you need planning permission to install solar panels?

Current rules that require businesses to apply for planning permission if solar panels will generate more than one megawatt of electricity will also be scrapped, meaning organisations will be able to install more solar panels on rooftops without the delay and cost of applying for planning permission.

Do LPAs approve small-scale solar farms?

LPAs in England will decide applications for smaller-scale solar farms in line with their local plan and the national planning policies. Government guidance advises LPAs to approve renewable energy developments whose “impacts are (or can be made) acceptable”.

Can solar panels be installed without a planning system?

Changes to permitted development rights rules will mean more homeowners and businesses will be able to install solar panels on their roofs without going through the planning system. Currently those who have to go through the planning system are having to wait over eight weeks and face extra costs.

Do solar farms need planning permission?

Solar farms with a generating capacity below 50 megawatts (MW) need planning permission from the local planning authority (LPA). Solar farms with a generating capacity above 50 MW need development consent from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, because they are nationally significant infrastructure projects’ (NSIPs).

Can a solar farm be built by 2035?

It aims to achieve 70 gigawatt (GW) of solar power by 2035 (up from 15.8 GW as of March 2024). Solar farms usually require planning permission. The size of a solar farm will determine which body decides the application. For example, in England: