The Scottish Government’s review of Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) for rooftop solar has officially come into effect, eliminating the need for planning permission.
The long-awaited legislation is expected to have a “real significant benefit for business and commercial rooftops to help reduce energy costs”, according to Solar Energy UK, with the PDR revision removing the 50 kW upper limit for permitted rooftop solar allowances on domestic and non-urban area. domestic buildings.
Solar Energy UK also announced that the move follows the abolition of non-domestic rooftop solar tariffs in last year’s Budget, which the industry also campaigned for. Both changes will remove significant barriers to rooftop installations.
The new rules allow the installation of flat roof systems under permitted buildings, as long as they do not extend more than 1 meter above the roof surface.
Under certain circumstances, solar panels may also be considered permitted development in conservation areas, as long as they are not installed on primary elevations or facing roadways. The only exceptions to these rules are World Heritage Sites and monumental buildings.
Welcoming the announcement, Solar Energy Scotland chairman Thomas McMillan said: “We have been campaigning for this change for a number of years. Simplifying the planning process for rooftop solar will make a substantial difference in Scotland delivering 6GW of solar energy by 2030.
“With energy costs remaining stubbornly high, solar energy remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the costs of running residential and commercial buildings: this change by the Scottish Government makes the process of installing solar energy faster and easier and warmly welcomed.”
In addition to withdrawing planning permission, the new solar energy regulations also include allowing free-standing solar panels on the premises of non-residential buildings (up to 12 m²) and relaxing restrictions on solar canopies.
Solar canopies no longer need to be used primarily to power electric vehicle (EV) chargers, as this was deemed an “unnecessary restriction”. The industry plans to continue discussions with the Scottish Government about a possible increase in the 12 square meter limit in the future, Solar Energy UK said.
