Planning Permission for Solar Panels

In most cases, solar panels on domestic properties in England fall within permitted development rights and do not require planning permission. However, there are exceptions — including properties in conservation areas, listed buildings, and certain other designated areas. Check the following:

• Most domestic solar panel installations are permitted development
• Planning permission may be required for listed buildings or properties in conservation areas
• Check whether a planning application was made — search your local council's planning portal
• If no application was made, confirm the installation was within permitted development limits
• A Lawful Development Certificate provides formal confirmation of lawfulness

MCS Certificate

Solar panel installations should be carried out by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited installer. The MCS certificate confirms that the installation meets the required standards and is necessary to access certain government schemes. Buyers will typically ask for this certificate.

• Locate the MCS installation certificate from the original installer
• The MCS certificate confirms the installation meets required standards
• It is required to access the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme
• If you cannot locate the certificate, contact the original installer or check the MCS database at mcscertified.com

Feed-In Tariff and Smart Export Guarantee

If your solar panels were installed before April 2019, you may be receiving payments under the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) scheme. This is a significant financial benefit that may be transferable to the buyer. If installed after April 2019, you may be registered with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. Both need to be disclosed and, where possible, transferred.

• Check whether you are registered with the Feed-In Tariff scheme
• FIT payments can be transferred to the buyer — your energy supplier will advise on the process
• Provide details of the FIT or SEG scheme, the tariff rate, and the annual payment
• Buyers will want to know the annual generation and export figures
• The transfer of FIT registration is typically handled by your solicitor as part of the conveyancing process

Roof Warranties and Structural Matters

Solar panel installations can affect existing roof warranties. If your property had a roof warranty when the panels were installed, check whether the installation voided it. Buyers may also ask about the structural assessment carried out before installation.

• Check whether the solar panel installation affected any existing roof warranty
• Locate any structural survey or assessment carried out before installation
• Confirm whether the installer provided any warranty for the installation itself
• Provide details of the panel manufacturer and any product warranties

Leased vs Owned Solar Panels

Some solar panel installations are leased rather than owned by the homeowner. If your panels are leased, this is a significant issue for buyers — the lease will need to be disclosed and the buyer will need to agree to take on the lease. Leased panels can complicate sales and affect mortgage availability.

• Check whether your panels are owned or leased
• If leased, locate the lease agreement and disclose it to your solicitor
• Leased panels must be disclosed to buyers — failure to do so could give rise to a claim
• Some mortgage lenders will not lend on properties with leased solar panels
• Discuss the implications with your solicitor before marketing begins

What to Do Next

Locate your MCS certificate, any FIT or SEG registration documents, and details of any roof warranties. Check whether your panels are owned or leased. Discuss any issues — particularly leased panels or missing certificates — with your solicitor before marketing begins.