Solar Panels

Under the terms of your lease or the Scheme of Management the consent of the Heritage Foundation will usually be required for solar panels, because they affect the external appearance of a property. Solar panels can have a considerable impact on the appearance of properties, depending on their design and where they are located. The Heritage Foundation is keen to ensure that the attractiveness of an area is not compromised by the installation of inappropriately designed solar panels on prominent roof slopes. A range of colours for solar panels are now available, as are systems which simulate traditional roof tiles and slates, and so blend well with conventional pitched roofs.

Solar panels are also available which can be applied to walls, windows and roof lights, which may prove appropriate in some circumstances. The use of solar collection panels in unobtrusive situations will therefore be acceptable provided that the number or area does not dominate the property and they are finished in a colour and in a design to minimise their visual impact. On Listed buildings, prominent roof slopes or in locations facing a highway, solar collection panels will be refused unless there are overriding reasons in support of an application. It must be borne in mind that shadows from buildings, trees and other structures can significantly reduce the performance of solar panels and this will be taken into account by the Heritage Foundation when considering applications. You should always check with the District Council whether their consent is also required.