Commercial solar is booming in the UK as businesses search for ways to cut energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. For companies across Dorset and the South Coast, installing solar panels is no longer just a sustainability goal — it’s a financial strategy. But while the benefits are clear, the path to installation is not always straightforward.
Before a single panel goes on your roof, there are rules to understand and approvals to secure. From planning permission to building regulations and grid connection requirements, commercial solar projects must comply with multiple layers of legislation. Knowing what to expect not only saves you time but also ensures your installation is legally compliant and future-proof.
In this guide, we’ll explain the key regulations, permits, and building rules that apply to commercial solar in the UK, so you can approach your project with confidence.
The first question most business owners ask is whether they need planning permission. The good news is that many commercial solar panel installations fall under permitted development rights, which allow certain types of work to go ahead without a full planning application.
That said, permitted development comes with conditions:
Panels installed on a pitched roof should not extend more than 20 centimetres from the roof surface.
On flat roofs, solar panels must not exceed one metre above the roofline.
Installations should be set back at least one metre from the roof edge or the ridge.
Panels should not be reflective in a way that causes nuisance to nearby properties.
If your building is listed, located in a conservation area, or close to a heritage site, the rules become stricter. In these cases, planning permission is almost always required, regardless of size or placement.
For ground-mounted systems, there are tighter restrictions. Anything covering more than nine square metres or standing taller than four metres usually requires a full planning application.
Even if planning permission is not required, building regulations approval will almost always be necessary. Building regulations ensure that your solar installation is safe, structurally sound, and compliant with national construction standards.
Your roof must be able to handle the additional weight of solar panels, mounting frames, and wind or snow loads. A structural survey is typically carried out before installation. If reinforcement is needed, this work must be completed before panels are fitted.
All wiring must comply with UK standards, specifically BS 7671 (the wiring regulations). Installers registered with a Competent Persons Scheme can self-certify their work, which speeds up the process. If your installer isn’t registered, you’ll need to arrange for building control officers to inspect and approve the system.
Solar panels generate heat, so installations must allow for proper ventilation behind the modules. Materials used should also meet UK fire safety standards to reduce risks.
Building regulations are there to protect your property and ensure installations are safe. Always use an accredited installer who understands compliance inside and out.
Commercial solar panels often produce more electricity than a business can use during daylight hours. That surplus energy is exported back to the National Grid. To do this, you need approval from your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Smaller systems can usually be connected under simplified processes (known as G98 applications).
Larger systems or those with higher export capacities require more detailed G99 applications, which may involve engineering studies.
In some cases, the local grid may need upgrades to handle the additional power.
Your installer should handle the application process, but it’s important to confirm they have experience securing DNO approvals, as delays here can hold up your project.
In addition to national regulations, there are often local policies that affect commercial solar projects. Dorset, Hampshire, and surrounding councils may impose extra rules, particularly in conservation areas or coastal locations where visual impact is a concern.
For example, buildings within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or National Parks often face stricter planning requirements. Some councils also apply “Article 4 directions,” which remove permitted development rights in certain zones, meaning full planning permission is required even for small projects.
Heritage sites and listed buildings will need extra scrutiny, and in some cases, you may need to commission environmental or archaeological assessments before work can begin.
Here’s a simple roadmap to help business owners stay compliant when installing commercial solar:
Check your property status – Is it listed, in a conservation area, or part of an AONB?
Confirm permitted development rights – Measure distances, projections, and heights against the legal limits.
Arrange a structural survey – Ensure the roof can handle the load safely.
Choose an accredited installer – Preferably one registered with a Competent Persons Scheme.
Apply for grid connection – Submit applications to your DNO as early as possible.
Submit planning approval if needed – Work with your local authority on applications.
Document everything – Keep certificates, permits, and approvals safe for future reference.
Failing to comply with regulations can have serious consequences. At best, it could delay your project and add unnecessary costs. At worst, you may be ordered to remove the panels altogether. Non-compliant installations can also cause insurance issues and may affect the resale value of your property.
Working with an experienced commercial solar installer ensures you stay on the right side of the law and benefit from a smooth, stress-free installation.
Commercial solar panels are an excellent way for UK businesses to reduce costs and improve sustainability, but the process is more than just choosing panels and booking an installer. From planning permission to building regulations and grid connection, there are multiple approvals to secure along the way.
For businesses in Dorset and across the South Coast, local planning authorities may add extra conditions, especially in heritage or conservation zones. By understanding the rules upfront, you can avoid delays and keep your project on track.
At Save Energy UK, we handle every aspect of compliance for our clients. From structural surveys and planning applications to DNO approvals and building regulation checks, we make sure your project is fully compliant and future-ready. Our team takes the stress out of the process, leaving you free to enjoy the long-term savings and environmental benefits that commercial solar brings.
Ready to explore a commercial solar installation for your business? Get in touch with Save Energy UK today and let’s make your building greener, more efficient, and fully compliant with UK regulations.
