Do You Need Planning Permission for Commercial Solar Panels and Battery Storage?

If you’re a business owner considering installing solar panels or battery storage to reduce energy costs and enhance sustainability, it’s crucial to understand the local planning and regulatory landscape. 

While renewable energy solutions are becoming increasingly popular, commercial installations often times come with more rules than residential ones. Staying well-informed and on planning permission and meeting regulations upfront can save you a wealth of time, money, and headaches later on.

At Jewel Renewables, we have created a guide to support your journey toward cost-effective and sustainable business practices. 

Do Commercial Solar Panels Require Planning Permission?

Unlike many residential solar panel installation projects, commercial solar panel installations usually require planning permission, especially if they are large, ground-mounted, or located in sensitive areas. The reasoning behind this is that planning authorities want to make sure the installation won’t harm the local environment, appearance, or safety. 

Some key factors influencing the need for solar panel planning permission include:

• Installation type - Roof-mounted systems on standard commercial buildings may sometimes be allowed under permitted development rights, but ground-mounted or large rooftop arrays typically need approval.
  
• System size - Larger systems that generate significant electricity are more likely to require planning permission.
  
• Location - Properties in conservation areas, near listed buildings, or close to airports and busy roads are subject to stricter controls due to potential visual impact and glare.
  
• Visual impact - Planning officers assess whether the installation affects the building’s character or the wider area’s appearance.
  

If you’re unsure whether your project requires planning permission, it’s best to consult with experts or your local planning authority. Get in touch with Jewel Renewables today for bespoke advice on our products and services.

What About Battery Storage?

Battery storage is becoming a popular addition to commercial solar systems, enabling businesses to store excess energy and reduce their reliance on the grid. However, battery units can also trigger planning requirements, especially when:

• Installed externally or in a visible location.
  
• They exceed certain size or capacity limits.
  
• The site is located within a conservation area or a flood risk zone.
  

As well as this, safety is another important consideration as batteries need proper ventilation and fire safety measures, so installations must comply with building regulations. Your installer should manage these details to keep you compliant.

Grid Connection and Network Operator Approvals

Connecting your solar panels and battery storage to the local electricity grid isn’t automatic, as You’ll need permission from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) (the company managing the grid in your area). This usually involves submitting applications under the G99 or G100 technical standards.

Depending on the size and location of your system, the DNO may require upgrades to the network to handle the additional energy input, which could add costs or time to your project.

Other Important Regulations to Keep in Mind

Beyond planning permission and grid approvals, commercial solar projects must also comply with:

• Building Regulations - Ensuring roof strength, wind resistance, electrical safety, and fire protection.
  
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) - Required for very large or ground-mounted systems that might affect the environment.
  
• Heritage and Conservation Rules - Especially relevant if your building is listed or in a conservation area.
  

Choose Jewel Renewables Today

Partnering with Jewel Renewables for your solar panels and energy storage units makes the process smooth, helping you install them with confidence.

Investing in commercial solar and battery storage can deliver huge energy savings and sustainability benefits, but getting the planning and regulatory groundwork right is key to success.

If you want to explore how commercial solar and battery storage could work for your Surrey business, and understand the planning and regulatory steps involved, get in touch with Jewel Renewables today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Start your free, no-obligation online quote today using our online quoting tool.