As more and more households across the UK start having solar PV systems installed, two questions we frequently get asked at SolarTherm UK are
- Can I get solar installed on my listed building?
- I live in a conservation area, is solar still an option for me?
The good news is yes, solar is still often possible in both situations. This guide explains the considerations, permissions and simple processes involved when planning a solar PV installation on a listed building or within a conservations area.
Listed Buildings
There are almost 400,000 listed buildings in the UK, these are protected from alterations and extensions to the building without specific planning permissions from the local planning authority. Meaning any changes to the structure of the building – like adding solar panels – requires Listed Building Consent (LBC) from your local council.
While it can be a privilege to live in a listed building, where the property is visually appealing and usually located in an idyllic setting, there are many drawbacks. Listed buildings in general have poor energy efficiency ratings and can be expensive to power and heat. So, many people are exploring ways to counter-balance some of the essential living costs.
A solar PV system installed by SolarTherm UK can save you up to 70% on your electricity costs and while installing solar on a listed property isn’t as simple as on a newer property, it is still possible. An application for Listed Building Consent (LBC) is free of charge and is completed through your local council’s planning portal. If your roof is not suitable for a solar PV installation, there are other options available. You could consider having panels installed on an outbuilding or having a ground-mounted system installed. SolarTherm UK can advise on alternatives or what design best suits your property.
Conservation Areas
As of 2025, there are over 11,300 conservation areas in the UK, providing stringent protection to areas of special architectural or historical interest. While living in a conservation area usually means an idyllic location with a visually pleasing home, it can come with restrictions on what you can and can’t do to improve your property. Before considering a solar PV installation, you need to find out if your property is in a conservation area, and if local planning laws allow a solar installation through permitted development rights or if your property is restricted by an Article 4 Direction which requires authorisation through your local council planning authority. This is free of charge to apply for and SolarTherm UK will guide you through the process.
Usually in a conservation area, as long as your roof is suitable and the parameters fall within the permitted development (not extending more than 20cm horizontally from the building’s wall or roof slope, not placed higher than the highest part of the roof excluding dormers or chimneys), the only adjustment that may need to be made is that solar panels are not visible from a public road.
Four Simple Steps to Savings
Solar PV installation in a listed building or conservation area with Article 4 Direction is easy with SolarTherm UK by following these few simple steps.
- Get in Touch Contact SolarTherm UK for your free no-obligation quote for a bespoke solar system that is designed for your property and usage. A solar PV system on a listed building or a property in a conservation area should be designed for maximum efficiency with minimum disruption and damage to the significance and appearance of the building. We will discuss with you the options, any issues we think we may come across and the next steps to getting your design from the computer screen to a money saving, green energy future.
- Apply for Consent After you have your design, you will need to apply for Listed Building Consent through your local council planning authority. An application should take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Your planning authority will check to confirm the building as been maintained to satisfactory standards. You will need to provide evidence to demonstrate that your plans will not cause structural damage or alter the building’s appearance. SolarTherm UK will take care of the design side of your application, ensuring that it covers all aspects of requirements to not alter or cause damage to the building, that all cabling and electrical equipment meets guidelines and that your electrical equipment will be installed out of sight.
- Schedule Your Installation Once you have received consent, let us know and we will organise a site survey and get you booked in for install.
- Start Saving with the Sun Enjoy lower energy bills and a greener lifestyle while preserving the heritage of your home.
Ready to Power Your Heritage Property with Solar?
SolarTherm UK specialises in installing solar PV systems on listed buildings and within conservation areas. We’ll handle the tricky parts, so you can focus on reaping the benefits of clean, renewable energy.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free bespoke design package, tailored for your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
