The UK government has announced that homes and businesses will have an easier time installing rooftop solar panels, thanks to new rules. Changes to permitted development rights rules will mean more homeowners and businesses will be able to install solar panels on their roofs without going through the planning system. 

Currently those who have to go through the planning system are having to wait over eight weeks and face extra costs. The move will encourage more people to install solar panels on their properties, slashing their energy bills in the process and cutting down on harmful emissions.

"By cutting red-tape in the planning system we can make sure homeowners and businesses can install solar panels without being held up by costly delays. Crucially, these permitted development rights are still subject to important conditions, including their use in conservation areas," Housing and Planning Minister Lee Rowley MP said.

The changes will mean homes with flat roofs will be able to install panels without planning permission, bringing rules in line with those for businesses. 

Current rules that require businesses to apply for planning permission if solar panels will generate more than one megawatt of electricity will also be scrapped, meaning organisations will be able to install more solar panels on rooftops without the delay and cost of applying for planning permission.

Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Graham Stuart MP said that "removing the 1MW restriction for industrial rooftop solar will help us meet our target of 70GW of solar power by 2035 while supporting hundreds of long-term skilled British jobs, bolstering our world-leading renewables sector and reducing bills for consumers with panels."