If you’re considering solar panels in North London, one of the first questions you might ask is:
“Do I need planning permission?”
The short answer is: in most cases, no.
Solar panels are classed as “Permitted Development” — meaning most homes can have them fitted without applying for planning consent.
✅ When You Don’t Need Planning Permission
Most North London homeowners can install solar panels freely if:
- Panels don’t protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface
- The system isn’t higher than the highest part of the roof
- Panels are placed to minimise impact on neighbours or street views
- The installation is done by MCS & NICEIC certified installers (Keenan Solar meets both)
This covers the vast majority of residential homes in Enfield, Barnet, Finchley, Highgate, Palmers Green, and surrounding areas.
🏛️ When You Might Need Planning Permission
Some properties have restrictions, including:
- Listed Buildings: To preserve historical features, planning consent is required
- Conservation Areas: Certain parts of North London — such as Highgate, Hampstead Garden Suburb, and Camden Square — may require approval
- Flat Roofs: If panels are mounted on angled frames and raised more than 200mm from the surface
At Keenan Solar, we can help check your property with the local council before installation, ensuring everything meets planning regulations.
🏢 What About Commercial and Apartment Buildings?
Commercial units, schools, and apartment blocks also qualify for permitted development, provided:
- Panels don’t extend above the highest part of the roof
- The system is installed within the building’s boundary
- Electrical connections meet DNO and grid safety standards
Our in-house design team handles all technical and grid applications for you.
🏡 Case Study – Highgate, North London
- Property Type: Semi-detached home in a conservation area
- System: 12 x 440W panels + 10.2kWh battery
- Planning: Submitted via Camden Council – approved in 6 weeks
- Savings: £900/year, with near-zero visual impact
The project passed planning easily thanks to our clean, low-profile mounting system and careful placement.
✅ Why Choose Keenan Solar
When you choose Keenan Solar in North London, you get:
- Full planning and compliance support
- MCS & NICEIC certified installation
- Free scaffolding & bird proofing
- 25-year panel warranties
- 15-year inverter & battery warranties
- Lifetime aftercare & system monitoring
📍 Areas We Cover
We install solar panels across North London, including Enfield, Barnet, Finchley, Highgate, Camden, Palmers Green, Southgate, and Winchmore Hill.
☀️ Hassle-Free Solar Installation
For most homes in North London, solar panels require no planning permission at all — and if yours does, we’ll handle it for you.
📞 Call: 020 8133 8704
🌐 keenan-solar.co.uk
📍 North London’s trusted solar installer