Can you put solar panels on your balcony in the UK?

As we’ve already noted, plug-in solar is creeping forwards to the point where we’ll all be able to self-install in the near future. Currently, such systems are capped at 800W, and require an electrician to install.

One of the key areas for plug-in solar is people living in flats, with a key question: can you put solar panels on your balcony in the UK? The answer, unsurprisingly, is, it depends.

For a self-install, you’ll need to wait until the new legislation is in place, but once it is, whether it’s possible or not is the same even if you use an installer.

You need lightweight panels

Balcony solar uses thin, light and slightly flexible panels, rather than the hard, rigid and heavy ones for rooftop solar. These lightweight panels are specially designed so that they’re easier to fit safely and don’t put a heavy load on balcony railings.

These are the kinds of panels that will ship with DIY plug-in solar systems when they’re available later this year. Note that these panels can weigh up to 8kg, so they’re still a bit of a handful.

You’ll need your balcony to face the right way

We all know that solar requires sunlight, so there’s no point in installing panels if your balcony doesn’t get any sun, either because it’s facing the wrong direction (North), or because there’s shade from trees or other buildings.

If you don’t get much sun, you won’t generate much electricity, so it’s not really worth installing panels.

You might need permission if you live in a conservation area

Installation of solar panels comes under permitted development, so you don’t need to get planning permission for most areas. However, if you live in a conservation area, you’ll need to check to see if you’re allowed panels, and you may need to apply for permission to have them installed.

You’ll need permission if you rent

Renters will be able to request to install moveable solar systems (DIY systems that they can take with them), and landlords aren’t allowed to reasonably refuse. You’ll still need permission to go ahead, but it should be straightforward to get.

You might need permission from your management company

Before you install balcony solar, you may need permission from your management company or freeholder, as the lease may preclude you from installing it. This could be more of an issue on high-rise blocks, where any object that could potentially fall would be more dangerous.

Before you do anything, check and make sure that you don’t need to go through additional steps. It’s possible that some buildings will require any system to be professionally installed by an installer with insurance.