Do I need planning permission for Solar in Guernsey?
In most cases, no, planning permission is not required for solar panels on the roof of a standard home in Guernsey. However, there is an important exception, if your property was built before 1900 and the solar panels would cover more than 50% of the roof area, then a planning application is required. If you’re building is pre-1900 don’t let that put you off, it’s unlikely you would be refused.
Planning will also be needed for protected or listed buildings. If this is the case, we always check this for you as part of the design process, so everything is handled correctly from the start.
For ground-mounted solar installations, if it’s within the curtilage of a dwelling-house, it may be exempt — but only if they satisfy certain criteria like size of array or proximity to the dwelling. When the installation is outside the domestic curtilage (for example in a field or open land), or if the property is a protected building, the exemption does not apply — and planning permission will be required.
