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An increasing number of planning officers, will I am sure, actively support the installation of solar panels, looking at them as a positive benefit rather than a blight. My experience with my local planning Department was poor, however there was a good conclusion. I had approached the local planning department for an amendment so that I could have what are known as solar shingles (very much like slates but darker and generate electricity) on my roof. Despite active support from my local councillors, and various environmental interest bodies, the planners turned it down - I have a refusal letter. During the application process I had corresponded on this matter with the Development Director for the council, suggesting that as I was perhaps the first in Kent to do this, they might want to actively support me and gain some good PR. On the day of the refusal letter arriving, a representative of the Director of Development arrived, said that he couldn't see why I was refused, it seemed emminently sensible and that the technology I was using was effectively invisible . The refusal was verbally overturned that day followed by a letter confirming it - perhaps the fastest a planning application refusal has ever been overturned! I didn't have to go to an appeal which I was confident I would have won, I'm afraid that my respect and confidence in our local planning office remains pretty well at zero! see: This is nottingham: Solar Panels refusal Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London has stated that the majority of solar installations, in particular those that do not extend more than a certain level beyond the normal roof line are not normally subject to planning permission. However it is always best to check with your local planning office and possibly your local buildings control office.
In the unlikley event that you do get a refusal make sure you press for a full explanation and a statement of what your council's overall policy towards sustainable energy is. If you have to put in a planning application, get your neighbours support. Ask them to write to the council using the words "I support this application" - the wording is important. You might also approach your local councillor and ask them to make sure the application goes to committee, in particular if there is a likelihood of refusal.
There are changes planned for the planning process, it is likely that during 2007 many small scale energy generation projects will be removed from the planning process and become 'permitted developments'. For the UK: Small Renewable Energy Developments (Permitted Development) Bill
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