Planning matters

In October 2022, I made the decision to invest in solar panels for my home in Durham City. Like many homeowners, I was motivated by a mix of environmental concerns, rising energy costs, and a desire for greater energy independence. Eighteen months on, I’m proud to share not just the numbers behind the system’s performance, but the broader benefits it has brought—socially, environmentally, and economically.

Since installation, my system has produced a total solar yield of 11,163.3 kWh. During that time, I’ve consumed 21,777.7 kWh of electricity and exported 3,198.8 kWh back to the National Grid. These numbers tell a compelling story of how solar energy can significantly contribute to household power needs while also feeding clean energy into the wider system.

One of the most immediate and meaningful impacts of installing solar panels has been the reduction in my home’s carbon footprint. By generating 11,163.3 kWh of solar power, my household has avoided the need for that electricity to be generated from sources that include fossil fuels.

In the UK, since October 2022, the grid has produced an average of about 141g of CO_₂ per kWh (according to NESO dashboard). This means that my solar panels have helped prevent over 1.6 tonnes of CO_₂ emissions in just 18 months. That’s roughly equivalent to the emissions from driving a petrol car over 6,000 miles.

Beyond my own home, exporting 3,198.8 kWh back to the grid has provided clean, renewable energy for others in the community—effectively helping to green the local grid. It’s a small but vital contribution to a broader energy transition that almost anyone can play a part in. I also have a family of pigeons who love to shelter under the corner of the panels during bad weather!

The financial advantages have also been clear. By generating over 11 MWh of my own electricity, I’ve significantly reduced the amount I need to buy from the grid—particularly during sunnier months when solar output peaks. With energy prices having risen sharply over the last few years, this self-generation has protected me from some of the volatility in the market.

Even more encouraging is the income from exporting excess electricity. Through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), I’ve been able to earn money for the 3,198.8 kWh I’ve sent back to the grid. Although not a huge amount, it is helping to shorten the payback period on the initial investment.

 

When factoring in energy bill savings and export payments, the panels are well on their way to paying for themselves. Based on current energy prices and usage levels they should pay for themselves just after year 4 - after that, every pound saved will be pure profit. Given their 25+ year lifespan and relatively low maintenance costs, they represent a long-term hedge against rising electricity prices.

While the economic and environmental benefits are tangible, the social impact of this decision has been equally rewarding. In Durham—a city steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty—community interest in sustainability is growing. By installing solar panels, I’ve found myself having conversations with neighbours and friends who are curious about the system and the benefits it brings.

This kind of local advocacy is vital. People are far more likely to consider adopting new technologies when they can see them working in real life. I’ve had several neighbours say that my experience helped push them to start exploring solar for their own homes.

There’s also a growing sense of energy resilience. With the UK facing more extreme weather events and geopolitical instability affecting global energy supplies, being able to produce some of my own power gives me peace of mind. It’s reassuring to know that during outages or supply disruptions, my home has a buffer of energy independence.

One of the most common questions I get from others considering solar is: Do I need planning permission? Thankfully, in most cases, the answer is no—but it’s helpful to understand the framework that governs domestic solar installations in the UK.

In England, most domestic solar panel installations are covered under Permitted Development Rights (PDRs), which means you do not need to apply for planning permission, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions are designed to ensure that installations are safe, minimally obtrusive, and respectful of local character.

For rooftop installations on houses, some of the key conditions include:

If you're installing solar panels on a flat roof, or as a standalone structure in your garden (like a solar array on the ground), slightly different rules apply. These may require planning permission depending on size, height, and location—especially if you live in a conservation area or near a listed building. However, even then there has been a growing recognition that solar panels are consistent with sustainable development goals and should not be unreasonably obstructed.

In recent years, the UK government has shown increasing support for household renewables, and planning policy is slowly shifting in favour of greater flexibility. The Future Homes Standard and wider net-zero targets are pushing local planning authorities to prioritise low-carbon technologies, including solar. In 2023, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) issued guidance reinforcing the idea that renewable energy developments, including solar, should be supported unless there are compelling reasons not to. This policy direction is helping to reduce red tape for homeowners and encourage more installations across the country.  If you're unsure about your own property's planning requirements, Lichfields can help you.

Installing solar panels was not a decision we made lightly. It involved upfront costs but 18 months on, I can confidently say it was one of the most impactful decisions we’ve made for our household.

The benefits ripple outward—from my bank account to the environment, to the wider Durham community. It’s proof that individual choices, when made consciously and with a view toward the future, really do matter. While solar energy alone won’t solve the climate crisis or the cost-of-living challenges we face, it’s a powerful step in the right direction.

If you’re considering solar panels for your own home, I can wholeheartedly recommend exploring it. Whether your motivation is environmental stewardship, financial security, or community resilience, the sun offers a solution that is both sustainable and surprisingly accessible.