Plenty of homes have no balcony but do have a garden, a garage or a flat roof. Good news: the rules allow many outdoor spots. Bad news: wood is out, and so is the extension lead. Here is what is allowed, spot by spot.
Can I put plug-in solar on my shed?
On a brick, metal or concrete outbuilding, yes, if the kit's maker lists that mounting. Which? says kits can go on outbuildings. The government's product rules don't name sheds, so the maker's instructions decide. A wooden shed is a problem. The rules ban timber cladding, and England's planning rules exclude wooden walls. Put the kit on a ground stand beside it instead. The shed also needs a proper socket wired from the house. A reel lead across the lawn won't do. Our certified kits guide shows how to check a kit's mounting.
Can I attach a plug-in solar panel to a fence?
Not to a wooden one. Which? says you must not attach panels to anything wooden, such as a timber fence or gate. England's planning rules also exclude wooden fences, gates and walls. A brick wall is different, if the maker lists a wall mount. Never fix a panel to a wall that divides your home from a neighbour's. And cable ties, rope, straps or tape on their own are never allowed as the fixing.
Can I put a plug-in solar kit on a flat roof?
Often, yes, if the maker lists a roof mount. Which? says panels should be no more than 0.6 m higher than the highest part of the roof. Wind is the risk, so follow the maker's height limit and use the stand that comes with the kit. Any fixing has to be reversible, so no permanent bonding. The same ban on timber and some cladding types applies as it does for flats and balconies.
Can I just lay it on the lawn?
Yes, if the kit is built for the ground. Which? says kits can be placed on the ground. Use the maker's stand and its weights, and keep to its height limit, because wind can shift a panel. Don't bury the cable or run it through wet ground. The spec says no cable installation in the ground or wet areas. The lead has to reach a proper outdoor socket without an extension.
Do I need planning permission?
In England, plug-in solar is now covered by permitted development, so often no. A stand-alone ground kit must cover under 9 m². It can be 1 m high in front of the main front of the house. It can be 2 m high within 5 m of a boundary. Elsewhere it can be 4 m high. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have not changed their planning rules, so ask your council. Listed buildings need listed building consent. Conservation areas can have extra rules, so ask the council first.
What socket do I need outside?
If you plug in outdoors, the socket must be built for the weather. The government spec says IP55 or better. The London Fire Brigade says IP65, and a competent person should fit it. Both are ratings for dust and water. Pick the higher one if you're unsure. Extension leads, multi-way adaptors and travel adaptors are never allowed. Remember to tell your network operator after install. The 800 W rule still applies outside.
The quick version
- Nothing wooden: no timber shed, fence, gate or balcony.
- No extension leads or adaptors, ever. Use a proper outdoor socket.
- In England, ground kits must be under 9 m². Elsewhere, ask the council.