Planning permission for solar panels in Ireland
Find out whether you need planning permission before installing solar panels in Ireland — and what rules apply to homes, businesses, and farms.
- Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
- What’s changed in Irish planning laws?
- Are there any exceptions to the rule?
- Planning permission for solar panels on protected structures
- What if I want ground-mounted panels?
- Do businesses or farms need planning permission?
- Get started with your solar installation
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
In most cases, no, you do not need planning permission to install solar panels on your home in Ireland. This is due to changes in planning laws that allow for solar panel installation under exempted development rules, as long as certain conditions are met.
These exemptions apply to most domestic dwellings, including houses in both urban and rural settings.
What’s changed in Irish planning laws?
In October 2022, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage updated planning regulations to remove previous restrictions on solar installations. The main changes include:
- No rooftop area limit for solar panels on houses (previously there was a 12m² cap)
- Planning permission is no longer required for most rooftop solar installations
- Streamlined rules for homes, businesses, and agricultural buildings
- Support for Ireland’s targets under the EU Solar Rooftops Initiative
These updates make it much easier and more cost-effective for Irish households to adopt renewable energy solutions.
Are there any exceptions to the rule?
Yes — there are still a few situations where planning permission may be required:
- If your home is a protected structure or located in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)
- If your planned installation exceeds certain height limits, especially for ground-mounted systems
- If your solar panels will cause a glint or glare hazard for nearby roads or properties
In these cases, it’s best to consult with your local planning authority or a professional installer before beginning any work.
Planning permission for solar panels on protected structures
If your property is a listed or protected building, or if it’s located within a designated ACA, you’ll likely need to submit a planning application before installing solar panels — even if they are roof-mounted.
Special consideration is given to preserving the character and appearance of historic buildings, so any solar work must be carefully planned and approved.
What if I want ground-mounted panels?
If you’re planning a ground-mounted solar panel array — for example, in your garden or on farmland — different rules apply. You may need planning permission if:
- The structure exceeds 2.5 metres in height
- It covers more than 25 square metres
- It’s within a certain distance of public roads or neighbouring boundaries
Ground-mounted systems can be a great solution for properties with limited roof space, but it’s important to check in with your local council or installer first.
Do businesses or farms need planning permission?
Recent updates have also improved access for commercial and agricultural buildings, but there are still limits based on roof size and location. As of 2023:
- Farms and industrial premises can install up to 300m² of panels per building without planning permission
- Additional panels may require consent, particularly if located near boundaries or roads
The government is continuing to review and simplify regulations for non-residential solar systems to meet national energy goals.
Get started with your solar installation
If you’re ready to install solar panels and want to know what applies to your specific property, the best first step is to speak with a trusted installer. They’ll be familiar with local planning rules and can help you navigate any exceptions or requirements.
At Solarpanels.ie, we connect you with reliable solar panel providers across Ireland. Simply fill out a short form to get tailored offers — and get guidance on grants, installation, and whether planning permission applies to your home.
