Home energy generation - proposed regime

The Government is extending and clarifying the scope of permitted development for installing microgeneration equipment in domestic properties.

From April 6 2008 a number of home energy generation technologies became permitted development provided certain conditions were met. These are solar panels; biomass; micro-combined heat and power; ground source and water source heat pumps.

Wind turbines and air source heat pumps are not yet permitted development. However, once standards have been established to address the potential impacts of noise and vibration these technologies will also enjoy permitted development rights, within certain constraints.

There will be no change to the planning regime for small-scale hydro-electricity.

For general information see 'Home energy generation' in our Greener Homes section.

For guidance on the recently reformed planning and building regulations regime select your technology of interest:

• Solar Panels
• Heat Pumps
• Biomass
• Combined heat and power

You can also:

• View guidance on the forthcoming reformed planning regime for wind turbines.
• View guidance on the existing planning and building regulations regime covering small-scale hydro electricity.