Solar panels in Elmbridge
322 applications since 2016. 203 approved and 65 refused. Refused: about 1 in 4 here, about 1 in 10 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 9 November 2026.
Without planning permission
- On a pitched roof, no more than 0.2 m proud of the slope and no higher than the highest part of the roof, chimneys aside
- On a flat roof, no more than 0.6 m above the highest part of the roof, chimneys aside
- On a wall, no more than 0.2 m out if it abuts a road, 0.4 m otherwise
- Not on a listed house
- Plug-in panels not on a wooden wall or timber cladding
- Sited to keep the effect on the look of the house and the area as small as possible
England, houses only. Flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 directions change this. The full rules.
Year by year
| Year | Applications | Approved | Refused |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 45 | 22 | 4 |
| 2025 | 58 | 33 | 16 |
| 2024 | 59 | 40 | 13 |
| 2023 | 49 | 31 | 11 |
| 2022 | 51 | 35 | 13 |
| 2021 | 12 | 8 | 1 |
| 2020 | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| 2019 | 11 | 9 | 1 |
| 2018 | 18 | 15 | 2 |
| 2017 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guildford | 73 | 21 | about 1 in 4 |
| Kingston | 211 | 85 | about 1 in 3 |
| Mole Valley | 229 | 53 | about 1 in 5 |
| Richmond | 234 | 22 | about 1 in 12 |
| Runnymede | 70 | 10 | about 1 in 8 |
| Spelthorne | 36 | 5 | about 1 in 8 |
| Woking | 125 | 24 | about 1 in 6 |