Solar panels in Kensington
554 applications since 2019. 416 approved and 40 refused. Refused: about 1 in 11 here, about 1 in 10 across the councils we cover.
Last updated 8 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 | 57 | 42 | 0 |
| 2025 | 99 | 89 | 4 |
| 2024 | 134 | 83 | 16 |
| 2023 | 110 | 92 | 7 |
| 2022 | 54 | 41 | 4 |
| 2021 | 45 | 26 | 2 |
| 2020 | 19 | 14 | 3 |
| 2019 | 36 | 29 | 4 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brent | 194 | 30 | about 1 in 7 |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 567 | 52 | about 1 in 12 |
| Old Oak Park Royal | 5 | 0 | none |
| Wandsworth | 349 | 51 | about 1 in 8 |
| Westminster | 865 | 64 | about 1 in 15 |