Solar panels in Lake District
319 applications since 1978. 265 approved and 22 refused. Refused: about 1 in 13 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 | 25 | 13 | 3 |
| 2025 | 24 | 20 | 2 |
| 2024 | 28 | 20 | 3 |
| 2023 | 35 | 32 | 2 |
| 2022 | 24 | 21 | 1 |
| 2021 | 15 | 12 | 2 |
| 2020 | 12 | 9 | 1 |
| 2019 | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| 2015 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
Neighbouring councils
| Council | Approved | Refused | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allerdale | 192 | 13 | about 1 in 16 |
| Westmorland and Furness | 0 | 0 | none |