Solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular way for UK homeowners to generate renewable electricity and cut their energy bills. Typically, a formal planning application is not necessary for many [...]

Domestic solar generation has traditionally involved panels installed on rooftops requiring suitable space, professional installation and potential planning considerations.  As of the 27th of August 2026, new permitted development (PD) [...]

A rooftop solar scheme capable of generating a 1.4 megawatt-peak has been installed at New Spitalfields Market in Walthamstow, making it London’s largest operational rooftop solar scheme by generation.  London’s [...]

In March 2025, glare from a nearby solar farm temporarily closed one runway at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, causing significant disruption as incoming flights had to be diverted to alternative runways. [...]

For any project involving solar panels, or any other potentially reflective surfaces such as glass, or metal façades, a glint and glare assessment may be requested by the local planning [...]

Permitted development rights Permitted development rights in the UK allow certain things to be built or changed without the need for a planning application. Essentially, the idea is that certain [...]

In August 2025, the British Horse Society (BHS) updated their guidance on solar farms near routes used by equestrians [1]. This guidance covers a variety of topics, including noise, drainage, [...]

Depending on the surface conditions reflections of light can be specular or diffuse. A specular reflection has a reflection characteristic similar to that of a mirror, whereas a diffuse reflection [...]

Glare is an important environmental impact to consider during the planning of solar developments due to the potential impacts upon aviation activity, residential amenity, road safety, railway operations and infrastructure.  [...]

Ever since the development and advancement of solar panels into the mainstream renewable energy sector, we have treated night and darkness as the absence of solar energy. We thought that [...]