Most commercial rooftop solar PV installations in England and Wales benefit from permitted development rights and do not require a planning application, subject to conditions relating to panel projection and proximity to protected areas. However, listed buildings, buildings in conservation areas, and ground-mount systems above certain thresholds require full planning permission.
Solar Surveys provides planning and CAD support for solar PV projects requiring formal planning permission. Structural engineering documentation is frequently required as a supporting document for planning applications, particularly for rooftop arrays where the local authority requires evidence that the roof structure can accommodate the additional load without material alteration to the building's character.