In March 2026, the UK government quietly changed the rules on plug-in solar panels. The update to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order means small-scale solar installations no longer need planning permission for most commercial premises. For small businesses in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, this is a genuine opportunity.
What Changed?
Previously, installing solar panels on commercial buildings often required planning permission, especially if the building was listed or in a conservation area. The 2026 updates simplify this significantly:
- Plug-in solar panels (up to 1kW per installation) are now permitted development for most commercial properties
- No structural survey required for flat-roof installations under a certain weight threshold
- Grid connection for micro-generation (under 3.68kW) is now a simpler notification process, not a full application
What This Means for an East Midlands Shop or Office
A typical small shop in Nottingham city centre could install 4-6 plug-in solar panels on a south-facing roof for around £2,000-£3,000. Estimated annual savings: £400-£600 on electricity bills. Payback period: 5-7 years. Panel lifespan: 25+ years.
For a small office in Derby or Leicester with similar roof space, the maths works the same. With business electricity prices still significantly above pre-2022 levels, the payback period keeps shrinking.
Do You Need PAT Testing for Solar?
Interesting question — and yes. Any portable electrical equipment used in your business needs PAT testing, and that includes the inverter and monitoring equipment that comes with a plug-in solar installation. Your PAT testing engineer can include these in your regular schedule.
Caveats
- Listed buildings and conservation areas (such as parts of the Lace Market in Nottingham) still have restrictions
- If you rent your premises, you'll need landlord permission
- Plug-in systems are not as efficient as roof-integrated arrays — but they're much cheaper and don't require an electrician to install
Is It Worth It?
For most small businesses in the East Midlands, the answer is increasingly yes. Electricity isn't getting cheaper, solar panels are, and the paperwork has never been simpler. Even a small 800W plug-in system can knock 15-20% off your quarterly bill.
Interested in solar for your business but not sure where to start? We don't do solar — but we do match businesses with PAT testing engineers who can at least check your electrical setup is ready for it.