Solar pergola, the odd UK law…

Rory - 4 March 2024 - 08:03

A solar pergola is a structure that combines the benefits of a traditional pergola with solar panels. Let me explain further:

Pergola: A pergola is a garden structure built from posts and beams to create a shaded area in a garden. It can be freestanding or partially attached to a house, known as a lean-to pergola.
Solar Panels: A solar panel pergola features a roof with solar panels. These panels can either serve as the roof for the pergola or be placed on top of an existing pergola’s roof. The solar panels generate electricity from sunlight.
- Placement: Ideally, solar panels should face south and be tilted at an angle between 20° and 50° to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day.
- Existing Pergolas: Solar panels can be added to an existing pergola, provided the structure is strong enough to support their weight!. If the existing pergola has a flat or slightly tilted roof, the panels can be mounted on adjustable mounts to achieve the optimal angle.
Benefits:
- Shade and Protection: Like a traditional pergola, a solar pergola provides shade and protection from the sun.
- Renewable Energy: Simultaneously, it generates renewable energy by harnessing sunlight, which can offset your electricity consumption.
- Added Generation: You can have independent solar production or add to an existing installation.
- Functionality and Sustainability: Solar pergolas enhance outdoor spaces, adding functionality and sustainability to homes or businesses.
Cost and Savings:
- The average pergola can accommodate five to eight solar panels.
  Savings vary to around £270 per year.

Because of UK planning laws, there is some areas where the permissions are contrary to other bits.
For example, you cannot have a freestanding solar array within 5 meters of the boundary, it cannot be longer or wider than 3 meters. and cannot stand greater than 4 meters.
However you can have a covered walk way – solar roof. that’s unlimited..
You can fill the roof of your house or out buildings even when within 1 meter of a boundary.
People have been known to use solar panels as fence panels too…