Frequently Asked Questions
How does the partnership between South Ribble Borough Council and MakeMyHouseGreen work?
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in South Ribble?
Can I have solar panels on a complicated roof or outbuilding?
Can I have solar panels on a flat roof?
What are Permitted Development Rights?
How do I know if solar panels are right for my home?
How long do solar panels last?
What does the process involve, and is there a cost?
Do you install solar panels across South Ribble?
I don't live in South Ribble; can I still use MakeMyHouseGreen?
What about if I don’t own my home, but rent instead?
I live in a block of flats. Can I benefit from solar panels?
What about community buildings?
What about my business premises?
What grants are available for South Ribble residents?
I would like more information before I commit
How does the partnership between South Ribble Borough Council and MakeMyHouseGreen work?
South Ribble Borough Council is working with MakeMyHouseGreen to help residents get clear, trusted advice about solar panels, battery storage and home EV chargers.
The council supports the scheme because it can help people cut energy bills and improve the comfort and health benefits of their home. MakeMyHouseGreen provides the online tool, system design and installation service.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in South Ribble?
Most homes do not need planning permission for solar panels. This is because many solar panel installations are allowed under Permitted Development Rights.
However, extra rules do apply if your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building. MakeMyHouseGreen can help check what applies to your home and work with the Planning Department when needed.
Can I have solar panels on a complicated roof or outbuilding?
Yes, in many cases MakeMyHouseGreen can design systems for different roof shapes, roofs facing in more than one direction, and some outbuildings such as barns or stables.
The system will be designed around your home rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Can I have solar panels on a flat roof?
Yes it is possible and MakeMyHouseGreen installs on flat roofs regularly. Sometimes there are more considerations than with tiled roofs, but it is fairly common practice now.
What are Permitted Development Rights?
Permitted development rights are rules that let you make certain changes to a property without applying for planning permission.
For solar panels, this usually means most homes can have panels installed without needing a full planning application, as long as the installation meets certain conditions — for example, the panels should not stick out too far from the roof and should be fitted to reduce their visual impact.
There are extra restrictions for listed buildings, conservation areas and some other protected locations, so it is always worth checking if any special rules apply to your property before going ahead.
How do I know if solar panels are right for my home?
The best way to find out is to get a free assessment. The team will look at things such as:
- Which way your roof faces: South-facing roofs are best, but east- and west-facing roofs can also work well.
- How much daylight your roof gets: The team will check for shade from trees, chimneys or nearby buildings.
- How much energy you use: This helps work out what size system you may need.
How long do solar panels last?
Your panels should last at least 25 years.
If you have an inverter in your system, this will need to be replaced; usually about every 10 years.
What does the process involve, and is there a cost?
The process starts with a free, no-obligation chat with an expert.
- Step 1: Free chat: The team uses the solar calculator to show you what solar panels could mean for your home.
- Step 2: Design: The team works with you to create a plan, with no pressure to buy. You will only pay a deposit when you are completely happy with your plan.
- Step 3: Installation: If you go ahead, trained, accredited installers will fit your system. This usually happens within six to eight weeks.
- Step 4: After-care: Your panels come with a 25-year performance warranty. Any after-care is dealt with by MakeMyHouseGreen.
Steps 1 and 2 are free of charge. Only when you are completely happy with the design will you pay a deposit. There is a £600 discount on the installation costs for all South Ribble properties.
Do you install solar panels across South Ribble?
Yes. MakeMyHouseGreen installs solar panels across South Ribble, including Leyland, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, and the Western and Eastern Parishes.
The team can design a system for different types of homes, from older terraced houses to modern family homes.
I don't live in South Ribble; can I still use MakeMyHouseGreen?
Yes, MakeMyHouseGreen will work with customers anywhere in the UK but unfortunately you will not be eligible for the £600 South Ribble discount.
What about if I don’t own my home, but rent instead?
Yes, its possible to install on rented properties, and you are still eligible for the discount. We would just need written permission from your landlord to complete the work.
I live in a block of flats. Can I benefit from solar panels?
In many blocks of flats, a management company owns and looks after shared areas, including the roof. If this applies, they will need to agree before solar panels can be installed.
Most residents would also need to agree to the installation. Everyone involved, including the management company, would need to contribute to the cost and share the savings.
What about community buildings?
MakeMyHouseGreen will use the same process it uses for residential solar panels to understand what energy savings you could make by installing solar on a community building.
You will need to provide evidence that the owner of the building is happy for you to proceed with an installation.
You are eligible for the £600 discount.
What about my business premises?
MakeMyHouseGreen will use the same process it uses for residential solar panels to understand what energy savings you could make by installing solar on business premises.
Permitted Development Rights apply to many business premises unless your business is in a conservation area or is a listed building.
You are eligible for the £600 discount.
What grants are available for South Ribble residents?
South Ribble Borough Council has some grant funding to help certain low-income households. You may be able to apply if your household income is below £36,000 a year, including benefits but not child benefit. You must also have less than £6,000 in savings and meet the scheme’s other criteria.
The funding can help with:
- loft insulation, including ventilation
- replacing some single-glazed timber windows and doors, with priority given to main living areas
- replacing some heating appliances, but not gas fires if the home already has a boiler
- repairs to heating systems that are less than 10 years old
More details will be available at Climate Resilience Fund South Ribble once the scheme goes live.
You may also be able to get funding through Cosy Homes in Lancashire, search online for Cosy Homes in Lancashire or the Warm Homes Local Grant
Some UK banks are offering interest free loans for energy efficiency improvements, it is worth checking what your bank is offering.
I would like more information before I commit
Use the Energy Savings Trust Homewise tool by going to South Ribble Homewise for free impartial advice on energy saving tips for your property.
Here you can find everything from ways to reduce your bills, options on insulation, to a full home energy plan and downloadable report tailored to your property.
You are always welcome and advised to get quotes from other suppliers and installers and check MakeMyHouseGreen is the best value offer for your property.