FAQs
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.
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 council where needed.
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.
Yes it is possible and MakeMyHouseGreen installs on flat roofs regularly. Sometimes there are more considerations than with tilted roofs, but it is fairly common practice now.
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.
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.
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: Free of charge. 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 weeks.
- Step 4: Aftercare: Your panels come with a 25-year performance warranty. Any aftercare is dealt with by MakeMyHouseGreen.
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.
Yes, it's 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.
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.
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 will still be eligible for the £600 South Ribble discount.
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, and the £600 discount still applies. Permitted Development Rights apply to many business premises unless your business is in a conservation area or is a listed building.
Yes, MakeMyHouseGreen will work with customers across the UK, but unfortunately you will not be eligible for the £600 South Ribble Discount
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
To find out more, search online for Climate Resilience Fund South Ribble. You may also be able to get funding through Cosy Homes in Lancashire, search online for Cosy Homes in Lancashire.
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.
