Listed-building consent is hard but not impossible. Recent Historic England guidance is markedly more permissive than five years ago — and ground-mount alternatives often slip under the radar entirely.
All listed buildings in England, Wales and Scotland need listed-building consent for roof-mounted solar — even if the panels also qualify for permitted development. Historic England's 2024 updated guidance is openly supportive of sympathetic PV on Grade II buildings. Approval typically takes 8–12 weeks. Ground-mount installs in the garden are often easier to consent.