Current rules state that homeowners can have solar cells installed as long as the work is done by a fully approved contractor.

But some councils are going against the Government’s guidance by wrongly telling people they require planning permission or Building Regulations approval.

David Hunt, a director with specialist contractor Eco Environments, said: “The Government’s rules are clear.

“Planning permission is not required unless you live in a listed building or conservation area and Building Regulations are not required as long as the homeowner uses a contractor under the Government’s Competent Person Scheme.

“Even in a conservation area, planning should be permitted and Building Regulations should not be necessary as long as the homeowner notifies the local authority and uses accredited installers.

“The majority of councils do comply, but a small number seem hell bent on causing as many problems as possible.”

Residents in Cumbria are among those suffering from confusion over the planning regime.

Eden District Council has now told homeowners they must make a Building Regulations application at a cost of £100 a time for solar work.

Resident Dr Jeremy Lucas said:  “Before going ahead with the installation of our 2.4kwp 12 panel solar installation we contacted the council to confirm that no planning permission was required.

“The council has even published a document making it clear that there is no requirement for a Building Regulations application as long as the work has been carried out under the Competent Persons Scheme.

“Our supplier Eco Environments is registered as such and they confirmed the suitability of our roof for solar panels before going ahead with the work.

“This whole episode has caused my wife and I enormous unnecessary stress. You would have thought that Eden District Council would prefer to be seen to be encouraging renewable energy projects and put itself at the forefront of the green revolution.”