Thinking of going solar? You’re not alone! More and more UK homeowners are embracing the power of the sun. But which cities are leading the charge when it comes to solar panel installations?
We’ll take a closer look at the most popular UK cities for solar panels. You’ll discover which areas are taking advantage of this clean, renewable energy source and why they’re perfect for solar power.
Top 10 Solar Cities in the UK
As the UK continues to embrace renewable energy, several cities across the nation have emerged as leaders in solar panel adoption. Here are the top 10 solar cities in the UK, along with their impressive yearly savings for households with solar panels:
1. Brighton
| Yearly Savings | £1,254 |
Brighton takes the crown as the most popular UK city for solar panels, with households enjoying average yearly savings of £1,254. The city’s sunny coastal location and eco-conscious residents make it an ideal spot for harnessing solar energy.
2. Dorchester
| Yearly Savings | £1,252 |
Dorchester follows closely behind Brighton, with households saving an average of £1,252 per year on their energy bills. The city’s commitment to renewable energy and favorable weather conditions contribute to its high ranking.
3. Portsmouth
| Yearly Savings | £1,246 |
Portsmouth, another coastal city, secures the third spot with average yearly savings of £1,246 for households with solar panels. The city’s maritime climate and growing interest in sustainable living make it a prime location for solar energy.
4. Bournemouth
| Yearly Savings | £1,236 |
Bournemouth, known for its stunning beaches and sunny weather, ranks fourth with households saving an average of £1,236 annually. The city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint has led to a surge in solar panel installations.
5. Plymouth
| Yearly Savings | £1,234 |
Plymouth, a historic naval city, takes the fifth spot with average yearly savings of £1,234 for households with solar panels. The city’s mild climate and increasing focus on sustainable energy contribute to its high ranking.
6. Canterbury
| Yearly Savings | £1,231 |
Canterbury, a picturesque cathedral city, ranks sixth with households saving an average of £1,231 per year. The city’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and reducing its environmental impact has led to a growing number of solar panel installations.
7. Southampton
| Yearly Savings | £1,226 |
Southampton, a bustling port city, secures the seventh spot with average yearly savings of £1,226 for households with solar panels. The city’s favorable weather conditions and increasing awareness of the benefits of solar energy contribute to its high ranking.
8. Colchester
| Yearly Savings | £1,224 |
Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, ranks eighth with households saving an average of £1,224 annually. The city’s rich history and commitment to a sustainable future make it an attractive location for solar panel adoption.
9. Southall
| Yearly Savings | £1,222 |
Southall, a vibrant and diverse area in West London, takes the ninth spot with average yearly savings of £1,222 for households with solar panels. The area’s growing interest in renewable energy and community-driven initiatives contribute to its high ranking.
10. Ipswich
| Yearly Savings | £1,219 |
Ipswich, a historic town in Suffolk, rounds out the top 10 with households saving an average of £1,219 per year. The town’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and increasing its use of renewable energy sources has led to a growing number of solar panel installations.
Solar Adoption Trends Across the UK
Here’s a look at the solar adoption trends across various regions and property types in the UK:
Solar Installations by Region
Wales has seen a dramatic 300% increase in solar power installations from 2018/19 to 2023/24, demonstrating the region’s commitment to renewable energy. The Isle of Anglesey leads the way with 4.21% of households having solar panel installations, followed closely by Ceredigion at 4%.
| Region | Solar Installation Increase (2018/19 to 2023/24) | % of Households with Solar Panels
|
| Wales | 300% | – |
| Isle of Anglesey | – | 4.21% |
| Ceredigion | – | 4% |
Plymouth boasts an impressive 115,700 households using solar energy, with 8,208 photovoltaic installations, despite an average annual total CO2 emission of 850.
Leeds and Sunderland also rely heavily on solar energy. On the other hand, the City of London has the lowest solar adoption, with only 6,400 households using solar energy and just 48 photovoltaic installations, despite its high average total CO2 emissions of 29,983.
| City | Average Annual Total CO2 Emissions | Households Using Solar Energy | Photovoltaic Installations
|
| Plymouth | 850 | 115,700 | 8,208 |
| City of London | 29,983 | 6,400 | 48 |
Property Types Most Likely to Have Solar Panels
Detached houses are the most likely property type to have solar panels installed, with 25% of detached homeowners opting for this renewable energy source. Semi-detached properties follow closely, with 20% of these homes having solar panels.
| Property Type | % of Properties with Solar Panels
|
| Detached Houses | 25% |
| Semi-detached | 20% |
The average cost of solar panel installation for a detached house is £5,000, while semi-detached properties can expect to pay around £4,000.
Despite the initial investment, solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills, with detached houses saving an average of £400 per year and semi-detached properties saving around £300 annually.
| Property Type | Average Solar Panel Installation Cost | Average Annual Savings
|
| Detached Houses | £5,000 | £400 |
| Semi-detached | £4,000 | £300 |
Solar Popularity in Top Cities
Several key factors contribute to the growing popularity of solar panels in the UK’s leading cities. Let’s explore these drivers in more detail.
Local Government Initiatives
Cities with proactive local governments have seen a surge in solar panel adoption. Take Bristol, for example, where the City Council has set ambitious carbon reduction targets and established the Bristol Energy Network to support renewable energy projects.
Similarly, the Greater London Authority is aiming for 2 GW of solar capacity by 2030, while Nottingham and Manchester have invested heavily in solar projects to become carbon-neutral.
| City | Initiative | Target
|
| Bristol | Bristol Energy Network for renewable energy | Ambitious carbon reduction |
| London | Greater London Authority solar capacity goal | 2 GW by 2030 |
| Nottingham | Heavy investment in solar projects | Carbon neutrality |
| Manchester | Solar to play significant role in carbon target | Carbon-neutral by 2038 |
Source: [1] Manchester City Council
Solar Irradiance Levels
The amount of solar irradiance a city receives significantly influences the adoption of solar panels.
Cities like Plymouth, which boast high solar irradiance levels, are ideal locations for harnessing solar energy. This natural advantage makes solar panels more efficient and cost-effective, encouraging more households to make the switch.
| City | Solar Irradiance Level | Impact on Solar Adoption
|
| Plymouth | High | Ideal for solar energy |
Environmental Awareness
Growing environmental consciousness among UK residents has also contributed to the popularity of solar panels in top cities.
As people become more aware of the urgent need to combat climate change, they are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources like solar power. This shift in mindset, coupled with falling solar panel prices, has made solar an attractive option for eco-conscious households looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs in the long run.
| Factor | Impact on Solar Adoption
|
| Environmental awareness | Increased interest in renewable energy like solar |
| Falling solar panel costs | Makes solar more accessible and cost-effective |
Solar Panel Costs and Incentives
Installing solar panels can be a significant investment, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it worthwhile. Let’s explore the costs and incentives associated with going solar in the UK.
Average Cost of Solar Panels
The average cost of solar panels in the UK varies based on the system size and quality of the components. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs for different system sizes:
| System Size | Estimated Cost Range
|
| 3kW | £4,500 – £5,500 |
| 4kW | £5,000 – £6,000 |
| 5kW | £7,500 – £8,500 |
| 6kW | £9,500 – £10,500 |
These prices include the cost of the panels, inverter, mounting system, and installation. While the initial investment may seem high, solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills and provide a return on investment within 10-15 years.
Government Grants and Schemes
The UK government offers several incentives to encourage homeowners to adopt solar energy. One of the most popular schemes is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which replaced the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) in January 2020. Under the SEG, energy suppliers pay you for the excess electricity your solar panels generate and export back to the grid.
| Scheme | Benefits
|
| Smart Export Guarantee | Payments for exported electricity (rates vary by supplier) |
| Reduced VAT rate | 5% VAT on solar panel installations (down from 20%) |
Additionally, some local authorities offer grants and interest-free loans to help with the upfront costs of installing solar panels. These incentives, combined with the long-term savings on electricity bills, make solar an attractive option for many UK homeowners.
How to Find a Reputable Solar Installer
When searching for a reputable solar installer in the UK’s most popular cities for solar panels, consider the following factors:
- Certification and Accreditation: Look for installers who are certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and are members of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC). These accreditations ensure that the installer adheres to industry standards and best practices.
- Experience and Track Record: Choose an installer with extensive experience in the solar industry and a proven track record of successful installations. Ask for references and case studies to gauge their expertise and customer satisfaction.
- Warranty and Aftercare: Ensure that the installer offers comprehensive warranties on both the solar panels and the installation work. Inquire about their aftercare services, including maintenance and support, to ensure your system remains efficient and reliable.
- Transparent Pricing: Request detailed quotes from multiple installers, comparing the costs and services offered. A reputable installer will provide transparent pricing, including a breakdown of equipment costs, installation fees, and any additional charges.
| System Size | Average Cost (including VAT)
|
| 1 kW | £2,500 – £3,000 |
| 2 kW | £3,000 – £4,000 |
| 3 kW | £4,000 – £5,000 |
| 4 kW | £5,000 – £6,000 |
Source: [1] Glow Green
By considering these factors and comparing multiple installers, you can find a reputable solar installer who will provide high-quality equipment, expert installation, and reliable aftercare services. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification to ensure you make an informed decision when investing in solar panels for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top solar cities in the UK?
The top solar cities in the UK include Brighton, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Leeds, and Sunderland. These cities have shown significant adoption of solar panels, with households enjoying substantial yearly savings on energy bills.
Which region in the UK has the highest percentage of homes with solar panels?
South West England has the highest percentage of homes with solar panels, with 7.08% of households in the region having gone solar. This puts the South West well ahead of other regions in terms of solar adoption.
What factors drive the popularity of solar panels in certain areas?
Factors driving solar panel popularity include local government initiatives promoting renewable energy, high solar irradiance levels, and growing environmental awareness among residents. These factors contribute to higher adoption rates in certain cities and regions.
What should I consider when choosing a solar installer in the UK?
When choosing a solar installer in the UK, consider factors such as certification (MCS accreditation), experience, warranties offered, and transparent pricing. Research multiple installers, read reviews, and request detailed quotes to make an informed decision.
What are the average costs for different solar panel system sizes in the UK?
The average costs for solar panel systems in the UK vary based on size. A 1kW system typically costs around £1,500, a 2kW system around £3,000, a 3kW system around £4,500, and a 4kW system around £6,000. However, prices can vary depending on the installer and specific equipment used.