☀️ Peak sun hours in the United Kingdom
The UK has modest sun — roughly 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours on average. The south of England is best; Scotland lower. Panels still generate on cloudy days, just less.
| Region | Approx. peak sun hours (annual avg) |
|---|---|
| South-West & South-East England | ~3.0 – 3.5 |
| Midlands & Wales | ~2.8 – 3.2 |
| Northern England | ~2.6 – 3.0 |
| Scotland & the far north | ~2.4 – 2.9 |
Use your local figure in the solar panel calculator and the energy production calculator. Background: peak sun hours by location.
⚡ Electricity prices in the United Kingdom
UK households pay some of the higher electricity prices in Europe — roughly 24 to 28 pence per kWh under the price cap, though it varies. That high price is exactly why solar pays here despite the modest sun: every kWh you self-generate avoids that expensive grid unit.
💸 Incentives & net metering
Two things help: installations currently benefit from 0% VAT (a temporary measure), and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) obliges larger suppliers to pay you for exported energy (rates vary by tariff). The old Feed-in Tariff closed to new applicants in 2019, so SEG is the route today. Check current SEG rates with suppliers.
💰 System cost & payback in the United Kingdom
A typical home system is around £5,000–£8,000 depending on size and whether you add a battery:
| System size | Approx. cost | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | ~£5,000 – 7,000 | Typical UK home |
| 4 kW + battery | ~£8,000 – 12,000 | Store day power for evening use |
| 6 kW | ~£7,000 – 10,000 | Larger home / high usage |
Work out your own numbers with the ROI calculator and the bill savings calculator, or design the whole system with the system report builder.
💡 Local insight: UK
People underestimate UK solar because of the weather, but the maths is driven by price, not sunshine: with expensive grid electricity, 0% VAT and SEG export payments, a well-sited south-facing roof typically pays back in about 8–12 years and then produces near-free power for years after. A battery helps you use more of your own daytime generation in the dark evenings.
🧰 Solar tools
Plan your system with these:
- Solar panel calculator — how many panels for your usage and sun hours.
- Solar bill savings calculator — how much you'll save.
- ROI calculator — payback period.
- Battery calculator — if you want backup.
- Full system report — design the whole system in one page.
Related reading: do solar panels work in winter, how many panels to run a house, and how long do solar batteries last.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How many peak sun hours does the UK get?
About 2.5 to 3.5 on average — highest in the south of England (~3–3.5) and lowest in Scotland (~2.4–2.9). Panels still work on cloudy days, just at reduced output.
Is solar worth it in the UK?
Yes, more than people expect — high electricity prices, 0% VAT and the Smart Export Guarantee give a typical payback of about 8–12 years despite the modest sun.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
An obligation on larger energy suppliers to pay you for the surplus solar energy you export to the grid. It replaced the old Feed-in Tariff, which closed to new applicants in 2019.
How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
A typical 4 kW system is roughly £5,000–£7,000, or £8,000–£12,000 with a battery. Get local quotes.
Note: UK electricity prices, the 0% VAT measure and SEG export rates change over time. These figures are approximate, for planning only — verify with installers and suppliers.