Solar panels in Harlow
£3,666 to £11,534 installed, 1,448 hours of sun a year, and 1,367 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Harlow
3kWp
£3,666–£4,903
Saves up to £373 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,849–£7,395
Saves up to £580 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
6kWp
£8,542–£11,534
Saves up to £853 a year. Pays back in about 12 years.
Source: Home Energy Quotes Cost Index, costs modelled June 2026, savings at the October to December 2026 price cap. Prices are estimates and include installation and VAT. Actual costs may vary.
Harlow in numbers
Published statistics for the Harlow council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 1,367 solar PV installations in the Harlow council area, about 36.1 for every 1,000 households, with 6.7 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 37% of homes with an EPC in the Harlow council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 71, which is band C.
| Harlow council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 1,367 (36.1 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 37% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 71 (band C) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 79.5% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £6,000,000 to the consortium led by Essex | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | UK Power Networks (East England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Harlow is served by UK Power Networks, the electricity network operator for East England. Solar panels have to be registered with the network operator. Your installer normally does this: smaller systems are notified after installation, and larger ones need approval before work starts.
These are published official statistics for the Harlow council area, which covers Harlow, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Harlow a good place for solar panels?
Harlow receives an average of 1448 hours of sunshine per year — close to the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with East of England’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Harlow has a population of 93,580, and the area falls within the East of England region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Harlow
We recommend getting at least 3 quotes from qualified installers before making a decision. Check reviews, ask for local references, and make sure warranties are clearly stated in writing.
What to check before hiring an installer in Harlow
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Harlow or Essex
- Reviews — check online reviews before committing
- Warranty — product and workmanship warranties should be clearly stated in writing
- 3 quotes minimum — we recommend comparing at least three quotes to ensure you get a fair price
Questions about solar panels in Harlow
How much do solar panels cost in Harlow?
How many solar panel installations are there in Harlow?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Harlow?
Solar panels in Harlow qualify for 0% VAT until March 2027. In Great Britain, the Smart Export Guarantee pays for surplus electricity you export to the grid, at a rate each supplier sets.
How long is the payback period in Harlow?
Do I need planning permission in Harlow?
How do I find a good installer in Harlow?
Get quotes for your roof in Harlow
Up to three approved installers who cover Harlow may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Harlow on the map
Solar Panels in nearby towns
Last reviewed: . Costs are modelled estimates from the Home Energy Quotes Cost Index — see how we calculate them. Grant rates are checked against GOV.UK.