Solar panels in Carlisle
£3,285 to £10,337 installed, 1,448 hours of sun a year, and 8,150 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Carlisle
3kWp
£3,285–£4,394
Saves up to £373 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,242–£6,628
Saves up to £580 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
6kWp
£7,655–£10,337
Saves up to £853 a year. Pays back in about 11 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.
Carlisle in numbers
Published statistics for the Cumberland council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 8,150 solar PV installations in the Cumberland council area, about 65 for every 1,000 households, with 86 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 54% of homes with an EPC in the Cumberland council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 67, which is band D.
| Cumberland council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 8,150 (65 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 54% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 67 (band D) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 72.1% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £12,328,580 to the consortium led by Westmorland and Furness | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | Electricity North West (North West England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Carlisle is served by Electricity North West, the electricity network operator for North West 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 Cumberland council area, which covers Carlisle, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Carlisle a good place for solar panels?
Carlisle receives an average of 1448 hours of sunshine per year — close to the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with North West’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Carlisle has a population of 77,730, and the area falls within the North West region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Carlisle
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 Carlisle
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Carlisle or Cumbria
- 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 Carlisle
How much do solar panels cost in Carlisle?
How many solar panel installations are there in Carlisle?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Carlisle?
Solar panels in Carlisle 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 Carlisle?
Do I need planning permission in Carlisle?
How do I find a good installer in Carlisle?
Get quotes for your roof in Carlisle
Up to three approved installers who cover Carlisle may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Carlisle 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.