Solar panels in Cardiff
£3,260 to £10,040 installed, 1,557 hours of sun a year, and 7,453 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Cardiff
3kWp
£3,260–£5,030
Saves up to £380 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,170–£7,170
Saves up to £647 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
6kWp
£7,340–£10,040
Saves up to £946 a year. Pays back in about 9 years.
Source: Home Energy Quotes Cost Index, costs modelled March 2026, savings at the October to December 2026 price cap. Prices are estimates and include installation and VAT. Actual costs may vary.
Cardiff in numbers
Published statistics for the Cardiff council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 7,453 solar PV installations in the Cardiff council area, about 50.6 for every 1,000 households, with 46 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 42% of homes with an EPC in the Cardiff council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 70, which is band C.
| Cardiff council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 7,453 (50.6 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 42% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 70 (band C) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 78.4% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Electricity network operator | National Grid Electricity Distribution (South Wales) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Cardiff is served by National Grid Electricity Distribution, the electricity network operator for South Wales. 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 Cardiff council area, which covers Cardiff, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Cardiff a good place for solar panels?
Cardiff receives an average of 1557 hours of sunshine per year — slightly above the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with Wales’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Cardiff has a population of 362,000, and the area falls within the Wales region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Cardiff
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 Cardiff
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Cardiff or South Glamorgan
- 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 Cardiff
How much do solar panels cost in Cardiff?
How many solar panel installations are there in Cardiff?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Cardiff?
Solar panels in Cardiff 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 Cardiff?
Do I need planning permission in Cardiff?
How do I find a good installer in Cardiff?
Get quotes for your roof in Cardiff
Up to three approved installers who cover Cardiff may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Cardiff 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.