Solar panels in York
£3,390 to £10,320 installed, 1,435 hours of sun a year, and 5,487 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in York
3kWp
£3,390–£4,690
Saves up to £401 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,390–£7,010
Saves up to £647 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
6kWp
£7,850–£10,320
Saves up to £997 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.
York in numbers
Published statistics for the York council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 5,487 solar PV installations in the York council area, about 64.2 for every 1,000 households, with 24.5 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 51% of homes with an EPC in the York council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 68, which is band D.
| York council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 5,487 (64.2 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 51% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 68 (band D) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 78.4% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £2,037,677 allocated to York | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | Northern Powergrid (North East England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
York is served by Northern Powergrid, the electricity network operator for North 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 York council area, which covers York, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is York a good place for solar panels?
York receives an average of 1435 hours of sunshine per year — close to the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with Yorkshire’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
York has a population of 211,000, and the area falls within the Yorkshire region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in York
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 York
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in York or North Yorkshire
- 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 York
How much do solar panels cost in York?
How many solar panel installations are there in York?
Is there a grant for solar panels in York?
Solar panels in York 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 York?
Do I need planning permission in York?
How do I find a good installer in York?
Get quotes for your roof in York
Up to three approved installers who cover York may contact you. Free, no obligation.
York 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.