Solar panels in Cambridge
£3,860 to £12,440 installed, 1,578 hours of sun a year, and 5,120 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Cambridge
3kWp
£3,860–£5,580
Saves up to £378 a year. Pays back in about 12 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,920–£8,730
Saves up to £597 a year. Pays back in about 12 years.
6kWp
£8,840–£12,440
Saves up to £858 a year. Pays back in about 12 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.
Cambridge in numbers
Published statistics for the Cambridge council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 5,120 solar PV installations in the Cambridge council area, about 97.6 for every 1,000 households, with 21.6 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 34% of homes with an EPC in the Cambridge council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 73, which is band C.
| Cambridge council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 5,120 (97.6 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 34% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 73 (band C) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 75.1% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £8,805,153 to the consortium led by Cambridge | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | UK Power Networks (East England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Cambridge 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 Cambridge council area, which covers Cambridge, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Cambridge a good place for solar panels?
Cambridge receives an average of 1578 hours of sunshine per year — slightly above the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with East England’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Cambridge has a population of 123,000, and the area falls within the East England region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Cambridge
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 Cambridge
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Cambridge or Cambridgeshire
- 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 Cambridge
How much do solar panels cost in Cambridge?
How many solar panel installations are there in Cambridge?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Cambridge?
Solar panels in Cambridge 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 Cambridge?
Do I need planning permission in Cambridge?
How do I find a good installer in Cambridge?
Get quotes for your roof in Cambridge
Up to three approved installers who cover Cambridge may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Cambridge 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.