Solar panels in Portsmouth
£3,810 to £12,470 installed, 1,710 hours of sun a year, and 3,038 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Portsmouth
3kWp
£3,810–£5,860
Saves up to £396 a year. Pays back in about 12 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,960–£8,270
Saves up to £617 a year. Pays back in about 12 years.
6kWp
£8,880–£12,470
Saves up to £960 a year. Pays back in about 11 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.
Portsmouth in numbers
Published statistics for the Portsmouth council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 3,038 solar PV installations in the Portsmouth council area, about 35.3 for every 1,000 households, with 18.5 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 50% of homes with an EPC in the Portsmouth council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 69, which is band C.
| Portsmouth council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 3,038 (35.3 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 50% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 69 (band C) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 75.8% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £34,807,254 to the consortium led by Portsmouth | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | SSEN Distribution (Southern England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Portsmouth is served by SSEN Distribution, the electricity network operator for Southern 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 Portsmouth council area, which covers Portsmouth, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Portsmouth a good place for solar panels?
Portsmouth receives an average of 1710 hours of sunshine per year — above the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with South East’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Portsmouth has a population of 214,000, and the area falls within the South East region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Portsmouth or Hampshire
- 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 Portsmouth
How much do solar panels cost in Portsmouth?
How many solar panel installations are there in Portsmouth?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Portsmouth?
Solar panels in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?
Do I need planning permission in Portsmouth?
How do I find a good installer in Portsmouth?
Get quotes for your roof in Portsmouth
Up to three approved installers who cover Portsmouth may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Portsmouth 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.