Solar panels in Cheltenham
£3,860 to £11,250 installed, 1,585 hours of sun a year, and 3,589 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Cheltenham
3kWp
£3,860–£5,490
Saves up to £356 a year. Pays back in about 13 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,690–£8,210
Saves up to £624 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
6kWp
£8,690–£11,250
Saves up to £824 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.
Cheltenham in numbers
Published statistics for the Cheltenham council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 3,589 solar PV installations in the Cheltenham council area, about 67.8 for every 1,000 households, with 14.5 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 49% of homes with an EPC in the Cheltenham council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 69, which is band C.
| Cheltenham council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 3,589 (67.8 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 49% | 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 | 79.3% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £5,481,399 to the consortium led by Stroud | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | National Grid Electricity Distribution (West Midlands) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Cheltenham is served by National Grid Electricity Distribution, the electricity network operator for West Midlands. 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 Cheltenham council area, which covers Cheltenham, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Cheltenham a good place for solar panels?
Cheltenham receives an average of 1585 hours of sunshine per year — slightly above the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with South West’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Cheltenham has a population of 116,000, and the area falls within the South West region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Cheltenham
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 Cheltenham
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Cheltenham or Gloucestershire
- 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 Cheltenham
How much do solar panels cost in Cheltenham?
How many solar panel installations are there in Cheltenham?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Cheltenham?
Solar panels in Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham?
Do I need planning permission in Cheltenham?
How do I find a good installer in Cheltenham?
Get quotes for your roof in Cheltenham
Up to three approved installers who cover Cheltenham may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Cheltenham 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.