Solar panels in Brighton
£4,100 to £12,370 installed, 1,768 hours of sun a year, and 5,112 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Brighton
3kWp
£4,100–£5,640
Saves up to £373 a year. Pays back in about 13 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,880–£8,720
Saves up to £624 a year. Pays back in about 12 years.
6kWp
£8,770–£12,370
Saves up to £885 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.
Brighton in numbers
Published statistics for the Brighton and Hove council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 5,112 solar PV installations in the Brighton and Hove council area, about 42.1 for every 1,000 households, with 26.4 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 51% of homes with an EPC in the Brighton and Hove council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 68, which is band D.
| Brighton and Hove council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 5,112 (42.1 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 | 75.3% | 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 | UK Power Networks (South East England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Brighton is served by UK Power Networks, the electricity network operator for South 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 Brighton and Hove council area, which covers Brighton, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Brighton a good place for solar panels?
Brighton receives an average of 1768 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).
Brighton has a population of 290,000, and the area falls within the South East region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Brighton
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 Brighton
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Brighton or East Sussex
- 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 Brighton
How much do solar panels cost in Brighton?
How many solar panel installations are there in Brighton?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Brighton?
Solar panels in Brighton 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 Brighton?
Do I need planning permission in Brighton?
How do I find a good installer in Brighton?
Get quotes for your roof in Brighton
Up to three approved installers who cover Brighton may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Brighton 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.