Solar panels in Derby
£3,330 to £10,950 installed, 1,495 hours of sun a year, and 6,840 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Derby
3kWp
£3,330–£5,120
Saves up to £380 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,230–£7,640
Saves up to £633 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
6kWp
£7,840–£10,950
Saves up to £915 a year. Pays back in about 10 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.
Derby in numbers
Published statistics for the Derby council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 6,840 solar PV installations in the Derby council area, about 64.7 for every 1,000 households, with 27.1 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 54% of homes with an EPC in the Derby council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 67, which is band D.
| Derby council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 6,840 (64.7 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 54% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 67 (band D) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 81.3% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £69,859,402 to the consortium led by Midlands Net Zero Hub | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | National Grid Electricity Distribution (East Midlands) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Derby is served by National Grid Electricity Distribution, the electricity network operator for East 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 Derby council area, which covers Derby, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Derby a good place for solar panels?
Derby receives an average of 1495 hours of sunshine per year — close to the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with Midlands’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Derby has a population of 257,000, and the area falls within the Midlands region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Derby
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 Derby
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Derby or Derbyshire
- 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 Derby
How much do solar panels cost in Derby?
How many solar panel installations are there in Derby?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Derby?
Solar panels in Derby 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 Derby?
Do I need planning permission in Derby?
How do I find a good installer in Derby?
Get quotes for your roof in Derby
Up to three approved installers who cover Derby may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Derby 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.