Solar panels in Derry
£3,220 to £10,260 installed, 1,344 hours of sun a year, and 3,254 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Derry
3kWp
£3,220–£4,790
Saves up to £408 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,160–£7,150
Saves up to £628 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
6kWp
£7,560–£10,260
Saves up to £963 a year. Pays back in about 9 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.
Derry in numbers
Published statistics for the Derry City and Strabane council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 3,254 solar PV installations in the Derry City and Strabane council area, about 53.4 for every 1,000 households, with 13.2 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. The median EPC energy score for homes in the Derry City and Strabane council area is 65, which is band D.
| Derry City and Strabane council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 3,254 (53.4 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 65 (band D) | Department for Communities, EPCs to March 2023 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 23.7% | Census 2021, NISRA |
| Electricity network operator | NIE Networks (Northern Ireland) | NIE Networks |
Derry is served by NIE Networks, the electricity network operator for Northern Ireland. 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 Derry City and Strabane council area, which covers Derry, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Derry a good place for solar panels?
Derry receives an average of 1344 hours of sunshine per year — below the UK average of 1,493 hours, though solar panels still generate meaningful power. Combined with Northern Ireland’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Derry has a population of 83,000, and the area falls within the Northern Ireland region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Derry
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 Derry
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Derry or County Londonderry
- 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 Derry
How much do solar panels cost in Derry?
How many solar panel installations are there in Derry?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Derry?
How long is the payback period in Derry?
Do I need planning permission in Derry?
How do I find a good installer in Derry?
Get quotes for your roof in Derry
Up to three approved installers who cover Derry may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Derry 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.