Solar panels in Manchester
£3,260 to £10,770 installed, 1,417 hours of sun a year, and 11,177 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Manchester
3kWp
£3,260–£4,700
Saves up to £367 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,040–£7,230
Saves up to £605 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
6kWp
£7,580–£10,770
Saves up to £882 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.
Manchester in numbers
Published statistics for the Manchester council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 11,177 solar PV installations in the Manchester council area, about 52.1 for every 1,000 households, with 41.1 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 36% of homes with an EPC in the Manchester council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 71, which is band C.
| Manchester council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 11,177 (52.1 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 36% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 71 (band C) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 67% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | Paid through Greater Manchester Combined Authority | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | Electricity North West (North West England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Manchester is served by Electricity North West, the electricity network operator for North West 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 Manchester council area, which covers Manchester, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Manchester a good place for solar panels?
Manchester receives an average of 1417 hours of sunshine per year — close to the UK average of 1,493 hours. Combined with North West’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Manchester has a population of 553,000, and the area falls within the North West region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Manchester
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 Manchester
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Manchester or Greater Manchester
- 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
Solar Panels by Area in Manchester
Explore our detailed neighbourhood guides covering every area of Manchester. Each guide includes local costs, available grants and qualified installers near you.
Questions about solar panels in Manchester
How much do solar panels cost in Manchester?
How many solar panel installations are there in Manchester?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Manchester?
Solar panels in Manchester 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 Manchester?
Do I need planning permission in Manchester?
How do I find a good installer in Manchester?
Get quotes for your roof in Manchester
Up to three approved installers who cover Manchester may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Manchester 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.