Solar panels in Plymouth
£3,810 to £11,020 installed, 1,671 hours of sun a year, and 9,509 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Plymouth
3kWp
£3,810–£5,290
Saves up to £395 a year. Pays back in about 12 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,760–£7,620
Saves up to £621 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
6kWp
£8,390–£11,020
Saves up to £950 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.
Plymouth in numbers
Published statistics for the Plymouth council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 9,509 solar PV installations in the Plymouth council area, about 83 for every 1,000 households, with 41.2 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 47% of homes with an EPC in the Plymouth council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 69, which is band C.
| Plymouth council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 9,509 (83 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 47% | 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 | 80.9% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £3,024,995 allocated to Plymouth | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | National Grid Electricity Distribution (South West England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Plymouth is served by National Grid Electricity Distribution, the electricity network operator for South 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 Plymouth council area, which covers Plymouth, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Plymouth a good place for solar panels?
Plymouth receives an average of 1671 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).
Plymouth has a population of 262,000, and the area falls within the South West region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Plymouth or Devon
- 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 Plymouth
How much do solar panels cost in Plymouth?
How many solar panel installations are there in Plymouth?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Plymouth?
Solar panels in Plymouth 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 Plymouth?
Do I need planning permission in Plymouth?
How do I find a good installer in Plymouth?
Get quotes for your roof in Plymouth
Up to three approved installers who cover Plymouth may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Plymouth 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.