Solar panels in Preston
£3,400 to £10,890 installed, 1,450 hours of sun a year, and 6,071 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Preston
3kWp
£3,400–£4,890
Saves up to £377 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,320–£7,350
Saves up to £585 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
6kWp
£7,550–£10,890
Saves up to £862 a year. Pays back in about 11 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.
Preston in numbers
Published statistics for the Preston council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 6,071 solar PV installations in the Preston council area, about 101.9 for every 1,000 households, with 25.2 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. 42% of homes with an EPC in the Preston council area are rated D to G, and the median energy score is 70, which is band C.
| Preston council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 6,071 (101.9 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes with an EPC rated D to G | 42% | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Median EPC energy score | 70 (band C) | ONS, EPCs lodged to March 2025 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 77.3% | Census 2021, ONS |
| Warm Homes: Local Grant, 2025 to 2028 | £35,324,700 to the consortium led by Blackpool | DESNZ, list updated July 2026 |
| Electricity network operator | Electricity North West (North West England) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Preston 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 Preston council area, which covers Preston, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
How Preston compares with the rest of Lancashire, council by council, and the grants open to homes there: home energy in Lancashire.
Is Preston a good place for solar panels?
Preston receives an average of 1450 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).
Preston has a population of 141,000, and the area falls within the North West region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Preston
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 Preston
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Preston or Lancashire
- 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 Preston
Explore our detailed neighbourhood guides covering every area of Preston. Each guide includes local costs, available grants and qualified installers near you.
Questions about solar panels in Preston
How much do solar panels cost in Preston?
How many solar panel installations are there in Preston?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Preston?
Solar panels in Preston 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 Preston?
Do I need planning permission in Preston?
How do I find a good installer in Preston?
Get quotes for your roof in Preston
Up to three approved installers who cover Preston may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Preston 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.