Is it worth buying solar panels in London?

Having solar panels in London typically cuts your electricity bills by 64%.

The average London household installing solar will break even after 14 years.

London receives 4.4% more sunlight each year than the UK average.

You might be wondering if solar panels are a good investment for your home. You probably have a lot of questions, such as: Can my home accommodate solar panels? How effective are solar panels in London? How much do solar panels cost?

We have created a detailed guide on buying and owning solar panels in London to help you find the answers.

And if you want to know how to save money with solar panels, we have some tips for you too.

Should you buy solar panels if you live in London?

Solar panels are a great option for London homeowners, if they can afford them.

Solar panels in London pay for themselves in about 14 years – faster than the UK average of 15 years, thanks to the higher amount of sunshine the city gets.

That means Londoners can enjoy at least 11 years of free electricity, which can save the average 3-bedroom household £5,750.

Solar panels also help the environment by reducing CO2 emissions by 12.5 tonnes over their lifetime – a 11% cut in your carbon footprint.

So buying solar panels in London is definitely worth it, if you own a home and have enough money to cover the cost of solar panels.

How much sunlight does London receive?

London has 4.4% more sunshine than most UK cities, according to the European Commission.

This means the capital can produce more solar power than other places.

Londoners enjoy 20% more sunshine than people in North Scotland, but they still lag behind Brighton, which has 16% more sunshine than London.

But no matter where you live in the UK, solar panels can work for you – solar panels can function on cloudy days and even in snowy weather.

How much does it cost to install solar panels in London?

A 350-watt solar panel in London costs about £750 to purchase and install. A typical 3-bedroom home would need 10 solar panels for a total cost of £7,500.

How many homes have solar panels in London?

In London, over 60,000 homes are equipped with solar panels certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. This represents only 1.5% of all homes in the city, which is lower than the UK average of 4.5%. The ten areas with the smallest percentage of solar-equipped households are also in London.

The low adoption rate can be attributed to factors unique to London’s housing market rather than a lack of interest in solar energy. High living costs in London mean that most people have less money to spend on investments like solar panels. Additionally, the transient nature of London’s population often discourages long-term investments in property.

A significant portion of Londoners rent their homes, which complicates the installation of solar panels, especially given the high rental prices. Moreover, many wealthy homeowners in London may not prioritize saving money or reducing their carbon footprint enough to invest in solar energy.

The structural characteristics of London homes also pose challenges for solar panel installation. Limited roof space and a high number of tall buildings necessitate additional scaffolding, increasing the complexity and cost of installation.

Conclusion

Living in London, you should get solar panels for saving money on your energy bills, producing your own green power, and cutting down your carbon emissions.

Feeling ready to invest in Solar Panels in London? Want to learn more? Your best option is to talk to one of our friendly solar energy experts on 01268 928 690 or click on the button below and we will help you find the right fit for your home and budget. Remember we are both an MCS Certified PV (Panels) Installer and an MCS Certified Battery Storage Installer. MCS Certification is a mark of quality. Our membership of MCS demonstrates our strict adherence to these recognised industry standards; highlighting quality, competency and compliance.