Solar Panels in Somerset
Your complete 2026 guide to solar energy across Somerset — irradiance data, planning policy, costs by town, and local installation expertise.
Somerset is one of the best counties in England for solar energy. It combines generous South West irradiance levels, a planning environment that has recently consolidated under the new Somerset Council, an exceptionally varied housing stock from medieval city properties to modern rural estates, and a community increasingly engaged with energy independence and sustainability.
We are a Wiltshire-based MCS certified installer with extensive Somerset coverage. Our BA3, BA4, BA5, BA6, and BA11 installations run throughout the year, and the county's planning requirements and housing context are as familiar to us as our home SN12 postcode.
Somerset Solar Irradiance
Somerset receives approximately 1,640 sunshine hours annually — slightly above the England average of ~1,500 hours. Solar irradiance sits at around 980–1,020 kWh per kWp per year, meaning a standard 4 kWp system generates approximately 3,920–4,080 kWh annually.
The county's topography plays an important role. Properties on the Mendip Hills' southern slopes (Wells, Shepton Mallet, and surrounding villages) benefit from excellent south-facing aspects with minimal horizon shading across the Somerset Levels. The Levels themselves provide flat, open terrain where solar generation is consistently high. Exmoor and the Quantocks add varied terrain in western Somerset.
Areas We Serve in Somerset
Planning in Somerset: Somerset Council
Somerset Council came into being in April 2023, merging the former Somerset County Council with the four district councils (Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset, Taunton Deane, and Somerset West and Taunton). This creates a single planning authority for most of Somerset — simplifying the landscape for homeowners navigating planning requirements.
Standard permitted development rights apply to the vast majority of residential solar panel installations in Somerset. The key exceptions are:
- Properties within conservation areas (Wells Cathedral Quarter, Glastonbury, Frome town centre, and others)
- Listed buildings (requiring Listed Building Consent)
- Properties within the Somerset and Exmoor AONBs
For most Somerset homeowners in modern residential areas, post-war estates, and rural properties, no planning application is needed. See our conservation area guide and listed building guide for detail on the exceptions.
Typical Solar Costs in Somerset
Solar costs in Somerset are consistent with our wider service area. A standard residential installation typically runs:
- 3 kWp system: £5,500–£7,000 installed (generates ~2,940–3,060 kWh/year)
- 4 kWp system: £7,000–£8,500 installed (generates ~3,920–4,080 kWh/year)
- 5 kWp system: £8,500–£10,500 installed (generates ~4,900–5,100 kWh/year)
- Battery storage (5–10 kWh): £2,500–£6,000 additional when installed with solar (0% VAT)
All prices include 0% VAT (guaranteed until March 2027), MCS certification, DNO notification, and SEG registration. See our full 2026 cost guide and grants guide for complete detail.
Somerset Solar Facts
Local Guides
County and city-specific guides written for local homeowners
Somerset Solar FAQs
Most Wiltshire homes install between 10-16 panels (4-6.5kW). The exact number depends on your roof space, electricity usage, and budget. A 4kW system (10 panels) suits a 2-3 bedroom home; 5-6kW (13-16 panels) suits larger properties with higher consumption.
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunshine. They produce less on overcast days, but Wiltshire receives 1,620 hours of sunshine annually and solar irradiance of 980 kWh/kWp — strong enough for excellent solar performance year-round.
South-facing roofs generate the most energy, but east and west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of optimal output. East-west splits can actually be more useful if you are home mornings and evenings. North-facing roofs are generally not suitable.
Modern solar panels have a typical lifespan of 25-30 years, with manufacturer performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80-85% output at year 25. The inverter may need replacing once during the panel lifetime (typically after 10-15 years).
Solar Panels Anywhere in Somerset
Free site survey from your nearest local MCS certified installer. We cover all BA and TA postcode areas.
Free survey · No obligation · Broughton Gifford, Melksham · Open Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm