Solar Panels in Hampshire: Costs, Output, and County Guide

Does solar work in Hampshire?

Hampshire is a strong solar county. Its south coast location gives it annual yields of around 970–1,010 kWh per kWp — solidly above the UK average of 850–900 kWh/kWp.

A 4kWp system in Hampshire generates approximately 3,880–4,040 kWh per year, typically covering a large proportion of household electricity needs with a useful surplus available for export or battery storage.

Hampshire's south coast position — facing the Solent and the English Channel — gives it good sunshine hours and a relatively mild, maritime climate. Southampton and Portsmouth are major urban centres, while the rural north and west of the county offer extensive agricultural land and farmhouse properties.

How much does solar cost in Hampshire?

Installed costs in Hampshire sit broadly in line with the South of England average. Expect to pay roughly £1,450–£1,700 per kWp, making a 4kWp system around £5,800–£6,800 installed.

Hampshire's good yields and mix of housing types produce payback periods typically in the range of 7–10 years. Properties in the south of the county, facing the coast, often perform at the upper end of the yield range.

Your electricity network: SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks)

SSEN — Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks — manages the distribution network across Hampshire and parts of southern England, as well as parts of Scotland.

For solar installations in Hampshire:

• Systems up to 3.68kW (single-phase): G98 notification — your installer notifies SSEN within 28 days of commissioning, no prior approval needed
• Systems above 3.68kW (single-phase): G99 pre-approval required before installation — allow 45–65 working days
• SSEN has an online portal for network registration applications

Housing and system sizing

Hampshire has a highly varied housing stock. Southampton and Portsmouth are large urban centres with Victorian terraces, postwar estates, and modern apartment blocks. Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover, and Fareham have a mix of historic town-centre properties and large suburban semis and detacheds. The county's rural areas — particularly the Test Valley, the Meon Valley, and the chalk downlands — feature farmhouses, barns, and village properties.

Sizing guidance:

• Urban terraces in Southampton and Portsmouth: 3–4kWp suits most properties with south-facing rear roofs
• Semis and detacheds in suburban Hampshire: 4–5kWp for three- and four-bedroom homes
• Larger detached and rural properties: 5–6kWp or ground-mounted where space allows
• Coastal properties along the Solent often benefit from minimal shading and strong south-facing exposure

Local grants and planning

New Forest National Park: The New Forest National Park covers a large area of south-west Hampshire. Within the park boundary, permitted development rights for solar are restricted — panels on principal elevations and sometimes rear elevations require planning permission. Contact the New Forest National Park Authority before installing if your property is within the park.

Conservation areas: Winchester, Romsey, and many Hampshire villages have conservation area designations that affect where solar can be installed under permitted development.

Available grant schemes:

• ECO4: For households on qualifying benefits or with a low EPC rating — active until December 2026
• Warm Homes Local Grant: Delivered through Hampshire County Council and district authorities — check current availability
• Warm Homes Plan: Government successor to ECO4, expected to launch late 2026
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Hampshire's above-average yield makes SEG export income worth pursuing — compare rates across licensed suppliers

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