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

Does solar work in Surrey?

Surrey is an excellent solar location. Sitting just south of London in the heart of the South East, it benefits from the region's above-average sunshine and relatively dry climate. Annual yields typically run around 990–1,030 kWh per kWp — well above the UK average of 850–900 kWh/kWp.

A 4kWp system in Surrey generates approximately 3,960–4,120 kWh per year, typically covering a large share of a household's electricity use with a meaningful export surplus.

Surrey's mild, relatively sheltered climate — partially protected from Atlantic weather by the South Downs — gives it consistent performance across the solar season. High average property values also mean the financial case for solar is particularly strong compared with lower-value areas.

How much does solar cost in Surrey?

Surrey sits at the higher end of installation costs due to regional labour rates and strong demand. Expect to pay roughly £1,500–£1,800 per kWp, making a 4kWp system around £6,000–£7,200 installed.

However, Surrey's affluent housing market means solar adds more absolute value to a property than almost anywhere else in England. Payback periods for well-sited Surrey homes typically run 7–10 years, and the capital value uplift from a solar installation is generally considered strong by estate agents in the county.

Your electricity network: UKPN (UK Power Networks)

UKPN — UK Power Networks — manages the distribution network across Surrey, London, the wider South East, and East of England.

For solar installations in Surrey:

• Systems up to 3.68kW (single-phase): G98 notification — your installer notifies UKPN 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
• UKPN's Smart Connect portal handles G98 and G99 applications online

Housing and system sizing

Surrey has one of the most affluent and predominantly detached housing stocks of any English county. Guildford, Woking, Reigate, Redhill, Epsom, and Farnham are the main centres, each with a mix of Victorian and Edwardian semis, interwar detached houses, and substantial modern detached properties on established plots.

The county also has a high proportion of large detached homes with generous south-facing roof areas — often ideal for 5–6kWp systems that maximise both self-consumption and export income.

Sizing guidance:

• Victorian and Edwardian semis: 3–4kWp is typical for standard roof areas
• Interwar detached: 4–5kWp suits most three- and four-bedroom properties
• Larger modern detached: 5–6kWp or above — many Surrey homes have roof areas and orientations that support the maximum practical roof-mounted system size

Conservation areas and the Surrey Hills AONB: The Surrey Hills AONB is one of the most extensive in the South East, covering a broad arc from Farnham to the edge of the Weald. Within the AONB and in Surrey's many conservation villages — Shere, Abinger Hammer, Betchworth, and others — panels on principal elevations typically need planning permission. Always check before installing.

Local grants and planning

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 Surrey County Council and borough/district councils — check current availability
• Warm Homes Plan: Government successor to ECO4, expected to launch late 2026
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Surrey's strong yield and high household energy use make SEG export rates worth comparing carefully across suppliers

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