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

Does solar work in Sussex?

Sussex — covering both East and West Sussex — is one of England's best solar counties. Its south coast position gives it excellent sunshine hours and annual yields of around 1,000–1,040 kWh per kWp — consistently above the UK average of 850–900 kWh/kWp.

A 4kWp system in Sussex generates approximately 4,000–4,160 kWh per year, comfortably covering a typical household's electricity use with a surplus for export or battery storage.

Sussex's coast-facing aspect and mild maritime climate produce some of the longest solar seasons in England, with meaningful generation from February through November. Brighton and Hove is the county's largest urban hub; Worthing, Eastbourne, Hastings, Chichester, and Crawley are the other main centres.

How much does solar cost in Sussex?

Installed costs in Sussex are broadly in line with the South East average, though coastal and premium areas can see slightly higher labour costs. Expect to pay roughly £1,450–£1,750 per kWp, making a 4kWp system around £5,800–£7,000 installed.

Sussex's strong yields and diverse housing market produce payback periods typically in the range of 7–9 years for well-sited properties. Brighton's eco-conscious and owner-occupier market has driven high installer density in the county, which helps keep costs competitive.

Your electricity network: UKPN (UK Power Networks)

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

For solar installations in Sussex:

• 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 all network registration applications online

Housing and system sizing

Sussex has a varied housing stock. Brighton and Hove has a large stock of Victorian and Regency-era terraces and semis, many with rear or side south-facing slopes. Worthing, Eastbourne, and Hastings have postwar estates and interwar semis. Crawley — a new town — has large areas of planned postwar housing with generous roof areas. Rural West Sussex and the Weald have farmhouses, villages, and detached properties with strong solar potential.

Sizing guidance:

• Victorian terraces in Brighton and coastal towns: 3–4kWp suits most, particularly rear south-facing roofs
• Interwar semis and detached in suburban Sussex: 4–5kWp for typical three- to four-bedroom homes
• Detached in rural West Sussex: 5–6kWp or larger ground-mounted systems on suitable plots

Local grants and planning

South Downs National Park: The South Downs National Park stretches across a broad band of inland Sussex from Eastbourne in the east to Winchester in the west. Within the park, permitted development rights for solar are more restricted. Planning permission is often required for any visible installation. Contact the South Downs National Park Authority before proceeding if your property is within the park.

Conservation areas: Brighton and Hove, Chichester, Lewes, and many Sussex villages have conservation areas that restrict permitted development for solar on principal elevations.

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 East Sussex, West Sussex County Councils and Brighton and Hove City Council — check current availability
• Warm Homes Plan: Government successor to ECO4, expected to launch late 2026
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Sussex's strong yield makes SEG export income well worth pursuing — compare rates across licensed suppliers

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