Solar Panel Installation Exeter
Devon receives some of the highest solar irradiance in the UK, making Exeter an ideal location for solar energy. Expert installations for homes and businesses.
Exeter and the wider Devon area receive some of the highest solar irradiance in the United Kingdom, with the region typically recording 1,700 to 1,800 sunshine hours annually. This places Devon significantly ahead of the UK average and substantially above many northern cities, meaning a solar installation in Exeter generates considerably more electricity per kilowatt of capacity than the same system installed further north. A 4kW south-facing system on an Exeter home generates approximately 3,600 to 3,800 kWh per year, reducing a typical household electricity bill by £750 to £950 at 2026 tariff rates. Exeter City Council has adopted the Net Zero Exeter 2030 strategy, which includes targets for domestic retrofit and renewable energy deployment across the city. MCS certified solar installation qualifies homeowners for the Smart Export Guarantee, providing ongoing income from surplus electricity returned to the grid. Properties within Exeter's designated conservation areas, including the cathedral quarter, require prior approval before solar panels can be installed on principal elevations.
Why Devon's Solar Irradiance Changes the Numbers
The difference between 1,400 sunshine hours (UK average) and 1,750 (Devon) is not trivial. It adds up to a meaningfully shorter payback period and higher lifetime returns.
Net Zero Exeter 2030
Exeter City Council has set one of the most ambitious net zero targets of any UK city, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality across the city by 2030. Solar energy deployment on existing housing stock is central to the council's strategy, and the local planning environment reflects this. Officers are generally supportive of residential solar applications and process prior approval requests efficiently.
For homeowners, the council's climate ambitions create a favourable backdrop. Planning policies support solar in most contexts, and the council has published guidance to assist residents in understanding what is and is not permitted in conservation areas.
The Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, which spans several sites around the city, also supports commercial solar deployment for businesses looking to reduce operating costs and demonstrate sustainability credentials to clients and investors.
Cranbrook New Town
Cranbrook, built from the early 2010s as a planned new town east of Exeter near the A30, has a growing population now exceeding 10,000. Properties here are predominantly modern detached and semi-detached homes with generous roof sections and high energy efficiency ratings. Battery storage is particularly popular in Cranbrook due to the number of EV owners and the availability of time-of-use tariffs. We install across the full Cranbrook development and are familiar with the housebuilder configurations common in the area.
Student and Rental Properties
Exeter's university population creates a significant private rental market, particularly in areas such as St James and Heavitree. Landlords installing solar on rental properties can count generated electricity towards minimum EPC rating requirements under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, while reducing tenant energy costs. We work with portfolio landlords to survey and install across multiple properties efficiently, reducing per-property mobilisation costs.
Exeter Postcode Coverage
We cover all EX1-EX6 postcodes, from the city centre to the rural fringe and Cranbrook.
Solar Services in Exeter
Residential installations, commercial solar, battery storage, and ongoing maintenance across EX1-EX6 and the wider Devon area.
Residential Solar Panel Installation
Expert PV installation for homes across Swindon and the South West. From survey to MCS certification, we handle everything.
From £5,500
- System sizes from 3kW to 6kW+
- Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels
- String and micro inverter options
- Full DNO notification handling
Home Battery Storage
Store excess solar energy for evening use. Major brands including Tesla Powerwall, GivEnergy, and Fox ESS.
From £2,500
- Tesla Powerwall, GivEnergy, Solax, Fox ESS
- Capacity options from 5kWh to 13.5kWh
- Hybrid and AC-coupled systems
- Retrofit to existing solar
Solar & Battery Packages
Save more by combining solar panels and battery storage in one installation. Three tiers to suit every home and budget.
- Starter: 3kW + 5kWh from ~£7,500
- Popular: 4kW + 9.5kWh from ~£9,800
- Premium: 6kW + 13.5kWh from ~£13,500
- 0% VAT on combined installations
Commercial Solar Installation
Reduce business energy costs with commercial solar. Warehouses, offices, retail, and agricultural buildings across Swindon and Wiltshire.
- Systems from 10kW to 250kW+
- Enhanced capital allowances
- Shorter payback vs residential
- Daytime consumption alignment
Solar Panel Repairs & Maintenance
Keep your solar system performing at its best. Expert repair, maintenance, and monitoring services for existing installations.
- Panel cleaning and inspection
- Inverter replacement and repair
- Bird proofing and pest mesh
- Fault diagnosis and monitoring
Commercial Solar in the Exeter Enterprise Zone
The Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone covers commercial sites at Skypark, Cranbrook, and several other designated areas. Businesses operating within the zone benefit from simplified planning rules and access to enhanced capital allowances on qualifying investments including solar energy systems. We survey and install commercial systems from 10kW to 250kW, handling all DNO applications and grid connection requirements.
Learn About Commercial SolarReady to switch to solar?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your property. An accredited local installer will survey your roof and provide a detailed proposal within 48 hours.