Does my county ranking matter?

Less than you think. The 24% output difference translates to 2-4 years extra payback for the lowest counties — still highly profitable over 25 years.

Performance by County: Ranked

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 19 March 2026|guide

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Solar by county — Every English county ranked. Cornwall tops. Full PVGIS data.

Find out how much you could save

Answer a few questions and receive personalised solar quotes — completely free.

Start My Quote

Free, no obligation. Takes 2 minutes.

Ready to see how much you could save?

Get 3 free quotes from MCS-certified installers in your area.

Get Free Quotes

Which English county gets the most solar?

Solar output by English county (kWh/kWp/yr from PVGIS): TOP 10: Cornwall 1,100, Devon 1,080, Dorset 1,060, Hampshire 1,060, West Sussex 1,050, East Sussex 1,050, Kent 1,040, Somerset 1,050, Wiltshire 1,040, Surrey 1,030. MIDDLE: Oxfordshire 1,010, Suffolk 1,010, Norfolk 1,000, Gloucestershire 980, Warwickshire 960, Leicestershire 960, Nottinghamshire 950, West Midlands 940. BOTTOM 10: Lancashire 890, Cumbria 870, Durham 870, Northumberland 840, Tyne and Wear 850. KEY: Only 24% difference between best and worst county. Solar works profitably in ALL English counties. Sources: PVGIS 5.2 (re.jrc.ec.europa.eu).