Rural vs Urban Solar

Is solar better in rural or urban areas?

Rural vs urban solar comparison: RURAL HOMES: System size: 5-6kW (larger roofs). Shading: minimal (no adjacent buildings). Consumption: often higher (off-gas heating, farm equipment). Cost: 5-10% more (installer travel charges). Self-consumption: higher (more time at home, larger loads). ROI: 11-15% annually. URBAN HOMES: System size: 3-4kW (smaller roofs, terraced houses). Shading: common (adjacent buildings, trees). Consumption: average (2,900 kWh/yr). Cost: standard (competitive installer market). Self-consumption: lower if commuting. ROI: 8-12% annually. WINNER: Rural — larger systems, less shading, higher consumption = better returns despite slightly higher installation costs. But urban solar is still highly profitable. Sources: English Housing Survey (property types), BEIS consumption data, MCS installer data, ONS rural-urban classification.