Solar Panels Cambridge: Costs, Savings & Local Data
How much can solar panels save you in Cambridge?
A typical 4kW solar panel system in Cambridge generates around 4,160 kWh per year, saving you approximately £637 annually on electricity bills and export payments. With 1,580 hours of sunshine per year, most Cambridge homeowners see payback within 10–13 years.
Cambridge receives around 1,580 hours of sunshine each year. A typical 4kW solar panel system here can generate approximately 4,160 kWh annually, providing meaningful savings on your electricity bills and reducing your household's carbon footprint.
Cambridge receives around 1,580 hours of sunshine per year, benefiting from the East of England's generally drier and sunnier climate compared to western regions. The flat terrain across Cambridgeshire also means less shading from hills, which helps solar panel performance. Housing in Cambridge ranges from period properties near the city centre to modern developments in areas like Trumpington and the new Darwin Green estate, and most residential roofs are suitable for solar.
Solar panel key figures for Cambridge
1,580 hrs
Annual sunshine hours
HSG regional figure — no primary source recorded
4,160 kWh
Annual generation (4kW)
Based on 1040 kWh/kWp yield
£637
Annual savings (4kW)
At 26.11p/kWh + SEG
~11 years
Estimated payback
£7,120 national DESNZ median, not a Cambridge price
Solar panel output and savings by system size in Cambridge
Generation and savings below are modelled for Cambridge's location, using a regional solar yield of 1040 kWh/kWp on a south-facing roof with no shading.
The installed cost column is a national figure, not a Cambridge price. It is the DESNZ median of £1,780.25 per kW for systems up to 4 kW, derived from the MCS Installation Database and covering England, Scotland and Wales. No official dataset publishes installed costs at city level, and we will not imply one exists. Half of real installations cost more than the median.
| System Size | Panels | Cost | Annual Saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | ~8 panels | £5,340 | £478 | ~11 years |
| 4 kW | ~10 panels | £7,120 | £637 | ~11 years |
| 5 kW | ~13 panels | £8,480 | £796 | ~11 years |
Solar energy in Cambridge: local context
The East of England benefits from lower rainfall and flatter terrain compared to western regions, resulting in less shading and more consistent solar performance. The region's mix of market towns and new-build developments offers good installation opportunities.
Cambridge homeowners benefit from 0% VAT on residential solar installations (until at least March 2027) and can earn income through the Smart Export Guarantee by selling surplus electricity back to the grid.
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Frequently asked questions about solar panels in Cambridge
Solar panels in nearby areas
Showing areas near Cambridge. Solar conditions vary by location.
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Answer a few questions and receive personalised solar quotes — completely free.
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