Solar Panels Cardiff: Costs, Savings & Local Data
How much can solar panels save you in Cardiff?
A typical 4kW solar panel system in Cardiff generates around 3,840 kWh per year, saving you approximately £556 annually on electricity bills and export payments. With 1,530 hours of sunshine per year, most Cardiff homeowners see payback within 10–13 years.
A typical 4kW solar system in Cardiff can save you around £556 per year on electricity bills, with a payback period that makes it a strong long-term financial investment. Combined with the Smart Export Guarantee and 0% VAT, the financial case for solar in Cardiff is compelling.
Cardiff enjoys around 1,530 hours of sunshine per year, benefiting from its position on the south coast of Wales. The city has a varied housing stock including Victorian terraces in areas like Pontcanna and Canton, post-war semis in Llanishen and Rhiwbina, and newer builds in Cardiff Bay. Solar panels work well on most Cardiff rooftops, and the Welsh Government has been actively supportive of renewable energy uptake in residential properties.
Solar panel key figures for Cardiff
1,530 hrs
Annual sunshine hours
Met Office / PVGIS regional data
3,840 kWh
Annual generation (4kW)
Based on 960 kWh/kWp yield
£556
Annual savings (4kW)
At 24.5p/kWh + SEG
~12 years
Estimated payback
Based on average 4kW system cost
Solar panel savings by system size in Cardiff
The table below shows estimated costs, annual savings, and payback periods for different solar panel system sizes in Cardiff. Figures are based on a south-facing roof with no shading, using Cardiff's regional solar yield of 960 kWh/kWp.
| System Size | Panels | Cost | Annual Saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | ~8 panels | £4,500–£6,500 | £418 | ~13 years |
| 4 kW | ~10 panels | £5,500–£8,000 | £557 | ~12 years |
| 5 kW | ~13 panels | £6,500–£9,500 | £696 | ~11 years |
Solar energy in Cardiff: local context
Wales benefits from the Welsh Government's active support for renewable energy. The varied landscape means solar performance differs between the sunnier south coast and the hillier inland areas, but most Welsh homes can benefit from solar.
Welsh homeowners may benefit from additional support through the Welsh Government's energy schemes, alongside the UK-wide Smart Export Guarantee and 0% VAT.
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Frequently asked questions about solar panels in Cardiff
Solar panels in nearby areas
Showing areas near Cardiff. Solar conditions vary by location.
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