Solar installers in London.

Sun figures from PVGIS; roof estimates include solar data from Google. How we measure.

Local context

Solar in London: quick guide.

London sits at the top of the UK for solar irradiation — the South-East gets more usable sun than almost anywhere else in the country, so the underlying economics are strong. The complications in London are rarely about sunshine and almost always about the building: roof access, ownership and conservation rules.

A few London-specific things to think about:

• Terraces and roof aspect. A huge share of London homes are Victorian and Edwardian terraces. A rear roof facing a south-leaning aspect is typically the strongest candidate — front roofs may face conservation-area restrictions.
• Flats and shared freeholds. Solar on a flat usually needs the freeholder's consent and often the other leaseholders'. The roof may be communal. Worth checking your lease before you get too far.
• Conservation areas. London has more conservation areas than any other UK region. Panels visible from the street can need consent in swathes of Camden, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Greenwich and beyond. A local installer will know which streets need paperwork.
• Access and scaffold. Narrow streets, parking bays and party walls can make scaffolding more involved than in the suburbs — which can nudge the installed cost up. Get it priced explicitly in your quote.
• Battery storage. With time-of-use tariffs widespread in London, battery economics are usually worth running through the savings calculator.

Grants & support

What help is available in London?

Solar and battery installations across the UK are currently zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027 — a straight saving on the installed price for every household, with no application needed. In England, ECO4 and the Warm Homes scheme can help eligible lower-income households with energy-efficiency measures through their energy supplier or local council.

Eligibility for grant schemes depends on your income, home and circumstances, and the schemes change. We keep the current picture on one page rather than guess what you'll qualify for.