Solar installers in Manchester.

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

Local context

Solar in Manchester: quick guide.

Manchester is one of the cloudier UK regions, which moderates the financial return slightly compared with the South of England — but solar still pays back, and the Solarable Report uses your district's real irradiation rather than a blanket UK average.

A few Manchester-specific things to think about:

• Victorian back-to-back terraces. Areas like Hulme, Ardwick, Levenshulme and parts of M14 have steep period roofs in slate or tile — fine for solar but the structural check matters more on older properties.
• Post-war semis. Wythenshawe (M22, M23), parts of Salford (M5–M7) and Stretford have rear gardens that often put the rear roof on a south-leaning aspect. That's typically the strongest solar candidate.
• City-centre apartments. Multi-unit blocks across M1–M4 and the Northern Quarter are usually outside the scope of a standard solar installation. Check whether your home is suitable first.
• Wider Greater Manchester. Many installers covering M postcodes also cover SK (Stockport), OL (Oldham) and BL (Bolton). It's worth checking whether your nearest listed installer covers your specific district.
• Battery storage. With time-of-use tariffs spreading, battery economics are usually worth running through the savings calculator.

Grants & support

What help is available in Manchester?

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.