For a place so known for its lack of sunshine, solar energy is Britain’s third top source of renewable energy (following on from wind and biomass). How? Well, contrary to popular belief, solar panels don’t need sunlight to perform - just daylight. And we have plenty of daylight in the UK, cold winds and all.
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Data from the Met Office has revealed which locations in the UK are the best to own solar panels - and your very backyard could be the place. Keep reading to find out...
The 10 best UK locations to install solar panels
Based on average hours of daily sunshine according to Met Office data collected between 1991 and 2020.
Note: although this talks about sunlight, general daylight still has the power to fuel your solar panels. Sunshine may increase effectiveness of solar panels due to lack of cloud reducing UV rays.
10. Cornwall
4 hours 29 minutes of sunshine per day
9. Surrey
4 hours 29 minutes of sunshine per day
8. Hampshire
4 hours 32 minutes of sunshine per day
7. Suffolk
4 hours 34 minutes of sunshine per day
6. Dorset
4 hours 34 minutes of sunshine per day
5. Essex
4 hours 35 minutes of sunshine per day
4. West Sussex
4 hours 42 minutes of sunshine per day
3. East Sussex
4 hours 46 minutes of sunshine per day
2. Kent
4 hours 47 minutes of sunshine per day
1. The Isle of Wight
5 hours 8 minutes of sunshine per day
What if my location isn’t on the list?
Not on the list? Don't worry, the effectiveness of solar panels depend on a variety of factors such as:
If your area is not on the list, this should not deter you from looking into solar panels! The effectiveness of solar panels depends on a variety of factors – not just your location! Factors include:
- The amount of electricity you use
- The orientation of your roof
- The size of your solar panel system
