| Representative city | Nottingham (52.95 N, 1.15 W) |
|---|---|
| PVGIS yearly output per 1 kWp | 979.62 kWh (35 degree pitch, south-facing, 14% losses) |
| Distribution network operator | National Grid Electricity Distribution (East Midlands) |
| G98 online notification | National Grid says its online form takes around 10 to 15 minutes |
| VAT on installation | 0% until 31 March 2027, then 5% (Great Britain) |
A benchmark for East Midlands quotes
Every solar quote rests on an output estimate. In the East Midlands you can test that estimate against a public tool. This section shows how. The rest of the page covers the grid, planning and funding.
We do not publish regional prices, because we could not source a fair figure. Prices vary, so get written quotes. Our guide to comparing solar quotes shows how to put them side by side.
Generation: Nottingham
We used Nottingham as the representative city. The European Commission’s PVGIS v5.2 tool models 979.62 kWh a year for each 1 kWp. The inputs were 52.95 N, 1.15 W, a 35 degree pitch, south-facing panels and 14% system losses.
On the same assumptions, a 4 kWp array would model near 3,920 kWh a year. That is a benchmark and not a promise. A roof that faces east or west will give a different total and a different daily pattern.
Our post on east-west versus south-facing panels explains that trade-off. Read it if your roof does not face south. Then ask each installer for their own yield figure and the inputs behind it.
The network operator: National Grid Electricity Distribution
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) lists the East Midlands among its regions. The Energy Networks Association (ENA) guide agrees, and links meter numbers starting with 11 to the East Midlands NGED area. That small detail helps you check your own operator.
Next, the ENA sets the rules. Under G98, a fully type-tested system up to 16 A per phase connects on a fit and inform basis. That is 3.68 kW on a single phase or 11.04 kW on three phases.
National Grid’s own page puts it simply. The rated output must be under 16A per phase, and you must notify within 28 days of commissioning. It also offers an online form that takes around 10 to 15 minutes and gives an instant acknowledgement.
For larger systems, however, the standard route is G99. In that case the operator must approve the connection first. Our post on G98 and G99 applications explained covers the difference in plain English.
When you compare quotes, ask who submits the form. Then ask for the confirmation once it is done. A short email from the installer is enough, so do not accept a vague promise.
Planning permission in England
The Planning Portal says solar on homes in England may be permitted development, with important limits and conditions. In 2023 the government said homes with flat roofs could fit panels without planning permission. It also said these rights are still subject to conditions, including in conservation areas.
So check whether your home is listed or in a conservation area. If it is, ask the installer to confirm the position in writing before work starts.
Funding and tax that apply in England
There is no general solar grant. Instead, look at three routes, because each has its own rules.
- VAT. HMRC says the zero rate covers installing energy-saving materials, including solar panels and batteries, until 31 March 2027. The reduced rate of 5% applies from 1 April 2027.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant. GOV.UK describes it as help for low-income households in England with an EPC from D to G in privately owned homes. Local authorities run it.
- Loans. The January 2026 Warm Homes Plan promises government-backed zero and low interest loans for solar panels. Terms may change.
For the full picture, read our guide to solar panel grants and VAT. For export income, see how Smart Export Guarantee payments work.
Checking timing and long-term cover
First, ask how long the job will take and who is on site. Our post on how long installation takes gives a realistic outline. Then ask what happens in year ten.
Because panels slowly lose output, warranty wording matters. Our upcoming guide to panel degradation and performance warranties explains what to look for.
Testing a quote step by step
Start with the kWp on the quote. Then multiply it by the PVGIS figure to get a benchmark yield. For a 5 kWp array, for instance, 5 times 979.62 gives about 4,898 kWh a year.
Next, ask the installer to explain any gap. A small gap is normal, because every roof differs. A big gap is a reason to ask for the survey notes. Also check that the quote names the inverter and the panel model.
Our free checker on the home page turns the quote into a price per kWp and a scope checklist. Because it runs in your browser, nothing is sent anywhere. Also, keep every written answer with your quotes. Then, if something changes later, you can point to what was agreed. This is especially useful for the scope, the warranty terms and the start date.
Getting help
If you want help comparing, use the free quote form. We pass enquiries to MCS-certified installers. We are not an installer, lender or broker.
Nearby regions
Some East Midlands homes sit close to other regions. See solar quotes in the West Midlands and what to check in Yorkshire and the Humber.
What we left out
We left out regional prices and installer counts because we could not source them. Output comes from PVGIS, and the rules come from the ENA, National Grid, GOV.UK and HMRC.