| Representative city | Cambridge (52.21 N, 0.12 E) |
|---|---|
| PVGIS yearly output per 1 kWp | 1,036.65 kWh (35 degree pitch, south-facing, 14% losses) |
| Distribution network operator | UK Power Networks (Eastern Power Networks) |
| G98 limit | 16 A per phase, which is 3.68 kW single phase or 11.04 kW three phase |
| VAT on installation | 0% until 31 March 2027, then 5% (Great Britain) |
What the East of England numbers tell you
Cambridge models higher than our London, Midlands and northern England checks, which makes it a useful test of a quote. If an installer promises far more than the benchmark, ask for the workings, because the inputs decide the result.
This page does not list regional prices, since we could not source a fair figure. Prices vary, so get written quotes. Our guide to comparing solar quotes shows how to compare them.
Generation: Cambridge
The European Commission’s PVGIS v5.2 tool models 1,036.65 kWh a year for each 1 kWp in Cambridge. The inputs were 52.21 N, 0.12 E, a 35 degree pitch, south-facing panels and 14% system losses.
For comparison, the same inputs give 886.23 kWh in Manchester. By simple arithmetic, Cambridge models about 17% higher than Manchester. However, both figures are benchmarks and not promises.
A 4 kWp array in Cambridge would model near 4,147 kWh a year. Even so, shade and pitch can erase that gap, so the survey matters more than the postcode.
Many roofs do not face due south. Our post on east-west versus south-facing panels explains how direction changes the total and the daily timing.
The network operator: UK Power Networks
The Energy Networks Association (ENA) guide lists Eastern England under UK Power Networks, through its Eastern Power Networks business. It also ties meter numbers starting with 10 to that area. Check your own number on your bill, since it settles which operator applies.
Next, the ENA sets the G98 and G99 rules. G98 covers fully type-tested systems up to 16 A per phase. That is 3.68 kW on a single phase or 11.04 kW on three phases, and the installer notifies the operator within 28 days of commissioning.
G99 covers everything above that limit. The ENA says you or your installer must first apply to the operator for approval, using the right G99 application form. That matters for large roofs and for any system above the G98 limit.
Our post on G98 and G99 applications explained walks through both. Also, when you compare quotes, ask which route the installer expects. Then ask who pays any network fee.
A battery changes the grid sums
Batteries can change the picture. A battery can alter how much power you use at home and how much you export. So raise a battery plan at quote stage, not after the panels go on.
If you already have panels, our upcoming post on adding a battery to existing solar panels explains the steps.
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 subject to conditions, including in conservation areas.
So if your home is listed or in a conservation area, ask the installer to confirm the position in writing, because the rights still carry conditions there. Our post on planning permission for solar panels covers the common cases.
Funding and tax that apply in England
There is no grant for every household. Instead, check these routes, because each has its own rules.
- VAT. HMRC says the zero rate applies to installing energy-saving materials, including solar panels and batteries, until 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027 the reduced rate of 5% applies.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant. GOV.UK says it supports low-income households in England with an EPC from D to G in privately owned homes. Local authorities deliver it.
- Fully funded and loan support. GOV.UK says low-income households could receive solar and a battery at the full average cost, and that zero and low interest loans are planned. Check the live terms.
Our guide to solar panel grants and VAT gives the detail. For export income, see how Smart Export Guarantee payments work.
Using the benchmark on a real quote
Take the kWp from your quote and multiply it by 1,036.65. For a 3 kWp array, for instance, that gives about 3,110 kWh a year. Then compare the result with the installer’s own figure.
If the two differ by a lot, ask why. The cause may be shade, a different pitch or a roof that does not face south. However, it may also be an optimistic assumption. Because the benchmark is public, you can check the inputs yourself.
Our free checker on the home page turns each quote into a price per kWp and a scope checklist. As a result, you can compare quotes of different sizes on one footing. 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.
A short checklist
First, give each installer the same brief. Then compare cost per kWp, modelled yield, warranty and scope. Also ask who surveys the roof, because the survey drives the design.
If you want help, use the free quote form. We pass enquiries to MCS-certified installers, although we are not an installer.
Neighbouring regions
Homes near other regions can compare notes. See solar quotes in the North East and what to check in the North West.
What we left out
We left out regional prices and installer counts because we could not source them. We also did not use UK Power Networks process pages, as we could not open them.