Solar Panels in Sussex: A Complete Guide to Costs, Savings & Installation in 2025
Written by Green Earth Sussex — NAPIT Approved Electricians serving all of East & West Sussex.
Sussex is one of the sunniest parts of England, making it an ideal location for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. With energy prices having risen substantially over the past few years — and expected to remain elevated — more and more Sussex homeowners and businesses are turning to solar as a practical way to cut bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
But how much do solar panels actually cost? How much can you realistically save? And what does the installation process involve? This guide answers all those questions.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Sussex?
Solar panel costs vary depending on system size, roof type, and the equipment specified. As a rough guide for 2025:
| System Size | Typical Cost | Best For | Annual Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4 kWp | £5,000–£7,000 | 1–2 person household | ~2,500–3,200 kWh |
| 5–6 kWp | £7,000–£9,500 | Average family home | ~4,000–5,000 kWh |
| 8–10 kWp | £10,000–£14,000 | Large home or EV user | ~6,500–8,000 kWh |
| 10kWp+ | £14,000+ | Commercial / large home | 8,000+ kWh |
Adding a battery storage system adds typically £3,000–£5,000 to the total, but significantly increases the proportion of solar energy you can actually use — particularly in the evenings.
How Much Can You Save with Solar Panels in Sussex?
Savings depend on your current energy usage, when you're at home, your electricity tariff and system size. However, as a guide for a typical Sussex family home:
You can also benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for surplus electricity you export back to the grid. Rates vary by energy supplier but are currently between 4p and 15p per kWh.
Is My Sussex Property Suitable for Solar?
Most Sussex properties are suitable for solar, but the main factors that affect output are:
- Roof orientation: South-facing is ideal; east or west-facing roofs can still generate well with modern panels
- Roof pitch: 30–40 degrees is optimal but panels work across a wide range
- Shading: Significant shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings reduces output, though micro-inverters or optimisers can mitigate this
- Roof condition: The roof should be in good structural condition before panels are fitted
- Planning permission: Most domestic solar installations are permitted development in England, though listed buildings and conservation areas may require permission
The Solar Installation Process
Survey & Design
We visit the property, assess the roof, review your energy bills and design a system sized correctly for your usage and budget.
Quotation & Equipment Specification
You receive a full written quote with the panel and inverter brands specified, expected output figures and estimated savings.
Installation
A typical 5–6 panel installation takes 1–2 days. Panels are fitted to the roof, cabling run to the loft and inverter, and the inverter connected to the consumer unit and meter.
Grid Connection & MCS Registration
The system is registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) — required to access the Smart Export Guarantee tariffs. We notify the Distribution Network Operator of the new generation point.
Handover & Monitoring Setup
We walk you through using your new solar system, show you the monitoring app and answer any questions. You're generating from day one.
Combining Solar with an EV Charger
If you drive an electric vehicle, combining solar panels with a home EV charger is one of the best ways to cut your running costs. You can charge your car directly from your solar panels during the day, reducing or even eliminating your charging costs. Read our guide to home EV charger installation or visit our Solar PV Installers page for more information.
Solar Panel Installation Across Sussex
Green Earth Sussex install solar PV systems across all of East and West Sussex. From Chichester and Bognor Regis in the west to Hastings and Rye in the east, our MCS accredited team designs and installs solar systems for homes, farms, businesses and commercial properties of all sizes.
Visit our Solar PV Installers page to learn more and request your free survey, or call us on 01273 076860.
Need Help? Get a Free Quote Today
Our NAPIT approved electricians cover all of East and West Sussex. Call us or request a free no-obligation quote.
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