Solar for Homes in Wales

The cost of solar panels in Wales depends on the size of the system, the quality of the components, and whether battery storage is included. On average, a typical 3–4 kW domestic solar PV system (suitable for most semi-detached or detached homes) costs between £5,000 and £8,000. If you choose to install a battery storage unit alongside your panels, the total cost may rise to around £9,000 to £12,000, depending on battery size and brand.

While these figures represent an upfront investment, the long-term benefits are substantial. Solar panels can save households £300–£600 per year on energy bills. Over a 25-year lifespan, savings can total £10,000–£15,000, particularly as electricity prices continue to rise. In addition, you can earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) by exporting unused electricity back to the grid.

Carbon Zero Renewables also offers flexible finance options, helping homeowners in Wales spread the cost of installation over time. In some cases, grants or local energy schemes may provide additional financial support, especially in rural or energy-deprived areas. With VAT at 0% for domestic solar installations, now is one of the most affordable times to invest in solar for your home.

Yes—solar energy is definitely worth it in Wales. Although the country is known for its cloudy skies and rainfall, solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to generate electricity. They work on daylight, not heat, meaning even in overcast weather they can still produce a significant amount of energy.

On average, Wales receives around 1,100–1,300 sunlight hours per year, which is sufficient to make solar PV systems economically viable. Modern photovoltaic technology has advanced to the point where panels can capture and convert light from a broad spectrum. Many homes in Wales are already benefitting from solar, particularly in areas like Anglesey, Wrexham, and Ceredigion where electricity costs are high or the grid infrastructure is less robust.

Even if you’re not producing electricity at full capacity every day, your system can still reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. Add battery storage, and you’ll store excess power generated during daylight hours for use in the evening. With SEG payments providing income for exported electricity, and with 0% VAT, solar is more worthwhile than ever—even under Welsh clouds.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government-backed initiative introduced in January 2020 to replace the Feed-in Tariff. It enables homeowners to receive payments for the excess electricity they export back to the grid from renewable technologies like solar PV.

Under SEG, licensed electricity suppliers with more than 150,000 domestic customers are required to offer at least one export tariff. These tariffs are set by the supplier, not the government, and can vary between 2p to 15p per kWh. The rate is typically fixed or variable, and some suppliers offer better deals than others. You can shop around for the most competitive rate.

To be eligible, your solar PV system must be installed by an MCS-certified installer (like Carbon Zero Renewables), and you must have a smart meter capable of recording half-hourly export data. Once set up, the SEG helps you earn passive income on top of the savings you make by using your own solar-generated electricity.

This is especially useful in Wales, where many homeowners experience lower peak sun hours. Even if you don’t use all your generated electricity, you’ll still benefit financially from your system.

The physical installation of a solar PV system for a typical home usually takes one to two days, depending on the complexity of the property and whether battery storage is included. However, the full process—including consultation, design, and paperwork—can take 1 to 3 weeks from start to finish.

Here’s a typical timeline:

Day 1: Free home survey and system design consultation

Day 2–7: Detailed proposal, financial options, and system approval

Day 8–14: Installation scheduled (weather and equipment availability permitting)

Day 15+: System commissioning, SEG registration, and performance testing

Carbon Zero Renewables follows a five-step process, beginning with a free assessment and concluding with long-term monitoring support. Installation is carried out by MCS-accredited engineers who ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. If you’re installing in a conservation area or listed building, permissions may extend the timeline, but for most homeowners, installation is quick and hassle-free.

In most cases, you do not need planning permission to install solar panels on your home in Wales. Solar PV systems fall under ‘Permitted Development Rights’, which allow homeowners to make minor changes to their properties without seeking formal approval.

However, there are some conditions:

Panels must not protrude more than 200 mm from the roof surface.

They should not be installed higher than the highest point of the roof (excluding chimneys).

If your property is in a conservation area, National Park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), stricter rules may apply.

For listed buildings, you will require Listed Building Consent.

Carbon Zero Renewables conducts a full site assessment before any installation to ensure your property complies with all regulations. If planning permission is required, their team will assist in managing the process for you, ensuring everything is approved before installation begins.

A well-maintained domestic solar PV system typically lasts 25 to 30 years, with some systems continuing to produce electricity even beyond that. The solar panels themselves often come with 25-year performance warranties, guaranteeing at least 80% of their original efficiency by the end of the period.

The inverter, which converts the energy from DC to AC, has a shorter lifespan of 10 to 15 years and may need replacing once during the life of the system. Fortunately, inverter technology is improving, and newer models are more efficient and longer-lasting.

Routine maintenance—such as checking for shading, dirt, debris, or bird nesting—helps ensure panels operate at peak performance. Carbon Zero Renewables offers optional maintenance packages that include annual inspections, system diagnostics, and cleaning if needed.

Investing in solar is a long-term decision, and with high-quality components and proper care, you can expect decades of reliable energy generation and financial return.

Yes, absolutely. Battery storage systems can be retrofitted to existing solar PV systems at any time. In fact, many homeowners choose to start with a PV-only setup and add batteries later once they understand their energy usage better or secure additional funding.

Battery storage allows you to store the surplus electricity generated during the day and use it in the evening when solar production drops. This increases your self-consumption rate, lowers your reliance on the grid, and can significantly improve the return on your solar investment.

Carbon Zero Renewables offers a range of battery options suitable for both new and existing systems. During your system assessment, they can advise on battery readiness—ensuring that inverters, wiring, and system layout can accommodate future upgrades.

Adding a battery later is straightforward and may even be eligible for 0% VAT if bundled with solar improvements.

The space required depends on the size of the system and the efficiency of the panels. A standard 4 kW system needs about 20–25 m² of unshaded roof space. That typically translates to around 10–12 panels on a pitched roof, facing south or southwest.

If your roof is east or west-facing, more panels may be required to generate the same output, but the system can still be highly effective. Flat roofs can also accommodate solar panels using mounting systems at an angle to maximise sun exposure.

Carbon Zero Renewables conducts a full survey of your property, using shading analysis tools to determine the best panel layout. If you don’t have enough suitable roof space, they may recommend ground-mounted systems (space and permission permitting), especially in rural parts of Wales.

Panel efficiency is also improving, so even smaller roofs can host powerful systems today.

Solar PV systems are designed to be low-maintenance. The panels have no moving parts and are usually self-cleaning due to rainfall. However, like any major home system, occasional checks are recommended to ensure long-term performance.

Typical maintenance includes:

Visual inspections to check for dirt, bird nesting, or shading

Inverter diagnostics to confirm proper energy conversion

Wiring inspections to ensure no loose or degraded components

Optional panel cleaning in areas with high dust, pollen, or salt exposure (e.g. coastal regions)

Carbon Zero Renewables offers affordable annual maintenance packages, which include performance checks, fault detection, and service reminders. Monitoring software also allows homeowners to track their system output and detect underperformance early.

Yes. Numerous studies have shown that homes with solar installations are more attractive to buyers and can command a premium of 4% to 10% compared to non-solar homes. Buyers are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency and sustainability, especially in areas like Wales where energy costs are rising.

The benefit is twofold:

The home appears more modern and future-proof.

Buyers are aware they will save on energy bills immediately.

Having a trusted installer like Carbon Zero Renewables also adds to buyer confidence, especially with MCS certification and performance warranties in place.

A solar-equipped home stands out in today’s market—and as energy prices continue to increase, demand for green homes will only grow.