Brighton and Hove tops our PVGIS comparison of twenty UK towns. That does not mean every roof here is ideal. This page explains the output to expect, how the council treats conservation areas, and how a Pier Solar project runs.
Solar output in Brighton
We modelled the city with PVGIS, the European Commission's free solar tool. For Brighton it gives about 1,160 kWh a year for every 1 kWp of panels, at an ideal angle and direction. That is the highest figure in our set of twenty towns. These are modelled estimates, not a promise.
A typical home system is around 4 kWp, which is about nine or ten modern panels. In Brighton that could make roughly 4,600 kWh a year on a well-placed roof. For comparison, a typical home uses about 2,500 kWh of electricity a year, according to Ofgem. As a result, a good roof can cover more than your yearly use, although real roofs usually produce a little less.
Our guide to solar inverters explained shows how the inverter choice affects output. If you drive an electric car, our EV charger installation service can put that spare power to use.
Homes, roofs and planning in Brighton
Most homes in England can add panels without a planning application. However, the rules changed on 27 August 2026. On a pitched roof, panels can stick out no more than 20 cm and must stay below the highest point. On a flat roof, they can usually rise no more than 60 cm.
Brighton & Hove City Council gives clear guidance for conservation areas. Pitched roofs there are generally permitted development, while flat roofs need prior approval. In addition, Article 4 directions mean planning permission is needed in five conservation areas. These are Ovingdean, Patcham, Portslade Old Village, Rottingdean and Stanmer. Listed buildings need consent before you add panels.
Because of this, we check your address against the council's list early. A competent person must also confirm the roof can carry the panels before installation. Our extended workmanship warranties cover the installation work once it is done.
How a Pier Solar project runs in Brighton
Pier Solar designs and specifies each system. We do not fit it ourselves. Vetted, MCS-certified installation partners do the work, and we coordinate the job from the first survey to handover. Our guide to MCS certification for homeowners explains why the certificate matters.
Here is the usual order of work.
- You send an enquiry through our online form, with a few details about your roof and bills.
- We design the system and set out the panels, inverter and any battery.
- A partner installs it to our specification.
- The partner notifies your network operator, or applies first for larger systems.
- You receive an MCS certificate, usually within about ten working days.
Brighton is in the UK Power Networks South Eastern area. Your installer normally handles the paperwork. Small systems up to 3.68 kW per phase are notified within 28 days of installation. However, bigger systems need approval before they connect, so we plan for that early.
Costs, savings and export
A typical 4 to 4.5 kWp home system typically costs roughly £6,000 to £8,000 installed, based on government cost data for 2025/26. Installing solar in a home in Great Britain is currently VAT-free until 31 March 2027. Still, from 1 April 2027 the rate is due to return to 5%, unless the government changes it.
Each kWh of solar you use saves the unit rate you would otherwise pay. The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus power you send to the grid. Because each supplier sets its own rate, compare tariffs first. The Energy Saving Trust puts payback at roughly 9 to 12 years in its example locations.
Small firms can benefit too. However, the VAT relief covers homes only, so business buildings are normally charged standard-rate VAT. Read our guide to solar panels for business premises and ask an accountant about tax relief.
Nearby areas we cover
The same approach applies along the coast and in the capital. We also cover solar installation in London to the north and solar panels in Southampton to the west. Output and planning rules differ in each place, so every quote starts with your own roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
- It has the highest modelled yield of the twenty towns we compared, at about 1,160 kWh a year per kWp. However, we do not call it the sunniest city. Your own roof matters more than the postcode.
- On pitched roofs it is generally permitted development, but flat roofs need prior approval. Five areas have Article 4 directions, so planning permission is needed. Check with the council.
- A listed building needs consent before you add solar panels. We can discuss options at the design stage. The council makes the decision.
- A vetted, MCS-certified partner installs them to our specification. Pier Solar designs the system and coordinates the project. Start with our online enquiry form.