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Solar · Advice

Do solar panels actually work in the UK climate?

Short answer

Yes. A south-facing UK roof typically produces about 850 to 1,100 kWh a year per kilowatt of panels, from Scotland to the south coast. Nearly 1.7 million UK homes have them. Output is strongly seasonal, and cool temperatures actually help panel efficiency, so cloudy summers still generate well.

Last checked 24 September 2026 · 1 source

In more detail

  • PVGIS south 35: Edinburgh 904, Manchester 886, Portsmouth 1,119 kWh/kWp/yr.
  • EST: nearly 1.7 million installations on UK homes (UK Government data).
  • Cells lose efficiency as they heat, so the UK's cool climate partly offsets lower sunshine.

The facts, dated

  1. 01
    UK homes with solar panel installations (EST citing UK Government data) — ~1.7 million installations

    market_data · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · Energy Saving Trust

Sources

Last checked: 24 September 2026