Which is the best county for solar panels in the UK?
We had a look at regional sunshine levels, adoption rates, and how local conditions affect real-world solar performance. Read on to find out which is the best county for solar panels in the UK in 2025.
The best county for solar panels is… Kent
Figure 1: Data from the official MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) Data Dashboard. Percentages are calculated using official installation counts and UK housing stock figures.
Its sunny skies and growing push for energy independence make Kent one of the best regions to install solar panels in the UK. Often referred to as the Garden of England, Kent is one of the sunniest places in the country, with some areas receiving up to 30% more sunlight than the national average. As you’d expect, stronger sunshine equals more power from your panels and more money in your pocket.
In Ashford alone, over 8.3% of homes have solar panels, which is well above the national average of 4.6%. And it’s not just about sunshine. Thanks to smarter tech, falling installation costs, and improved energy storage, solar panels in Kent are much more than viable – they’re a long-term solution that just make sense.
Even if you don’t live in a sun-soaked corner of the country, the UK as a whole is surprisingly well-suited to solar. Modern solar panels don’t need scorching sunshine; they generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sun, meaning they can still perform well even on overcast days. However, more frequent, constant sun does make for optimal output and even more usable electricity from a typical solar PV installation.
Are solar panels worth it in Kent?
Using solar irradiance and photovoltaic power potential data, we can see that Kent consistently ranks near the top for solar performance in the UK. Across the UK, the amount of solar energy available ranges from 750 to 1,100 kilowatt-hours per square metre each year, and Kent sits firmly on the higher end of this spectrum.
So, although the UK as a whole is well-suited to solar panels, regions like Kent, with consistently higher irradiance levels, offer an extra edge in long-term performance and savings.
Combining solar panels with a battery system and a heat pump, all delivered by a local installer in Kent takes things even further. While your panels generate electricity during the day, a battery stores excess energy for later use, and a heat pump can use that power to efficiently warm your home. This low-carbon trio works year-round to cut bills and lower emissions.
Can you save money with solar panels in Kent?
You can save lots on your annual energy bills with solar panels. While the exact savings will depend on your system size, roof orientation, and usage patterns, it’s safe to say that Kent’s citizens have a geographical helping hand when it comes to solar generation. And that translates to less reliance on the grid, lower energy bills, and meaningful household savings.
In fact, with our 10-panel package in Ashford, you could generate around 3,869 kWh a year, saving up to £870 annually through lower bills and export payments. Plus, if you pair your Kent solar panels with a heat pump and battery system, your savings could rise to over £1,000 per year by using even more of your own solar power at home.
How much solar power does Kent generate?
Based on our analysis, homes across Kent generate an estimated 146.05 GWh per year*! That’s not including non-residential solar (schools, businesses, farms) or uncertified installs, so the true figure is significantly higher.
Kent’s solar output could drive an average electric car ~912 million km. That’s the same as ~1.2 million round trips between London and Edinburgh, ~22,750 laps around the Earth at the equator, and ~1,200 round trips to the Moon and back (Don’t worry — we’re talking about distance here, not strapping solar panels to a rocket-powered Nissan Leaf.) What’s more, The London Eye uses ~500 MWh/year (0.5 GWh), meaning Kent’s solar output could power the London Eye for 292 years!
* A conservative average estimate of annual output across homes in Kent is Sunsave’s figure of 4,039 kWh per year per home. This modest, real-world average accounts for typical variation in system sizes and Kent’s sunlight levels.
How solar panels in Kent are cutting carbon emissions
Household solar panels in Kent are saving a huge 29,200 tonnes of CO₂ annually – equivalent to planting over 1.2 million trees. And every additional solar PV installation helps to displace fossil fuel use, reduce carbon emissions, and build local energy resilience – all while cutting annual household bills.
What’s clear is that solar panel installation in Kent is accelerating. So, with energy prices staying high, Kent solar panels are a solid, sensible investment to future-proof your home.
At Good Energy, we help our customers choose the best solar panels for their homes – prioritising performance, efficiency, and long-term value.
Want to find out about your options in person?
We’ll be at Everything Electric LONDON, the UK’s leading event for home energy and clean technology. Come and find us for honest advice, answers to your questions, and a closer look at how solar could work for you.
