Generate your own electricity, reduce your energy bills, and understand what’s realistic for your property.
Generate your own power and reduce how much you buy from the grid.
Get paid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for electricity you export to the grid.
Homes with solar panels are often more attractive to buyers and support lower carbon living.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. This power can be used in your home, stored in a battery, or exported to the grid for payment through the Smart Export Guarantee.
Devon and Cornwall generally have excellent solar potential due to good sunlight hours across the year.
How solar panels generate and manage electricity in your home
East or west-facing roofs can still generate a good amount of electricity. Flat roofs are also possible using mounting frames. A site survey will confirm what’s achievable on your property.
A battery stores excess electricity generated during the day so you can use it in the evening or during power cuts. This significantly increases how much of your own solar power you actually use (self-consumption).
While batteries add cost to the system, they are becoming increasingly popular — especially for homeowners who want to maximise self-consumption and reduce reliance on the grid.
Solar panels on a typical South West home
A typical 4–6kW system in Devon or Cornwall can generate between 3,800 – 5,700 kWh per year. Many households see meaningful reductions in electricity bills, especially when combined with Smart Export Guarantee payments.
Use our Solar Passport to see estimated system size, generation, and savings. Or try the Combined Estimator if you're also considering a heat pump and underfloor heating.
Local planning pages: Exeter · Plymouth · Truro · Torquay · Barnstaple · Newquay · All locations