Why Brighton Homeowners Are Going Solar
Brighton and Hove has become one of the UK's greenest cities, with solar panel installations growing rapidly across every postcode. Despite its reputation as a densely built-up urban area, Brighton is one of the best places in the UK to install solar — the city enjoys above-average sunshine hours, progressive local planning attitudes, and a homeowner demographic that actively values low running costs and sustainability.
At Eastbourne Energy, we install solar panels across Brighton and Hove — from Victorian terraces in Hanover and Kemptown to the semi-detached estates of Hove and the new builds in Patcham and Withdean. Here's everything Brighton homeowners need to know in 2026.
Brighton's Solar Potential: The Numbers
Sunshine Hours
Brighton enjoys approximately 1,750–1,800 sunshine hours per year — among the highest of any UK city. The city's south-facing position on the coast, with the South Downs blocking cold northerly air, creates a microclimate that extends the useful solar generation season significantly compared to northern England. A 4 kW system on a typical Brighton rooftop will generate around 3,400–3,800 kWh per year.
Typical Annual Savings
Most Brighton households save £750–£950 per year on electricity bills with a 4–6 kW solar system. Add battery storage and a time-of-use tariff like Octopus Go, and savings can reach £1,100–£1,400 per year — particularly valuable given Brighton's above-average electricity consumption driven by older housing stock and high EV ownership rates.
Solar Panel Costs in Brighton: 2026 Guide
| System Size | Installed Cost (inc. 0% VAT) | Best For | Est. Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4 kW (8–10 panels) | £5,500–£7,200 | Flats, small terraces, lower-usage homes | £550–£750 |
| 5–6 kW (12–15 panels) | £7,500–£9,800 | Most Brighton & Hove homes | £780–£1,000 |
| 7–8 kW (17–20 panels) | £9,800–£12,500 | Larger Hove properties, EV owners, high usage | £1,000–£1,400 |
All prices include installation, scaffolding, MCS certification, and DNO application to UK Power Networks. 0% VAT applies to all residential solar installations.
Property Types We Install On in Brighton
Victorian & Edwardian Terraces (BN1, BN2)
The most common property type across Hanover, Kemptown, and Preston Park. These terraces typically have south- or south-west-facing rear roofs that are excellent for solar. The challenge is often limited roof area and chimney stacks causing shading — we use string optimisers on affected strings to ensure full-roof productivity rather than letting one shaded panel drag down the whole array.
Regency & Victorian Townhouses (BN1 city centre, BN3 Hove)
Large roof areas with good solar potential, but frequently in conservation areas or listed. We work regularly with these properties — rear elevation installations avoid visibility issues, and all-black panels minimise visual impact where planning is required. We prepare any necessary heritage statements as part of our standard service.
1930s Semi-Detached (BN3 Hove, BN41 Portslade)
Some of Brighton's best solar properties. Larger roof areas, simpler access, and typically south- or south-west-facing pitches. Many Hove homeowners are combining solar with EV chargers and battery storage for a fully integrated energy system.
Modern Developments (Patcham, Withdean, Brighton Marina area)
Post-2000 builds often have solar-ready electrical installations and simpler DNO approval processes. Larger new-build roof areas can accommodate 6–8 kW systems comfortably.
Converted Flats
Shared ownership of roof space makes flat installations more complex but not impossible. We can install systems on the property's behalf where all freeholder consents are in place. Roof rights and connection arrangements need to be confirmed during the survey stage.
Brighton-Specific Planning Considerations
Conservation Areas
Brighton & Hove has one of the highest concentrations of conservation areas in the South East. Key areas include the Brighton Seafront, Kemp Town, Brunswick & Adelaide, and the Hove Seafront. Most solar installations on residential properties still qualify as Permitted Development even within these areas — the key test is whether panels are visible from a road or public footpath.
Our survey always includes a conservation area check. Where visibility is a concern, we either route the installation to a rear elevation or prepare a planning application with a visual impact assessment. Brighton & Hove City Council's planners are generally supportive of renewable energy when properly evidenced.
Listed Buildings
Brighton has a significant number of Grade I and Grade II listed Regency and Victorian buildings, particularly on the seafront and in central Hove. Solar is still possible on listed buildings, but requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. This typically means rear-roof installations using sympathetic panel choices (all-black, low-profile mounting). We advise on feasibility during your free survey and handle the consent application if required.
South Downs National Park
Properties in the northern fringes of Brighton (above the A27, towards Stanmer and Falmer) may fall within or immediately adjacent to the South Downs National Park. The National Park Authority has separate planning jurisdiction and specific design guidance for solar panels. We check this at the survey stage for all Brighton properties — no surprises during the project.
Postcodes We Cover in Brighton & Hove
We install across all Brighton and Hove postcodes, including:
- BN1 — Brighton city centre, Preston Park, Fiveways, Patcham, Coldean, Moulsecoomb
- BN2 — Kemptown, Hanover, Bevendean, Woodingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean
- BN3 — Hove city centre, Hove seafront, Tongdean, Withdean
- BN41 — Portslade-by-Sea, Mile Oak, Hangleton
- BN42 — Southwick
- BN43 — Shoreham-by-Sea
- BN44 / BN45 — Steyning, Henfield, Fulking, Poynings (South Downs villages west of Brighton)
Battery Storage in Brighton
Brighton homeowners are disproportionately likely to add battery storage alongside solar — reflecting higher average incomes, strong environmental awareness, and high EV ownership rates in the city. Battery storage makes particular sense in Brighton because:
- Many households are out all day, meaning daytime solar generation isn't fully self-consumed without storage
- High EV ownership creates additional evening electricity demand that stored solar can meet
- Octopus Agile is popular in Brighton — a battery enables automatic smart charging during negative or very cheap price periods
We install Fox ESS, GivEnergy, Anker SOLIX, and Tesla Powerwall 3 batteries alongside all Brighton solar installations.
Why Choose Eastbourne Energy for Solar in Brighton?
- MCS certified & RECC approved — required for Smart Export Guarantee and the strongest consumer protection available
- Conservation area specialists — we've handled dozens of Brighton heritage property installations
- All-inclusive price — scaffolding, DNO, MCS certificate, monitoring setup, and aftercare included
- Local knowledge — we understand Brighton rooflines, street access constraints, and local council requirements
Ready to go solar in Brighton? Get a free, no-obligation quote with detailed savings projections for your specific property. See our Brighton solar page or request a quote now →
Lee Standell
Solar Energy Specialist at Eastbourne Energy