Your Complete Guide to Solar Panels in East Sussex (2026 Edition)
East Sussex is one of the sunniest counties in England, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation. From the coastal towns of Eastbourne and Hastings to the market towns of Lewes and Uckfield, thousands of East Sussex homeowners are already benefiting from solar energy.
At Eastbourne Energy, we are local MCS-certified solar panel installers based in Eastbourne. We have completed over 500 installations across East Sussex and understand the unique characteristics of properties in every part of the county. This guide has been fully updated for 2026 with the latest pricing, government incentives, and technology information.
Why East Sussex Is Perfect for Solar in 2026
Sunshine Hours
East Sussex enjoys approximately 1,750-1,850 hours of sunshine annually, significantly above the UK average of around 1,500 hours. Coastal areas like Eastbourne (the "Sunshine Capital") receive even more, making solar panels here up to 15% more productive than the national average.
Property Mix
The county offers diverse property types, all suitable for solar:
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Brighton and Hastings
- Period properties in historic Lewes and Battle
- Modern developments in Eastbourne and Polegate
- Rural farmhouses and cottages across Wealden
- Coastal properties from Seaford to Rye
- New-build estates in Hailsham and Stone Cross
Rising Energy Costs
With average UK electricity costs reaching 24.5p/kWh in early 2026 (Ofgem price cap), solar panels in East Sussex offer a compelling financial case. A typical household can save between £600 and £1,600 per year depending on system size and energy usage.
Solar Panel Costs in East Sussex (2026 Prices)
| System Size | Typical Price (2026) | Annual Savings | Payback Period | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW (10 panels) | £5,950 - £7,300 | £600 - £800 | 8-10 years | 2-3 bed homes |
| 6kW (15 panels) | £8,100 - £9,800 | £900 - £1,250 | 7-9 years | 3-4 bed homes |
| 8kW (20 panels) | £10,200 - £12,200 | £1,200 - £1,600 | 7-8 years | 4+ bed homes |
| 10kW+ (25+ panels) | £12,500 - £15,000+ | £1,500 - £2,000+ | 6-8 years | Large homes / commercial |
All prices include installation, scaffolding, MCS certification, and DNO application. Solar panels in the UK currently benefit from 0% VAT, making them more affordable than ever.
Government Incentives and Financial Benefits (2026)
0% VAT on Solar Panels
Since April 2022, domestic solar panel installations have attracted zero VAT. This policy continues in 2026, saving homeowners around £1,000-£2,500 on a typical installation. The 0% VAT also applies to battery storage systems when installed alongside solar panels.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
When you generate more electricity than you use, you can sell it back to the grid. Current SEG export rates in 2026 range from 4.5p to 15p per kWh depending on your energy supplier. Providers like Octopus Energy offer competitive export tariffs, especially with smart tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Flux which pays premium rates for exported solar energy.
Energy Bill Savings
The primary financial benefit of solar remains reduced electricity bills. With a well-sized system in East Sussex, you can expect to use 30-50% of your solar generation directly (self-consumption), rising to 70-85% if you add battery storage.
How to Choose a Local Solar Panel Installer in East Sussex
Choosing the right installer is crucial. Here is what to look for when selecting local solar panel installers in your area:
Essential Certifications
- MCS Certification - Required for SEG eligibility and government schemes. Always check your installer is MCS accredited.
- RECC Membership - Renewable Energy Consumer Code provides consumer protection and dispute resolution.
- Competent Person Scheme - Ensures work meets building regulations without separate council approval.
Local Knowledge Matters
A local installer understands East Sussex planning requirements, South Downs National Park regulations, listed building restrictions, and the specific DNO (UK Power Networks) processes in our region. National companies often lack this local knowledge, leading to delays and complications.
What to Expect from a Good Installer
- Free, no-obligation site survey
- Custom system design (not one-size-fits-all)
- Written quote with full breakdown of costs
- Workmanship warranty (minimum 5 years)
- Help with all paperwork (DNO, MCS, SEG)
- Aftercare and monitoring support
Battery Storage: Maximising Your Solar Investment
Battery storage has become increasingly popular in East Sussex. By storing excess solar generation during the day for use in the evening, you can significantly increase your savings.
Battery Storage Benefits
- Increase self-consumption from 30% to over 80%
- Reduce evening peak-rate electricity purchases
- Provide backup power during grid outages (with EPS)
- Enable smart tariff optimisation (charge at cheap rates, use during peak)
- Available as a retrofit to existing solar systems
Popular battery brands we install include Fox ESS, Anker SOLIX, and GivEnergy. Battery prices range from £3,000 to £12,000 depending on capacity. Learn more about our battery storage solutions.
Town-by-Town Solar Guides
We have created detailed guides for each major town in East Sussex to help you understand solar potential in your specific area:
Coastal Towns
- Solar Panels in Eastbourne - The Sunshine Capital guide covering BN20-BN23
- Solar Panels in Hastings - Coastal installation considerations for this historic town
- Solar Panels in Seaford - Cliff-top properties and coastal engineering
- Solar Panels in Brighton - Urban installations from terraces to flats
- Solar Panels in Bexhill - Retirement community solar solutions
Market Towns and Inland
- Solar Panels in Lewes - Heritage property considerations in the county town
- Solar Panels in Hailsham - Rural and agricultural installations
- Solar Panels in Uckfield - Mid-Sussex solar solutions
- Solar Panels in Heathfield - Rural Sussex installations
- Solar Panels in Polegate - Growing town, growing solar
The Solar Installation Process
Here is what to expect when you go solar with a local installer in East Sussex:
- Free Consultation - We discuss your energy usage, goals, and budget. This can be done over the phone or in person.
- Site Survey - A qualified surveyor visits your property to assess roof condition, orientation, shading, and electrical setup.
- Custom Design - We design a system tailored to your property and energy needs, maximising generation and savings.
- Quote and Proposal - You receive a detailed written quote with projected savings, payback calculations, and financing options.
- DNO Application - We handle the application to UK Power Networks to connect your system to the grid.
- Installation - Most residential installations take 1-2 days on site. Our MCS-accredited team handles everything.
- Commissioning - System testing, monitoring setup, and handover. We walk you through how everything works.
- MCS Registration - We register your installation, enabling you to apply for SEG payments.
The total process from initial enquiry to switch-on is typically 4-8 weeks.
What Makes Eastbourne Energy Different?
Truly Local
Based in Eastbourne, we are not a national company with a local franchise. Our team lives and works in East Sussex, and we are invested in our community's transition to renewable energy.
Complete Service
- Free site surveys and no-obligation quotes
- Custom system design for your property
- All DNO and MCS paperwork handled
- Professional installation (usually 1-2 days)
- Monitoring setup and ongoing support
- Solar panel installation
- Battery storage solutions
- Inverter replacement and upgrades
- Solar panel cleaning
Accredited and Trusted
- MCS Certified (required for Smart Export Guarantee)
- RECC Approved (Renewable Energy Consumer Code)
- 5-star Google reviews from local customers
- Over 500 installations completed across East Sussex
Our East Sussex Coverage
We install solar panels across every part of East Sussex. Find your local area below:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in East Sussex in 2026?
Solar panel costs in East Sussex range from around £5,950 for a 4kW system (10 panels) to £15,000+ for larger 10kW+ systems. All domestic installations benefit from 0% VAT. Prices include installation, scaffolding, MCS certification, and DNO application.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in East Sussex?
Most residential solar installations are permitted development, meaning no planning permission is needed. Exceptions include listed buildings, some conservation areas, and properties in the South Downs National Park (where panels may still be permitted but require notification). We handle all planning queries as part of our service.
How long does installation take?
Most residential installations take 1-2 days on site. The total process from survey to switch-on is typically 4-8 weeks, including DNO paperwork.
What about battery storage?
We recommend battery storage for most East Sussex installations. Batteries allow you to store excess solar generation for evening use and can increase your savings by 30-50%. We install systems that can have batteries added later if you prefer to start with solar-only. Learn more about battery storage.
Will solar work on my East Sussex property?
Most properties are suitable for solar. Ideal conditions are a south-facing roof with little shading, but east/west roofs and even some north-facing roofs can work in certain circumstances. Our solar calculator can give you an instant estimate, or we will assess your property during a free survey.
Are solar panels worth it in the UK?
Yes. With current electricity prices, 0% VAT on installations, and the Smart Export Guarantee, most solar panel systems in East Sussex pay for themselves within 7-10 years and continue generating free electricity for 25+ years. The financial return typically exceeds other investment options for homeowners.
How do I find a good local solar panel installer?
Look for MCS certification (essential for SEG eligibility), RECC membership (consumer protection), local knowledge of your area, transparent pricing, and genuine customer reviews. Avoid pushy sales tactics and get at least two quotes from local solar panel installers before making your decision.
Ready to Go Solar in East Sussex?
Join the thousands of East Sussex homeowners already saving with solar. Get a free, no-obligation quote from your local MCS-certified installer.
Get Your Free East Sussex Solar Quote
Or call us: 01323 324888
Lee Standell
Solar Energy Specialist at Eastbourne Energy