A growing number of people in the UK are embracing sustainability and grid independence by finding other non-conventional energy sources.
In Manchester alone, more than 42,000 houses now have solar panels on their roofs.
On average, Manchester homes can save around 65% on their annual electricity bills, making solar panels not just an eco-friendly choice (both personally and for the wider city), but also a financially savvy investment for most.
Here’s how you can find local expert solar panel installers to help you maximise your potential energy savings.
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manchester?
Property size | Recommended number of panels (system size) | Average total installation cost per system |
1-bedroom flat | 4-6 panels (2 kW) | £3,600-£4,800 |
2-bedroom house | 6-10 panels (3 kW) | £6,000-£8,000 |
3-bedroom house | 9-13 panels (4 kW) | £7,800-£10,400 |
4+ bedroom house | 10-16 panels (5 kW) | £9,600-£12,800 |
Find solar panel installers in Manchester
The search for a good solar panel installer in Manchester can be a time-consuming and stressful process.
This means it’s absolutely crucial to choose wisely so you can get the most value for your home and budget.
A good professional installer will talk you through different factors like the type of installation, suitability, system size, and expected efficiency to help you make an informed choice.
To simplify your search, we’ve partnered with Honest Quote. Their service works exclusively with established, vetted and highly reviewed installers in Manchester and across the UK, giving you peace of mind, as well as your time back.
Just fill out their 2 minute form and then compare the quotes from MCS-accredited solar panel installers in Manchester to find the best option for you.
How to avoid cowboy solar panel installers in Manchester
The best way to avoid getting ripped off by a dodgy solar panel installer is by making sure they have MCS accreditation.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is an important quality assurance standard that guarantees installers meet rigorous industry standards for competence and reliability.
Aside from it being a stamp of approval, you need an MCS certificate to be able to access incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which gives you cash for the excess solar electricity you send back to the grid.
With Honest Quote, you can easily compare quotes from MCS-accredited professionals for free by clicking [here].
Do solar panels work in Manchester?
Despite Manchester’s reputation for rainy weather, solar panels still work well in the city.
Modern solar technology is designed to capture daylight even on cloudy days, so your panels will still generate enough power throughout the year.
According to the Met Office, Manchester receives an average of 1,265 hours of sunshine every year, which is plenty for solar electricity production.
Solar panel grants Manchester
Manchester residents looking to invest in solar panels may be eligible for various financial support schemes.
Let’s explore some of the available local grants that can help make solar panel installation more affordable.
ECO4
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is a government initiative designed to help reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions across the UK.
Launched in July 2022, this £4 billion program requires large energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers to fund energy efficiency measures, including solar panel installations, for low-income and vulnerable households.
To qualify for free solar panels under ECO4, you must be a homeowner, private renter (with your landlord’s permission), or social housing tenant and your home must use electricity for heating.
You also need to meet at least one of these criteria:
- In receipt of specific means-tested benefits – you can find the full list on the Ofgem website
- Household income of less than £31,000
- Your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band D or lower
Unfortunately, you can’t apply for ECO4 support directly, so you’ll need to contact your energy supplier or GP for a referral – or use the Retrofit Portal on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) website to explore your eligibility.
LA Flex
The Local Authority Flexible Eligibility (LA Flex) initiative is a crucial component of the ECO4 scheme, as it’s designed to support fuel-poor and energy-inefficient households that fall outside the benefits-based eligibility of ECO4 – which, according to government data on fuel poverty, is as high as 46.1% of fuel-poor households.
In Greater Manchester, LA Flex is managed by the GMCA.
With £500 million available in funding every year, this programme is a golden opportunity for those in need who wouldn’t otherwise qualify to get solar panels.
Home Upgrade Grant
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) is a £700 million government initiative designed to improve energy efficiency in homes not connected to the gas grid. Both Manchester City Council and Rochdale Borough Council are among the 45 local authorities in England authorised to distribute grants of up to £10,000 for solar panels and other energy-saving measures.
To qualify for the HUG in Manchester:
- You need to be the owner and resident of the property you want to improve
- The home shouldn’t have a gas boiler
- Your household income should be under £36,000
- The home EPC rating should be D or below, like ECO4
Approximately 25% of grants awarded so far have been for solar panel installations, with local authorities covering an average of 87% of the cost – and in many cases, the entire expense.
Over £630 million has been allocated to local authorities, including Manchester and Rochdale councils, so don’t miss out – confirm your eligibility and arrange a home survey using this GOV.UK tool.
Can I get free solar panels in Manchester?
While the schemes we’ve just discussed might not always result in completely free solar panels, they can substantially lower the initial investment for a wide range of residents in Greater Manchester.
Again, the ECO4 scheme offers free solar panels to low-income households using electricity for heating, provided they meet specific criteria – and the LA Flex initiative extends similar benefits to those who don’t qualify for ECO4 through standard routes.
For homes without a gas boiler, the Home Upgrade Grant could also potentially cover up to 100% of solar panel installation costs.
Conclusion
Solar panels are a smart choice for reducing your overall energy costs and environmental impact. And with various grants and schemes available in Manchester, it’s more accessible than ever.
With more than 42,000 homes already generating free electricity with solar panels in Manchester, it is quickly becoming one of the best home investments.
To make sure you’re getting the best deal from a reliable installer, take advantage of our partnership with Honest Quote.
This service allows you to easily compare free quotes from vetted, MCS-accredited installers in Manchester and across the UK.
You will also find out if you qualify for any of the above mentioned grants and incentives.
Click here to start comparing quotes and take the first step towards a greener, more energy-efficient home.
