Solar Irradiance Map: UK
This map shows the solar energy yield across all UK regions, measured in kWh per kWp installed per year. Regions in the south receive the most solar radiation, but solar panels generate meaningful savings across the entire country.
Data source: PVGIS / PureVolt. Last updated March 2026.
Tap a region to see its solar yield
Solar Yield (kWh/kWp/yr)
Click any region to see local solar information. Southern regions receive the most solar radiation.
Which UK regions have the highest solar yield?
Solar yield varies by up to 30% across the UK, from 750 kWh/kWp in northern Scotland to 1,050 kWh/kWp in the south coast. The table below ranks UK regions by solar yield, sunshine hours, annual generation from a 4 kWp system, and estimated annual savings with 0% VAT on solar installations.
| Rank | Region | kWh/kWp/year | 4kWp Output | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornwall | 1050 | 4,200 kWh | +16.7% |
| 2 | Devon | 1020 | 4,080 kWh | +13.3% |
| 3 | Dorset | 1010 | 4,040 kWh | +12.2% |
| 4 | Hampshire | 990 | 3,960 kWh | +10.0% |
| 5 | Kent | 980 | 3,920 kWh | +8.9% |
| 6 | Sussex | 975 | 3,900 kWh | +8.3% |
| 7 | Somerset | 970 | 3,880 kWh | +7.8% |
| 8 | Surrey | 960 | 3,840 kWh | +6.7% |
| 9 | Wiltshire | 950 | 3,800 kWh | +5.6% |
| 10 | Suffolk | 945 | 3,780 kWh | +5.0% |
| 11 | Essex | 940 | 3,760 kWh | +4.4% |
| 12 | Norfolk | 935 | 3,740 kWh | +3.9% |
| 13 | London | 920 | 3,680 kWh | +2.2% |
| 14 | Oxfordshire | 915 | 3,660 kWh | +1.7% |
| 15 | Cambridgeshire | 910 | 3,640 kWh | +1.1% |
| 16 | Gloucestershire | 905 | 3,620 kWh | +0.6% |
| 17 | Hertfordshire | 900 | 3,600 kWh | +0.0% |
| 18 | Lincolnshire | 895 | 3,580 kWh | -0.6% |
| 19 | Yorkshire | 880 | 3,520 kWh | -2.2% |
| 20 | West Midlands | 875 | 3,500 kWh | -2.8% |
| 21 | East Midlands | 870 | 3,480 kWh | -3.3% |
| 22 | Lancashire | 860 | 3,440 kWh | -4.4% |
| 23 | Wales | 850 | 3,400 kWh | -5.6% |
| 24 | Cumbria | 830 | 3,320 kWh | -7.8% |
| 25 | Northumberland | 820 | 3,280 kWh | -8.9% |
| 26 | Northern Ireland | 810 | 3,240 kWh | -10.0% |
| 27 | Edinburgh & Lothians | 800 | 3,200 kWh | -11.1% |
| 28 | Glasgow & Strathclyde | 790 | 3,160 kWh | -12.2% |
| 29 | Aberdeenshire | 780 | 3,120 kWh | -13.3% |
| 30 | Highlands | 750 | 3,000 kWh | -16.7% |
National average: 900 kWh/kWp/year. Data source: PVGIS / PureVolt.
What are the key solar energy insights for the UK?
South Coast Is Strongest
Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset top the rankings with 1,000–1,050 kWh/kWp. The south coast enjoys the most sunshine and mildest climate in the UK.
Only 30% Variation
The difference between the best (Cornwall, 1,050) and lowest (Highlands, 750) region is about 30%. Solar panels work well across the entire country.
All Regions Viable
Even in the lowest-ranked regions, a 4kWp system generates over 3,000 kWh/year, covering 70%+ of average household electricity use. Germany, with similar irradiance, is the world's 4th largest solar market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Energy by Region
What is the best region for solar in the UK?
Cornwall is the best region for solar energy in the UK with a yield of 1,050 kWh/kWp per year. Devon (1,020) and Dorset (1,010) round out the top three. The south coast receives the most solar radiation due to lower rainfall and more sunshine hours. However, all UK regions generate enough solar energy to make panels worthwhile.
Why does Cornwall rank highest for solar?
Cornwall tops the UK solar rankings because it receives the most annual sunshine hours and benefits from a mild maritime climate. Its south coast location receives clearer skies and longer summer days. A 4kWp system in Cornwall generates approximately 4,200 kWh per year (17% above the national average).
Does solar work in the north of the UK?
Yes, solar panels work well in northern regions like Yorkshire (880 kWh/kWp), Lancashire (860), and Cumbria (830). While the north receives slightly less sunshine, the difference from the national average is only 5–10%. A 4kWp system in Yorkshire still generates over 3,500 kWh/year, enough to cover most household electricity needs.
How much does location matter for solar panels in the UK?
Location matters less than most people think. The difference between the UK's best region (Cornwall, 1,050 kWh/kWp) and lowest (Highlands, 750 kWh/kWp) is about 30%. Roof orientation, pitch, and shading have a bigger impact on output than region. Even the lowest-ranked regions generate over 3,000 kWh per year from a 4kWp system.
What is solar yield?
Solar yield measures how much electricity a solar panel system generates per kilowatt-peak installed, expressed as kWh/kWp per year. In the UK, solar yield ranges from 750 kWh/kWp (Highlands) to 1,050 kWh/kWp (Cornwall), with a national average of 900 kWh/kWp. Higher yield means more electricity generated per panel.
How is kWh/kWp calculated?
kWh/kWp is calculated by dividing the total annual electricity output (kilowatt-hours) by the system's peak capacity (kilowatt-peak). For example, a 4kWp system in London generating 3,680 kWh/year has a yield of 920 kWh/kWp. The figures on this map are based on PVGIS satellite data for each region's average solar irradiance.
Sources
- PVGIS — Photovoltaic Geographical Information System — European Commission JRC
- MCS — Microgeneration Certification Scheme — mcscertified.com
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He fact-checks all content against official MCS and Ofgem data and maintains relationships with MCS-certified installers across the UK.
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