Solar Panels in Ely, Cambridgeshire
Ely, Cambridgeshire, has a solar yield of 948 kWh/kWp (ideal conditions for solar energy). A 4kWp system generates approximately 3,792 kWh annually, covering 100% of average household electricity use and saving an estimated £1062+ per year. With 0% VAT on installation, a typical 3-4kWp system costs £5,000–£8,000 with payback in 6–8 years.
What is the solar potential in Ely?
| Solar Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Yield | 948 kWh/kWp |
| 4kWp System Output | 3,792 kWh/yr |
| Sunshine Hours | 1,520 hrs/yr |
| Est. Annual Savings | £1062+ |
| Household Coverage | 100% of avg use |
Solar yield calculated for Ely (52.40°N, 0.26°W) using PVGIS satellite data. Actual output varies by roof orientation, shading, and system specification.
Ely at a Glance
| Area Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 20,100 (Census 2021) |
| Elevation | 30 metres |
| Postcode Area | CB6 |
| Location | Inland |
| Coordinates | 52.3991°N, 0.2622°W |
Population and housing data: ONS Census 2021.
Solar Power in Ely, Cambridgeshire
Ely is a town in Cambridgeshire with a population of 20,100 (ONS Census 2021). The postcode area for Ely is CB6. You'll need your full postcode when getting quotes from MCS-certified installers. Based on satellite data for this location, a 4kWp solar system generates approximately 3,792 kWh per year (948 kWh/kWp).
Advantages of Solar Energy for Ely Homeowners
Save on Electricity Bills
Homeowners in Ely can save an estimated £1062+ per year on electricity with a 4kWp solar system generating 3,780 kWh annually.
0% VAT on Installation
Residential solar panel installations are zero-rated for VAT in the UK, saving you hundreds of pounds on a typical system.
MCS Certified Quality
All installations use MCS-certified installers, ensuring high standards and eligibility for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Earn from Excess Energy
Sell surplus electricity at 3-15p/kWh through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Your energy supplier pays you for every unit exported to the grid.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels improve your EPC rating and can add up to 4% to your property value.
25+ Year Lifespan
A system installed in Ely today will generate clean electricity for 25-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Solar costs and savings in Ely
Homeowners in Ely, Cambridgeshire benefit from 0% VAT on solar panel installations. Typical system costs for 2026:
| System Size | Typical Cost (incl. 0% VAT) | Est. Payback |
|---|---|---|
| 2 kWp | £3,000 - £4,500 | 7-8 years |
| 3-4 kWp | £5,000 - £8,000 | 6-8 years |
| 5-6 kWp | £7,000 - £10,000 | 6-7 years |
Solar Installers in Cambridgeshire
MCS-certified solar panel installers covering Cambridgeshire.
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Your solar questions for Ely
How much do solar panels cost in Ely?
A 3-4kWp system in Ely typically costs £5,000-£8,000 with 0% VAT. The system generates approximately 3,780 kWh/year, paying for itself in 6-8 years.
What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal?
Solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight. Solar thermal panels heat water directly. For most UK homes, solar PV is the better investment: it's more versatile, benefits from 0% VAT, and you can sell excess electricity via the SEG. Solar thermal only heats water.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires licensed energy suppliers to offer a tariff to small-scale generators for electricity exported to the grid. Rates are typically 3-15p/kWh. You need a smart meter and an MCS-certified installation to be eligible.
Can I add a battery to my solar system?
Yes. A home battery (typically 5-10 kWh) stores excess solar electricity for evening use. This increases your self-consumption from around 30-40% to 60-80%. Batteries currently cost £3,000-£6,000 and also benefit from 0% VAT.
Can I get solar panels on an east or west facing roof in Ely?
Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west to spread generation throughout the day, which can actually improve self-consumption.
What happens during a power cut?
Standard grid-tied solar systems shut down during a power cut for safety reasons (to protect engineers working on the grid). If you need backup power, you can install a hybrid inverter with battery storage that provides power during outages.
What happens to my solar panels if I move house in Ely?
Solar panels stay with the property as a permanent fixture. They add value to your home for the next buyer. Your installer can transfer monitoring accounts to the new owner.
Sources
- MCS — Microgeneration Certification Scheme
- MCS — Find a Certified Installer
- Ofgem — Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- PVGIS — EU Joint Research Centre (solar irradiance data)
- ONS — Census 2021
- Met Office — Climate Data
Last updated: March 2026
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
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