Solar Panels in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset

A 3-4kWp system in Burnham-on-Sea typically costs £5,000-£8,000 with 0% VAT included — the zero-rate VAT alone saves around £1,000 compared to the standard 20% rate. Based on Burnham-on-Sea's solar yield of 1000 kWh/kWp, a 4kWp system generates approximately 4,000 kWh/year, paying for itself in 6-8 years through electricity savings of £1120+/yr and Smart Export Guarantee income of 4-6p/kWh. Adding a home battery (5-10 kWh) costs an additional £3,000-£6,000 and also benefits from 0% VAT. We recommend getting at least three quotes from MCS-certified installers to compare pricing and equipment.

Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round, including during winter months. While output is lower from November to February, Somerset still receives usable daylight hours even in December, and panels work from diffused light on cloudy days. With 1,650 sunshine hours per year, the annual generation figure of 4,000 kWh for a 4kWp system in Burnham-on-Sea already accounts for this seasonal variation. Cooler winter temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hot summer days. Adding a battery allows you to store daytime generation for evening use when winter daylight hours are shorter.

Most homes in Burnham-on-Sea benefit from a 3-6 kWp system. A 4kWp system (10 panels at ~400W each) generates 4,000 kWh/yr at Burnham-on-Sea's yield of 1000 kWh/kWp, covering 105% of average household electricity use. The system requires approximately 18-20 m² of unshaded roof space. If you have an electric vehicle or heat pump, a larger 5-6 kWp system (12-15 panels) may be more appropriate to offset the additional demand. Your MCS-certified installer will assess your roof space, orientation, shading, and electricity consumption to recommend the optimal size during a site survey.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK government scheme that requires licensed energy suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer a tariff to small-scale generators for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Typical rates are 4-6p/kWh, with some suppliers offering up to 15p/kWh on time-of-use or agile tariffs that pay more during peak demand. You need a smart meter and an MCS-certified installation to be eligible. Your energy supplier will install a smart meter for free if you do not already have one. The SEG replaced the Feed-in Tariff scheme, which closed to new applicants in 2019.

South-facing roofs at a 30-40° pitch produce the most electricity (100% of potential yield). South-east and south-west roofs produce around 95% of optimal output. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85%, and many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west faces to spread generation throughout the day, which can improve self-consumption. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended for solar panels in the UK as they receive significantly less direct sunlight. Your MCS-certified installer will assess your roof orientation during the site survey.

Based on Somerset regional data, a 4kWp system generates approximately 4,000 kWh per year at a yield of 1000 kWh/kWp, covering 105% of average household use (3,800 kWh/year). The area receives around 1,650 sunshine hours annually. Somerset ranks #7 of 102 UK counties for solar yield, putting Burnham-on-Sea in an excellent position for solar energy. Output peaks between May and August and is lower in winter, though annual generation figures already account for this seasonal variation. South-facing roofs at a 30-40° pitch achieve optimal yields, while east or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of maximum output.

Most roofs are suitable for solar panels. You need at least 18-20 m² of unshaded roof space for a typical 4kWp system (10 panels at ~400W each). South-facing roofs at 30-40° produce the best yield, but east and west-facing roofs still achieve 80-85% of optimal output. Your MCS-certified installer will assess your roof's orientation, pitch angle, shading from trees or buildings, and structural suitability during a site survey. Slate, tile, and metal roofs are all suitable, though flat roofs require angled mounting frames which add slightly to the cost.