Solar Panels in Devizes, Wiltshire

A 3-4kWp system in Devizes 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. The system generates approximately 3,920 kWh/year, paying for itself in 6-8 years through electricity savings 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.

In most cases, regular UK rainfall keeps solar panels clean enough to perform well. If your panels are near trees, under bird flight paths, or at a low pitch angle (below 15°), an annual clean may improve output by 2-5%. Never use abrasive materials, pressure washers, or household cleaning products — a soft brush and clean water is sufficient. Professional panel cleaning services typically cost £50-£100 per visit. Your panels have no moving parts and require very little maintenance over their 25-30 year lifespan.

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.

Yes, solar panels generate electricity all year round, including during winter months. While output is lower from November to February, Wiltshire still receives usable daylight hours even in December, and panels work from diffused light on cloudy days. Annual generation figures (3,920 kWh for a 4kWp system) already account 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.

Yes. East or west-facing roofs still produce 80-85% of the output of a south-facing roof, making them well worth installing. Many installers recommend splitting panels across east and west faces to spread generation throughout the day, which can improve self-consumption and reduce the amount of electricity exported at the lower SEG rate. East-facing panels generate more in the morning, while west-facing panels peak in the afternoon — both align well with typical household usage patterns. Only north-facing roofs are generally unsuitable for solar in the UK.

Yes. Solar panels improve your EPC rating by 1-2 grades and can increase property value by up to 4% according to recent UK property market research. Buyers increasingly look for energy-efficient homes with lower running costs, particularly as electricity prices remain high at around 28p/kWh. A solar system in Devizes is a long-term investment in your property that also generates income through the Smart Export Guarantee. With a 25-30 year panel lifespan, future buyers inherit decades of remaining electricity savings.

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.