Norwich in the PVGIS data

PVGIS models Norwich at 1,032 kWh per kWp a year. That assumes a south-facing roof at a 35 degree tilt. The figure sits very close to the London value of 1,019.

A 4 kWp system therefore comes to about 4,128 kWh a year. London would give about 4,076 kWh and Aberdeen about 3,572 kWh for the same system. Norwich lands about 1% above London and 16% above Aberdeen.

The gap with London is only 13 kWh per kWp, or about 52 kWh on a 4 kWp system. That is small, so your own roof will matter far more than the city. Our guide to kWh per kWp shows how to read these figures when installers quote them.

Best and worst months

May is the best month in Norwich at 125.1 kWh per kWp, with July close behind at 124.2. December is the weakest at 34.9. The best month is therefore about 3.6 times the worst.

May to August supply about 47% of the year. November, December and January supply about 12%. Because the winter months are so thin, summer carries the system.

That shapes your savings. Ofgem’s price cap sets electricity at 26.32p per kWh at the time of writing. Exports typically earn around 12p per kWh, so power you use yourself is worth more.

Tilt and direction

PVGIS gives an optimal tilt of 41 degrees for Norwich. At that angle output rises to 1,037 kWh per kWp, which is 5 kWh above the baseline. However, most pitched roofs sit near that range already.

Direction matters more. Energy Saving Trust says east or west-facing systems tend to get 15% to 20% less than a south-facing one. Test each roof face before you rule one out.

Ageing and cleaning

Panels lose a little output each year. A large NREL review found a median loss of 0.5% a year. Our post on solar panel degradation explains what that means over time. Energy Saving Trust says panels should last 25 years or more.

Dirt is a separate question. A post on whether cleaning solar panels increases output looks at the evidence. Energy Saving Trust advises keeping nearby trees trimmed and checking the inverter display.

Planning and the council

Norwich is in England, so the national rules apply. Roof panels on a house are normally permitted development. They must project no more than 200mm and stay below the highest part of the roof, as the Planning Portal sets out.

Listed buildings need planning permission and listed building consent. In a conservation area, you cannot fit panels to a wall, balcony or roof enclosure that fronts a highway. Norwich City Council is the planning authority, so ask it about Article 4 directions on your street.

UK Power Networks and G98

Norwich is usually in the UK Power Networks area, although your postcode decides it. The Energy Networks Association has a lookup tool. Your installer normally files the notification.

Under G98, a type-tested system up to 16A per phase, about 3.68kW on a single phase, connects first. The installer notifies the operator within 28 days. A larger system needs G99 approval before installation, and the operator may limit export.

Cost and storage

DESNZ puts the median cost for systems up to 4kW at £1,595 per kW for 2025 to 2026. A 4 kWp system therefore costs about £6,400 without a battery. Solar installs are currently zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027.

If you want to store surplus for the evening, read about solar battery storage first. A battery adds cost, so weigh it against your own demand.

Getting quotes for Norwich

Solar Yield is an independent estimator and referral service, and we do not install anything. We pass enquiries to MCS-certified installers. Our page on solar panel installation describes the service.

You can check any installer on the MCS Find an Installer search. Ask each one to show the kWh per kWp and shade factor behind their estimate. For comparison, the page on solar panels in Cambridge gives a PVGIS figure of 1,041. The page on solar output in London shows the capital’s value.

Next steps

Use the Solar Yield calculator to test your roof. Then send one enquiry through the get quotes page. Compare each estimate with the PVGIS figures above.