York sits in the middle of the UK range for solar output. PVGIS, the European Commission’s free solar model, estimates 969 kWh per kWp a year for a south-facing roof at 35 degrees. That is about 5% below London at 1,019 kWh per kWp, and more than 8% above Aberdeen at 893 kWh per kWp.
Solar Yield is an independent estimator, and it does not install panels. This page explains what the York figures mean. You can then judge a quote before you accept it.
What a typical York system could produce
Output scales with system size. A 4 kWp system could generate about 3,876 kWh a year in York, and a 4.5 kWp system about 4,361 kWh. Those are first-year estimates, since they assume a clear, south-facing roof.
Ofgem’s medium household uses 2,500 kWh of electricity a year on a standard meter, according to its typical consumption values. Output can therefore exceed use over a year. However, you only save money on the share you use at home.
Between October and December 2026 the Ofgem price cap sets electricity at 26.32p per kWh, as the Ofgem announcement explains. Energy Saving Trust says exported units typically earn around 12p each. Our guide to the solar panel payback period shows how to combine those rates with your own use.
Best month and worst month
In York, May is the strongest month at 122.4 kWh per kWp. December is the weakest at 30.2 kWh per kWp, while the best month produces about 4.1 times the worst.
May, June and July together give 356.7 kWh per kWp. In contrast, November, December and January together give just 106.1 kWh per kWp. Summer output therefore does most of the work.
Tilt and direction
PVGIS puts the optimal tilt for York at 42 degrees, with 973 kWh per kWp a year. A 35 degree roof gives 969 kWh per kWp, so the gap is only 4 kWh per kWp. Roof direction matters far more than a few degrees of pitch, because the sun tracks south.
Energy Saving Trust says east or west facing systems tend to produce 15% to 20% less than south facing ones. Our calculator lets you test that for your own roof.
Planning rules and City of York Council
York is in England, where roof panels on a house are normally permitted development. They must not project more than 200 mm from the roof slope. They also must not rise above the highest part of the roof. The Planning Portal lists the full conditions.
However, listed buildings need planning permission and listed building consent. In a conservation area, panels cannot go on a wall, balcony or roof enclosure that fronts a highway. City of York Council is the local planning authority, so ask it about Article 4 directions. Our guide on planning permission for solar panels covers the process in more detail.
Grid connection under Northern Powergrid
Your network operator depends on your postcode. In York it is usually Northern Powergrid. Under G98, a type-tested system up to 16 A per phase connects first. That is about 3.68 kW on a single-phase supply, and the installer tells the operator within 28 days.
Because larger systems fall under G99, the installer must apply and get approval first. The operator may limit export. MCS explains the routes on its notifying network operators page.
Cost and quotes
DESNZ puts the 2025 to 2026 median installed cost at about £1,595 per kW for systems up to 4 kW. That makes a 4 kWp system about £6,400, according to the DESNZ cost data. Still, use it as a benchmark, not a quote.
Our pages on solar panel installation and solar battery storage explain what each service involves. If you also look at property in Scotland, our upcoming guide to solar panels in Scotland explains the different rules. For neighbouring cities, see the solar output figures for Leeds and the Sheffield solar installation page.
Next steps
Run your roof through the solar yield calculator first. Then use get quotes to send one enquiry to MCS-certified installers. Solar Yield passes on your request and does not install anything itself.