Cumbria90 miles from HQ

SolarInstallationinCumbria

180+ Installations3.1 hrs/day avgPop. ~500,000

£220,000

Avg House Price

~230,000

Households

830-870 kWh/kWp/yr

Solar Yield

2037

Net Zero Target

Why Solar Works in Cumbria

Cumbria receives around 1,250 hours of sunshine per year. While the Lake District is famous for rain, modern high-efficiency panels generate meaningful output even on overcast days. The region's many off-grid and rural properties are ideal candidates for solar with battery storage systems.

Serving Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, and the wider Cumbria region. We bring premium solar solutions to one of the UK's most scenic counties, including Lake District communities.

180+ Installations

Completed in Cumbria

MCS Certified

All engineers accredited

2-4 Week Lead Time

From survey to install

90 miles

From our Salford HQ

Solar installation in Cumbria

Cumbria Solar Potential

Solar Yield

830+

kWh per kWp per year

3.1 hrs/day avg average sunshine. Optimal south-facing, tilted installation.

£0

Average annual saving

Typical Cumbria household with 4kWp system

2037

Net zero target

Cumbria council climate commitment

Planning in Cumbria

Planning Considerations

Cumbria has specific planning considerations due to the Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park. Properties within national park boundaries typically require planning permission for solar panels. Outside these areas, permitted development usually applies. Our team is experienced with both Cumberland and Westmorland planning authorities.

Areas We Cover in Cumbria

CarlisleKendalPenrithBarrow-in-FurnessWhitehavenWindermereKeswick

Postcode Districts Covered

All verified postcode districts within our Cumbria service area

CA1CA2CA3CA4CA5CA6CA7CA8CA9CA10CA11CA12CA13CA14CA15CA16CA17CA18CA19CA20CA22CA23CA24CA25CA26CA27CA28LA6LA7LA8LA9LA10LA11LA12LA13LA14LA15LA16LA17LA18LA19LA20LA21LA22LA23

Cumbria Neighbourhood Profiles

Cumbria's housing is dominated by rural stone cottages, Lake District farmhouses, and Victorian market-town terraces. Carlisle offers the largest urban market with standard suburban semis. Battery storage is essential for the many off-grid or poorly-connected properties. Lake District National Park requires planning consent for visible solar installations.

Carlisle Suburbs (Stanwix / Botcherby)

CA2

£190,000

avg price

Victorian and inter-war semi-detached

Slate / concrete tileEPC D

Largest volume market in Cumbria; standard installations; good ROI

Kendal

LA9

£255,000

avg price

Victorian market town terrace / stone cottage

Westmorland slateEPC D–E

Conservation area in town centre; rear installs; strong eco-conscious demand

Windermere / Bowness

LA23

£420,000

avg price

Victorian villa / holiday let

Natural slateEPC D

LDNP jurisdiction; planning required; holiday lets — battery storage adds value

Penrith

CA11

£230,000

avg price

Victorian terrace / stone

SlateEPC D

Market town; ECO4 eligibility; good south-facing terraces

Barrow-in-Furness

LA14

£130,000

avg price

Victorian and post-war terrace

SlateEPC D–E

BAE Systems workforce; industrial area; ECO4 eligible; growing demand post-submarine contract

Council & Community Solar in Cumbria

Cumberland & Westmorland Council Net Zero Programmes

Cumberland Council Solar Estate

~200 kW

Phase 1 across Carlisle civic buildings and leisure

Westmorland Housing Solar Retrofit

Multiple

Rural affordable housing programme; off-grid battery priority

Barrow BAE Systems Renewable Energy

Planned

Submarine factory rooftop solar as part of AUKUS net zero commitment

EV Charging in Cumbria

~220

Public chargers

Per 100,000 residents~44

M6 corridor well served; Carlisle Tesco/Asda hubs; Lake District National Park charging expansion funded by DLUHC; rural provision sparse — home charging critical; Gridserve planned for A69 corridor

Home EV charging avoids public charging costs entirely. A 7.4kW home charger adds only ~4p/mile at Octopus Go tariff vs 40–70p/mile at public rapid chargers.

House Prices by Postcode

CA1Carlisle Central
£175,000
CA11Penrith
£238,000
LA9Kendal
£248,000
LA23Windermere
£420,000
LA14Barrow-in-Furness
£132,000

Solar Energy in Cumbria

Cumbria's property market — centred around an average house price of £220,000 — is spread across approximately ~230,000 households throughout Cumbria. The mix of Victorian terraces, pre-war semis, post-war council stock, and modern new builds creates varied installation profiles. Roof pitch, orientation, material, and structural condition all factor into our MCS-compliant system designs, which are produced before each site survey using satellite imagery and then refined on the day by our certified surveyors.

Solar yield in Cumbria is approximately 830-870 kWh/kWp/yr kWh per kWp per year, based on 3.1 hrs/day avg of average daily sunshine across Cumbria. A south-facing 4kWp system will typically generate 3,300–3,600 kWh annually. Against a household consumption of around 3,500 kWh per year, that represents substantial self-sufficiency — particularly when paired with a battery that shifts daytime generation into peak evening demand. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) then pays an additional tariff for every unit you export to the national grid.

Cumbria has committed to a net zero target of 2037, and local planning authorities are broadly supportive of solar and heat pump installations under permitted development rights. Homes with renewable energy systems are also increasingly valued: a solar installation with battery storage typically adds 2–4% to property value according to estate agent surveys, while an improved EPC rating directly affects mortgage eligibility and future sale price under incoming MEES regulations.

Energy prices have roughly doubled since 2021, making the financial case for solar generation stronger than at any previous point in the technology's history. A 4kWp system costing £6,000–£7,000 installed and saving £900–£1,200 per year achieves payback within 5–7 years — then continues generating free electricity for 25 or more years. With ECO4 grants available for eligible lower-income Cumbria households and 0% VAT on solar and battery equipment, the barriers to entry have never been lower.

Renewable Energy Services in Cumbria

Trusted by Homeowners

What Our Clients Say

4.9

Rating

0+

Reviews

Battery Storage

Andy gave me great advice about adding a battery to my existing system. He was very knowledgeable and clear. Thanks to all at SMS.

S

Sarah T.

Manchester

Solar Installation

All brilliant from beginning to the end. Professional team who really know their stuff. Would recommend to anyone looking for solar solutions.

J

James R.

London

Maintenance

I received very efficient and helpful service from this company. Especially Jaimie who came when he said he would and was friendly and professional throughout. Can't recommend this company highly enough.

D

David M.

Birmingham

Solar Installation

Fantastic service, super happy and professional with the team. Highly recommend and will use again for any future solar needs.

E

Emma W.

Leeds

Solar Installation

From start to finish the whole process was seamless. The engineers were punctual, tidy, and incredibly knowledgeable. Our energy bills have dropped significantly.

M

Mark P.

Bristol

Trusted By Industry Leaders

Tesla

Certified Installer

EcoFlow

Authorised Dealer

Octopus Energy

Trusted Partner

Phoenix Financial

Finance Partner

MCS Certified

Microgeneration Certification

NICEIC Approved

Electrical Contractor

RECC Member

Renewable Energy Consumer Code

Tesla Powerwall

Certified Installer

EcoFlow Partner

Authorised Installer

Octopus Energy

Trusted Partner

Octopus Energy

Partner of the Year

TSI Approved

Trading Standards Institute

EPVS Registered

PV Scheme Member

IWA Member

Insulated Wall Association

MCS Certified

Microgeneration Certification

NICEIC Approved

Electrical Contractor

RECC Member

Renewable Energy Consumer Code

Tesla Powerwall

Certified Installer

EcoFlow Partner

Authorised Installer

Octopus Energy

Trusted Partner

Octopus Energy

Partner of the Year

TSI Approved

Trading Standards Institute

EPVS Registered

PV Scheme Member

IWA Member

Insulated Wall Association

MCS Certified

Microgeneration Certification

NICEIC Approved

Electrical Contractor

RECC Member

Renewable Energy Consumer Code

Tesla Powerwall

Certified Installer

EcoFlow Partner

Authorised Installer

Octopus Energy

Trusted Partner

Octopus Energy

Partner of the Year

TSI Approved

Trading Standards Institute

EPVS Registered

PV Scheme Member

IWA Member

Insulated Wall Association

Ready for Solar in Cumbria?

Join the 180+ homeowners and businesses in Cumbria who already benefit from solar energy. Our local Cumbria team is ready to design the perfect system for your property.

Solar FAQs for Cumbria

In most cases, solar panels in Cumbria fall under permitted development rights and do not require planning permission, provided they meet standard size and placement conditions. Cumbria has specific planning considerations due to the Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park. Properties within national park boundaries typically require planning permission for solar panels. Outside these areas, permitted development usually applies. Our team is experienced with both Cumberland and Westmorland planning authorities. Our team handles all necessary applications and compliance checks as part of every installation.