Sunshine Hours Map UK (Solar Radiation Map)

It’s no secret that solar panels require sunlight to hit them in order to generate power i.e. electricity for your home, so knowing how much sunshine hours your area receives is an important consideration.

It’s worth noting that no matter where you live in the UK, you can benefit from installing a solar panel array on your roof, however, the amount of electricity your solar PV array will generate will differ based on the average annual sunshine hours you receive.

For illustration, a solar PV system installed in the South West of England will generate up to 30% more electricity than one installed in the Shetland Islands of Scotland.

Sunshine Hours Map UK

The map below shows the incident solar radiation in the UK over the course of one year, as you can see the annual average varies across the country.

UK sunshine map

How sunshine varies across the UK

Solar panels work across the UK, but annual output changes by region. Use the selector below to understand what your area may mean for solar generation, payback and system design.

Lower Moderate Good Higher

Higher potential Good potential Moderate potential Lower potential

Regional guide only. Your actual solar output depends on roof direction, pitch, shading, system size and electricity usage.

Selected region

South / South West

Typically one of the stronger UK areas for solar generation. A well-oriented, unshaded roof can produce strong annual output and may reach payback faster.

Best suited to roof solar, battery storage and export tariffs.
Watch out for shading, roof angle and quote quality.

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Important: A sunshine map can show regional potential, but it cannot tell you your exact solar output. Roof direction, pitch, shading, system size, panel spec, export rates and your usage pattern all matter.

Sunshine-Hours-Map-UK-Solar-Radiation-Map

Are solar panels worth it in every part of the UK?

Yes! Solar panels are worth it, no matter where your home is within the UK, they will generate power, but at different rates.

Ultimately, the biggest factor you need to consider is the break-even point of your solar panels i.e. how many years it will take you to earn back your initial investment i.e. the solar panel installation costs.

Since different parts of the country receive different amounts of sunshine, the break-even point will be different and depend on your location.

For example, the average break-even point for solar panels is around 10 years, but this can be almost 13 years (an additional three years) for those who live in the very North of Scotland.