Solar panels for Barnstaple homes
A 4.4kW solar system in Barnstaple should produce roughly 4,497 kWh a year. That figure comes from PVGIS, the European Commission's solar model, run for Barnstaple itself rather than a national average, at 1,022 kWh per kW of panels on a south facing 35 degree roof.
Output follows the seasons. In Barnstaple the same 4.4kW system makes around 535 kWh in June and 144 kWh in December, and May is usually the strongest month. About 68% of the year's power arrives between April and September, which is why a battery matters more here in summer evenings than in the depths of winter.
Which roofs work best in Barnstaple
We design around your roof, not a brochure. In Barnstaple, moving the same ten panels from a south to an east and west roof drops yearly output to around 3,687 kWh. That is still well worth doing, and the morning and evening split often suits a household that is out during the day.
What you could save
At the current price cap of 26.32p per kWh and 12p for exported power, we estimate a Barnstaple home saves about £683 a year with panels alone, or about £826 with a 5.8kWh battery that stores the afternoon surplus for the evening. On our fixed prices that is a simple payback of around 9.5 years for panels and 11.3 years with a battery, before any energy price rises or cheaper overnight battery charging.
| System in Barnstaple | Makes a year | Est. saving | Fixed price | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4kW solar | 4,497 kWh | £683 | £6,495 | 9.5 years |
| 4.4kW solar + 5.8kWh battery | 4,497 kWh | £826 | £9,295 | 11.3 years |
| 6.2kW solar + 10kWh battery | 6,336 kWh | £1,047 | £12,495 | 11.9 years |
Solar panel prices in Barnstaple
Government MCS data for 2025/26 puts the average cost of a 4 to 10kW system in South West at £1,631 per kW. Our 4.4kW package works out at £1,476 per kW, fully installed with scaffolding and 0% VAT, and the price on your quote is fixed once we have surveyed the roof.
Planning permission in Barnstaple
Most homes in Barnstaple do not need planning permission for roof panels. Under permitted development rules they can be fitted as long as they sit no more than 200mm proud of the roof and stay below the ridge. The exceptions are listed buildings and, in conservation areas, walls facing a road. The local planning authority is North Devon Council; if your home is listed or in a conservation area we check with them before quoting.
Your local install team
Barnstaple is covered by our South West team, the same engineers who work in Exeter, Taunton, Torquay. You get a surveyor within about a week and the fitting team you meet on install day works for us, not an agency.
Want to see the full process first? Read how an installation works, check the planning rules in detail or compare solar and battery packages.
