Solar panels only in Broadstairs
Panels on your roof, free power by day and payments for what you send back. For most houses with a roof of their own this is the best value.
Who it suits
- Someone is home in the day, or you use power by day
- You have a south, east or west roof with little shade
- You want the lowest cost way to cut bills
- You may add a battery later
How it works
- Send us your address and your last 12 months of power use.
- We study your roof from photos and maps, then book a survey.
- You get a written quote with the price, the size and the saving, in plain words.
- Our MCS-certified installation partner fits it, usually in one to two days for solar.
- The network operator is told, you get your certificate, and you can then apply for export payments.
What it costs
Small solar, terrace roof
3 kWp (about 7 panels)
Solar only, family house
4 kWp (about 10 panels)
| System | Installed price (0% VAT) | Saving and export income a year | Rough payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small solar, terrace roof3 kWp (about 7 panels) | £4,750 to £6,250 | £370 to £550middle estimate £460 | 10 to 14 years |
| Solar only, family house4 kWp (about 10 panels) | £5,500 to £7,500 | £490 to £730middle estimate £610 | 9 to 12 years |
Estimates, not quotes. Prices sit between the Energy Saving Trust typical cost (about £7,600 for a 4.5 kWp system, and about £4,600 for a 5 kWh battery) and our own range. Savings use a home that uses 3,000 kWh a year, electricity at 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026), 12p per kWh paid for exported power (a typical rate; see what suppliers pay) and, where shown, a 10p cheap overnight rate. Your roof, your use and your tariff change the result. See all sources and dates.
Local notes for Broadstairs
Roofs across Broadstairs
Slate on the cliff-top villas, clay tiles on inland houses and shared stacks on the terraces can all take solar. East and west roofs still work well. Shade from trees, cliffs and the house next door matters more than direction.
Planning
Most house roofs in England are permitted development. In a conservation area panels must not be fitted to a wall that fronts a highway, and Thanet District Council advises a side or rear slope. It lists Broadstairs (with North and South extensions), Kingsgate, Reading Street and St Peter's for this part of Thanet. Flats and listed buildings have extra limits.
Wind and salt
A cliff-top roof sees more wind and salt than a street behind the harbour, so we ask for panel and fixing ratings in writing. See the North Cliffs and our coastal guide.
Payments for export
The Smart Export Guarantee makes suppliers pay for power you send back. Rates vary. In October 2026 we found 12p per kWh at British Gas, and higher rates at E.ON Next and EDF tied to those suppliers. By law the rate must be above zero (Ofgem).
Questions about this
How many panels do I need?
A typical home uses 8 to 12 panels, about 3.5 to 5 kWp. Your roof space and your power use decide. A narrow terrace may fit about 7 panels (3 kWp).
How long do panels last?
The Energy Saving Trust says panels should last 25 years or more. The inverter often needs replacing after about 12 years.
Will panels work in Kent weather?
Yes. Solar works on cloudy days, only less. We model about 900 kWh a year for each kWp on a good roof, and your MCS design sets the real figure.
Are there grants?
There are no dedicated UK solar panel grants for most homes, says the Energy Saving Trust. A means-tested Warm Homes: Local Grant is open through Thanet District Council. See current UK benefits.
Last reviewed 7 October 2026. Estimates only, not quotes. 0% VAT applies to installations until 31 March 2027, then 5%.
Get a free, no-pressure quote
Tell us your address and your last 12 months of electricity use. We reply with clear options and prices.