Indicative 4 kWp install in Cambridge: £6,900–£8,100. Region: South East (×1.04). Annual irradiance: ~970 kWh/kWp.
What Cambridge homeowners actually pay
Cambridge sits in one of the sunniest corners of England — ~955 kWh/kWp/yr, only narrowly behind the south coast — with a competitive installer market spanning the Cambridge–Peterborough corridor. A 4 kWp install on a typical Chesterton or Cherry Hinton semi lands £5,800–£7,500, generates around 3,820 kWh per year and pays back in 7–9 years. Expect heritage constraints in the centre and around the colleges, where most jobs go on rear roof slopes.
Local notes for Cambridge
East-of-England irradiance ~955 kWh/kWp/yr — flat, dry climate is ideal for solar.
Central conservation areas around the colleges restrict front-elevation panels.
Many post-war estates (Arbury, Chesterton) have generous south-facing slopes for 5–6 kWp.
DNO is UK Power Networks — typical G99 sign-off in 4–6 weeks.
Field notes
Among the highest UK irradiance figures — ~3,820 kWh/yr from 4 kWp.
Strong post-war housing stock — most homes take 4–6 kWp comfortably.
DNO is UK Power Networks — G99 typically signs off in 4–6 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Why is solar payback faster in Cambridge?
A combination of high irradiance (~955 kWh/kWp), competitive installer pricing and a high proportion of homes already on time-of-use tariffs makes Cambridge one of the better-paying solar locations in the UK.
What system size suits a typical Cambridge home?
4 kWp comfortably for Chesterton, Cherry Hinton or Arbury semis. Detached homes in Trumpington or Newnham often fit 5–6 kWp with battery.