Why Solar Makes Sense for Devon Homeowners in 2026
Energy bills continue to rise across the UK, and Devon homeowners are feeling the pressure. With Ofgem increasing the price cap again (Jan 26), many households are seeing yet another jump in their annual costs.
Even though the cap limits the price per unit, it does not limit the total amount you pay. If you use more energy, your bill still climbs. For many people in Kingsbridge, Salcombe and the wider South Hams, this creates a feeling of uncertainty and a lack of control.
Solar offers a simple and practical way to change this. By generating your own power, you reduce your reliance on the grid and protect yourself from ongoing price rises.
At Huti Energy, a local installer based in Kingsbridge and working across Salcombe and the South Hams, we see more homeowners looking for straightforward ways to bring renewable energy into their homes.
In this article, we look at why solar makes sense for Devon homeowners in 2026. We explain the savings, the benefits, what to expect in winter, the role of batteries and why Devon is one of the strongest regions in the country for rooftop solar.
One of our local clients installed solar in June 2025, and we had projected 65 kWh/day on average, but the actual generation has been far higher during the summer months and observed, regularly up to 100 kWh/day.
We want to help you go solar with confidence. Get in touch with Huti Energy today to find out if solar is right for your home and take control of your energy future.
Why Solar Is Growing Across Devon in 2026
Rising energy bills and financial pressure
Energy costs across the UK have increased several times over the past few years. This has prompted many homeowners, including those in Kingsbridge, Salcombe and nearby villages, to seek long-term solutions. Solar gives you a way to produce your own electricity, reducing the amount you buy from the grid. When grid prices rise, the value of every unit of solar energy rises too, making the benefits even stronger.
Zero VAT on solar installations
Until 2027, solar panel installations for homes have 0% VAT, saving around 5% on the upfront cost. This is a big help for tight budgets in the South Hams.
Strong solar potential in Devon
Devon is one of the strongest regions in the UK for solar. By late 2024, the county had around 48,000 homes with solar PV systems, well above the national average. Some parts of the South Hams and Mid Devon see adoption rates of 14–15%, showing just how popular solar has become locally. Devon enjoys good daylight levels throughout the year, and this helps solar panels perform well in all seasons, even on cooler days.
How Solar Helps You Save Money
Lower electricity bills from the day of installation
Solar panels start generating electricity as soon as they are connected. Every unit of solar power you use at home is one unit less you need to buy from the grid. This is the foundation of solar savings. The more of your own solar power you use, the lower your electricity bill becomes. For many homes in Kingsbridge, Salcombe and across the South Hams, a well-sized system can cover a large part of daytime energy use.
Understanding SEG income in simple terms
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a scheme where energy suppliers pay you for the extra electricity you send back to the grid. It does not need technical knowledge. If your panels produce more energy than you use, the excess is exported and you receive a small payment. While these payments are modest, they still help reduce your overall cost of ownership. You will set this up with your energy supplier on completion of the installation.
Long-term savings and strong value
A typical solar system for a home can pay for itself in around 8 to 12 years, depending on roof direction, shading and usage. Panels often last 20–25 years, meaning many households enjoy a decade or more of low-cost electricity after the system has paid for itself. Because Devon gets good daylight throughout the year, many homes in the region see steady, reliable returns. This is one of the reasons Huti Energy is seeing more interest from homeowners looking for long-term, predictable energy costs in Kingsbridge and the surrounding area.
Solar in a Devon Home: What You Actually Need to Know
Do solar panels work in winter?
Yes, solar panels work in daylight, not in heat. Winter days are shorter, and output is lower, but they still produce helpful amounts of electricity. Even on overcast days, the panels continue to generate a surprising amount of power.
Imagine getting a free load of laundry done when you least expect it. What matters most is roof angle, direction, and shading, whether your home is in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, or elsewhere in the South Hams.
Do you need a battery?
A battery is not essential, but it can help you use more of your solar energy. Without a battery, most homes use around half of the energy they generate. With a battery, this can often rise to 60–80%, because you can store surplus daytime generation and use it later.
If you are home in the evenings or use appliances later in the day, a battery can improve your savings. The key point is that a battery adds extra cost to your installation, so understanding your energy usage is key. Weighing up the cost vs the savings, your routine and your long-term plans. For many households, the decision is about how much control they want over when they use their stored solar energy. We can help you with this when we look at your solar projection.
What size system suits most Devon homes?
Many homes in Devon install systems in the 3–4 kW range. This is often around 8–12 panels, depending on the roof size. The right system for you depends on available space, shading from nearby buildings or trees, and your average daily usage.
A good installer can assess this during a simple visit and, quite often, with an initial desktop survey. For example, Huti Energy can look at properties in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, and across the South Hams, advise on the most suitable solar installation for your home, and help you weigh up the pros and cons of installing batteries.
Choosing a Solar Installer in Devon
Why MCS certification matters
MCS certification shows that an installer meets recognised standards. It also ensures your system is eligible for SEG payments (although some energy companies are now relaxing this requirement). However, choosing an MCS-certified company gives you protection, clearer guarantees and a high-quality installation. When you are comparing options locally, checking for MCS certification is a simple but important step.
What good solar installation looks like
A good installer should:
– make sure you have clear, simple information
– offer a written quote that is easy to understand
– avoid pressure or hard sale tactics
– guide you through the best options for your home and lifestyle
– explain how long the installation is likely to take
– how the system works
For homeowners in Kingsbridge, Salcombe and the South Hams, this kind of clear, friendly service is at the heart of how Huti Energy approaches both solar panel projects and battery systems.
Questions to ask before you decide on solar
– What size system is best for my home?
– Should I get a battery or not?
– How much could I realistically save?
– How long is the warranty?
– How long will the installation take?
– What maintenance will I need to do?
These questions help ensure you get a system that suits your home and lifestyle, whether you focus on panels, a battery, or a combination.
Practical Steps to Get Started With Solar
Here is a simple list to help you take the next steps:
Check your roof – look at the space, direction, and whether anything casts shade on it. This applies wherever your home is in Devon.
Ask for a solar survey – A good installer will check your roof, usage and needs. Huti Energy can inspect your property and discuss solar and battery options.
Compare like-for-like quotes – ensure the system size and equipment are similar, especially when comparing quotes that include battery storage.
Decide on a battery – Think about when you use most of your electricity and whether storage would help you make the most of your system.
Confirm MCS certification – This protects you and ensures quality.
Review the expected payback – Understand how long it will take for the system to pay for itself.
Book installation – A typical install takes one to two days for most homes, making it a straightforward step towards more renewable energy in Kingsbridge and the South Hams.
Contact us here 01548 721 886
Additional Considerations for Devon Homeowners
Solar for new-build homes
Many new builds in Devon now include solar power as standard due to updated energy rules. In May 2022, the European Union brought in its Solar Energy Strategy. Under this plan, all new residential buildings must have solar panels by 2029, and rooftop solar will be compulsory on public and commercial buildings over 250 m² by 2027.
This makes homes more efficient and reduces running costs from day one. By the end of 2024, around 42% of new-build homes in England included solar, showing how strong the trend has become. In areas like Kingsbridge, Salcombe and the wider South Hams, more new properties are being designed with rooftop solar from the start.
A note on solar farms vs rooftop solar
Large solar farms often make headlines, but rooftop solar remains the simplest and most direct option for homeowners. It uses existing space, avoids land impact and keeps the benefits with the household. For many families, this makes rooftop solar the most practical choice, especially when working with a local company like Huti Energy.
Maintenance and lifespan
Solar panels need very little maintenance. A light clean from time to time can help performance, and most systems have long warranties. Panels often last 20–25 years or more, making solar a stable and long-term investment. For homeowners in Kingsbridge, Salcombe and the South Hams, this means once your system is installed, day-to-day upkeep is minimal.
And finally…
Solar has become one of the most practical ways for Devon homeowners to take control of their energy use in 2025. With rising bills, zero VAT on installations and strong daylight across the region, the case for solar is clearer than ever.
A well-designed system can reduce your electricity bills, give you energy independence, protecting you from price rises and offer long-term value. Whether or not you choose to add a battery, solar can make a meaningful difference to both your home and your finances, especially if you are looking for green energy in Kingsbridge, Salcombe or elsewhere in the South Hams.
If you are thinking about taking the next step, now is a good time to explore your options. A friendly, professional installer can guide you through the process and help you understand what will work best for your home.
Huti Energy is here to help with solar panels, solar batteries and renewable energy support across Kingsbridge, Salcombe and the South Hams.
FAQs
1. Do solar panels work in Devon’s climate?
Yes. Devon receives good daylight throughout the year, so panels work well even on cloudy days. This applies to homes in Kingsbridge, Salcombe and across the South Hams.
2. How much can a typical Devon homeowner save with solar?
Savings vary by system size and usage, but many homes see payback in 8–12 years, depending on roof, shading and how much of their own solar energy they use.
3. Is a battery worth it for most homes?
A battery helps you use more of your own solar power, but it adds cost. It suits households that use more energy in the evenings and want greater control over when they use stored energy.
4. How long does a solar installation take?
Most homes can be installed in 1 to 2 days, whether you are in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, or elsewhere in the South Hams.
5. Do I need planning permission in Devon?
For most homes, solar panels fall under permitted development, so planning permission is not normally needed. However, rules can vary by property type and location, so we always recommend checking with your local planning authority if you are unsure.