Solar Soft Cost Regional Comparator

The panels themselves cost the same — it's everything around them that differs. London installers pay London weighting on wages (25–35% above national average), face higher scaffolding costs, spend more time on planning paperwork (conservation areas, listed buildings are far more common), and deal with a DNO (UK Power Networks) that has some of the longest G98 processing times in the UK. Add in narrower access streets, harder parking logistics, and higher business overheads, and a £7,500 North East system becomes a £9,800+ London one.

G98 is the technical standard for connecting small-scale generators (up to 3.68 kW per phase, typically ≤16A per phase) to the UK distribution network. For solar systems, your installer must notify your DNO before installation and receive confirmation before commissioning. The process involves submitting technical data, paying a registration fee (varies by DNO, typically £50–£250), and waiting for approval. Systems above G98 limits require G99 — a full application process that can take 3–6 months and cost £500–£2,000+.

G98 applies to "micro-generators" — systems up to 3.68 kW (single phase) or 11.04 kW (three phase). These can be installed with a simple notification to your DNO. G99 applies to larger systems and requires a full connection application with detailed engineering assessment. Most residential systems (4–6 kWp) fall into a grey area — technically G98 for single-phase properties, but your DNO may request G99 if the local grid has capacity constraints. Always ask your installer to confirm which applies before you commit.

Some are fixed (DNO fees are non-negotiable), but others have flexibility. Labour overhead is competitive — multiple quotes will reveal this. Scaffolding costs are genuinely negotiable if you're flexible on dates (scaffolding firms sometimes have gaps they'll fill at reduced cost). Some installers will waive or reduce travel costs if they're already working in your area. The key is to ask for a fully itemised quote and question any line items that seem excessive.

For most UK homes, solar panels fall under permitted development rights — no planning application required. However, listed buildings (Grades I, II*, II), properties in conservation areas, World Heritage Sites, and National Parks often need full planning consent. A planning application costs £206 in England, £190 in Wales, plus architect/drawing fees (£300–£800) and waiting time (8–13 weeks). In the most restricted areas, planning refusal rates for solar are as high as 30%. For most homeowners this is a non-issue — but it's worth verifying with your local planning authority before getting quotes.