Are 1930s semis in Birmingham good for solar?

They're among the best property types for it. Birmingham's 1930s semis, common in Erdington, Hall Green, and Solihull, typically have wide, unshaded roofs with south- or west-facing pitches. Most can fit a 4 to 5kW system (10 to 15 panels) without any shading issues.

Does the West Midlands Combined Authority offer solar incentives?

The WMCA has run retrofit programmes that include solar installations, typically targeting fuel-poor or low-EPC-rated homes. Funding comes from a mix of government and regional budgets, and eligibility changes between rounds. Check the WMCA energy and environment pages for what's currently open.

What Smart Export Guarantee rates are available in Birmingham?

SEG rates are set by supplier, not region, so Birmingham households get the same tariffs as everywhere else in England. As of early 2026, competitive rates sit between 8p and 15p per kWh. Octopus Energy and EDF tend to offer the higher end. British Gas sits mid-range.

Solar Panels

Solar Panel Costs in Birmingham: 2026 Guide

Eco Home Check Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 2026-04-12T14:44:51.925051+00:00By Eco Home Check Editorial Team

A 4kW solar system in Birmingham costs £5,500–£8,500 fully installed. With around 1,400 sunshine hours per year, a south-facing system generates 3,200 to 3,600 kWh annually, enough to cover the majority of a typical household's electricity. Installation costs sit below London but the output is comparable.

~870

MCS Installers

£5,500–£8,500

Avg. Cost (4kW)

1,400

Sunshine Hours/yr

43%

Homes Below EPC C

What Birmingham homeowners actually pay

£5,500 to £8,500 for a 4kW system. Birmingham sits in the middle of the country in more ways than one: more sunshine than the north-west, lower installation costs than London.

A south-facing system here produces around 3,200 to 3,600 kWh per year. That's enough to offset the majority of an average household's electricity usage. With electricity prices where they are, the financial case for solar in the West Midlands is strong. For a full breakdown of system sizes and pricing, see our guide to solar panel costs.

Birmingham's 1930s semis and why they're ideal

The city has a large stock of 1930s semi-detached homes, particularly in Erdington, Hall Green, and Solihull. Wide, pitched roofs. Minimal shading. Most can accommodate 12 to 15 panels without any issues.

Post-war estates and newer developments in areas like Longbridge also offer good roof profiles. With 43% of Birmingham homes still rated below EPC C, solar panels are a practical way to improve your energy rating alongside insulation upgrades.

Solar or heat pump: which comes first?

For most Birmingham homeowners on mains gas, solar panels are the logical first investment. They reduce your electricity bill from day one. If you later install a heat pump, the panels help offset the increased electricity demand.

Properties with poor insulation or outdated heating systems may benefit more from a heat pump and fabric improvements first. Our solar panels vs heat pumps comparison walks through the decision. Our solar panels vs heat pumps comparison walks through the decision in detail.

Grants that apply in Birmingham

Two schemes are worth knowing about. ECO4 can fund a full solar installation if your household receives qualifying benefits. Everyone else gets 0% VAT on domestic solar, which knocks roughly £1,000 to £1,500 off the invoice. Our guide to solar panel grants covers eligibility and how to apply.

Grants you can use in Birmingham

Up to £7,500

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

£7,500 off a heat pump. Your installer applies, Ofgem processes it, and the grant comes straight off your bill. Funding is confirmed through fiscal year 2029/30 under the Warm Homes Plan.

Learn more

Fully funded for eligible households

ECO4

If you're on Universal Credit or Pension Credit, your energy supplier could fund a full heating and insulation upgrade. No catch, no upfront cost. ECO4 covers everything from cavity wall insulation to heat pumps, and it's available across England, Wales, and Scotland until December 2026.

Learn more

See what you qualify for in Birmingham

Two minutes. No obligation. Find out which government energy grants apply to your property.

Check your eligibility

100% freeTakes 2 minutesNo obligation

Common questions about solar in Birmingham

Are 1930s semis in Birmingham good for solar?: They're among the best property types for it. Birmingham's 1930s semis, common in Erdington, Hall Green, and Solihull, typically have wide, unshaded roofs with south- or west-facing pitches. Most can fit a 4 to 5kW system (10 to 15 panels) without any shading issues.
Does the West Midlands Combined Authority offer solar incentives?: The WMCA has run retrofit programmes that include solar installations, typically targeting fuel-poor or low-EPC-rated homes. Funding comes from a mix of government and regional budgets, and eligibility changes between rounds. Check the WMCA energy and environment pages for what's currently open.
What Smart Export Guarantee rates are available in Birmingham?: SEG rates are set by supplier, not region, so Birmingham households get the same tariffs as everywhere else in England. As of early 2026, competitive rates sit between 8p and 15p per kWh. Octopus Energy and EDF tend to offer the higher end. British Gas sits mid-range.