Plug-in solar in Birmingham: what it makes and saves
An 800W kit in Birmingham makes about 786 kWh a year facing south at 30°, saving around £128 a year. Here's every set-up, and month by month.
By direction
| Set-up | Made a year | Saving a year | Payback, £500 kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| South, 30° | 786 kWh | £128 | 3.9 yrs |
| East or west, 30° | 641 kWh | £105 | 4.8 yrs |
| South, upright (balcony) | 581 kWh | £95 | 5.3 yrs |
| East or west, upright | 405 kWh | £77 | 6.5 yrs |
Saving at Ofgem's 26.32p per kWh (1 October to 31 December 2026), with the government's share used at home. Our figures from EU PVGIS 5.3 solar data, averaged for Birmingham. Shade isn't included.
Month by month, south at 30°
kWh a month from an 800W kit. Our figures from EU PVGIS 5.3 solar data.
Your exact figure
Use your own postcode, direction, angle and electricity price in the savings calculator. Before you buy, check the checklist.
Common questions
How much does plug-in solar save in Birmingham?
About £128 a year for an 800W kit facing south at 30°, at Ofgem's 26.32p per kWh and using 62% of what it makes at home. Upright on an east or west balcony, about £77.
How much electricity does a plug-in solar panel make in Birmingham?
About 786 kWh a year facing south at 30°, about 5% less than London. From EU PVGIS 5.3 solar data.
Other places
Sources
- European Commission Joint Research Centre: PVGIS 5.3 (SARAH3 solar radiation data, 2005 to 2023)
- Ofgem: energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (1 October to 31 December 2026)
- DESNZ: Plug-in solar final stage impact assessment (July 2026)
Checked 13 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@socketpanel.co.uk. How we check