Can I Install Solar Panels In My Apartment

With energy bills on the rise and more of us looking for sustainable ways to power our homes, solar panels have become a popular option across the UK.

But while detached homes often grab the spotlight, what about those living in flats or apartments? The good news is that solar panels can be installed in apartments, but it’s not always as straightforward as it is for a standalone house.

From permissions and location to cost and potential savings, there are several things you’ll need to consider. In this guide, we’ll break it all down so you can decide whether solar is right for your flat.

Key Takeaways

● Yes, solar panels can be installed in flats, but it depends on building ownership and access.
● You’ll likely need permission from your landlord, freeholder, or management company.
● Planning permission may be required, especially in listed buildings or conservation areas.
● Costs vary, with individual systems starting from £3,000 and shared systems costing more.
● Funding options include self-funding, shared costs, grants, and green loans.
● Benefits include lower energy bills, greener living, and added property value.
● You could save £100–£300+ per year, depending on usage and system size.
● Best places for panels include the roof, walls, balconies, or sunny windows.
● You may need 4–8 panels to power an average flat, depending on energy usage.
● Window and balcony panels are great alternatives if you can’t access the roof.

Can Solar Panels Be Installed in apartments?

Yes, it’s possible to install solar panels in an apartment, but it often depends on your ownership status and access to space. If you own the flat and have rights to the roof – usually the case for top-floor owners – you may be able to install a private system.

Alternatively, some apartment blocks opt for a communal solar setup that benefits the entire building or helps reduce service charges by powering shared spaces.

That said, navigating ownership, shared access, and building regulations can make the process more complex, so it’s important to plan carefully and involve the necessary parties early on.

Will I Need Permissions For Solar Panels in My Flat?

In most cases, yes – especially if you live in a leasehold property or a listed building. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

● Permission from the freeholder or landlord
● Planning permission (if the building is listed or in a conservation area)
● Approval from the management company or the residents’ association

Even if you own your flat, you’ll need a written agreement for any external changes to the building, such as adding solar panels to the roof, walls, or balconies.

The Cost of Solar Panels For Your Flat

The cost of solar panels for an apartment depends on a few variables, such as how many panels you can install and whether you’re sharing the system. On average:

● Small individual systems (suitable for one flat): £3,000–£6,000
● Larger shared or communal systems: £6,000–£20,000+ depending on scale

Costs can also vary based on the installation method, access difficulties, and available sunlight.

How Are Apartment Solar Panels Funded?

There are several ways to fund solar panels for a flat:

● Self-funded – If you own your apartment and have permission, you can pay for the installation yourself.
● Collective funding – Residents in a block may split the cost of a shared system.
● Government schemes and grants – While fewer in number today, there may still be local authority grants or incentives available.
● Green loans or energy financing – Some providers offer specific loans for green energy improvements, including solar installations.

It’s worth checking with your council or energy provider to see what support might be available in your area.

What Government Grants Can Help Me Afford Solar Panels?

When considering the cost of solar panels for your flat, it’s worth exploring whether any government grants or financial support schemes are available to help make the investment more affordable.

While the UK government no longer offers widespread grants like the former Feed-in Tariff, there are still a few initiatives that could support you. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is one of the most accessible options – it allows you to earn money by selling unused electricity back to the grid, helping offset installation costs over time.

Although not a direct grant, it’s a valuable incentive that improves the long-term return on your investment. Additionally, some local authorities and devolved governments (particularly in Scotland and Wales) offer regional schemes to promote green energy in residential buildings.

These can include partial grants, low-interest green loans, or assistance for low-income households looking to improve energy efficiency. In some cases, housing associations or management companies may also be eligible for funding when installing shared systems across a block of flats.

It’s always worth checking with your local council or speaking to a renewable energy expert to find out what support is currently available in your area, as funding can vary by location and change frequently based on government priorities.

Benefits of Solar Panels For Apartments

Installing solar panels in an apartment comes with a range of benefits:

Benefit Explanation
Reduced electricity bills Less reliance on the grid means lower monthly costs.
Sustainable living Lower your carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner energy.
Increased property value Flats with solar installations can be more attractive to buyers or renters.
Energy independence Particularly helpful if energy prices rise again.
Communal benefits Shared systems can lower service charges by powering lifts, lighting, or security systems.

How Much Money Can I Save With Solar Panels?

The amount you can save with solar panels will depend on several factors, including how many panels you can install, your energy usage habits, and the efficiency of your system.

On average, a flat fitted with solar panels could save anywhere from £100 to £300 or more per year on electricity bills.

If your system generates more power than you use, you may also be able to earn extra through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which allows you to sell unused electricity back to the grid. Over time, the savings can really add up.

Where is the Best Place to Install Solar Panels in a Block of Flats?

Not every flat has access to a roof, but there are still several possible locations for solar panel installation:

Wall

Vertical wall-mounted panels can work if they’re south-facing, though they’re generally less efficient than roof panels. They’re ideal for high-rise blocks with large, sun-exposed walls.

Roof

The best-performing option. If your flat has roof access or your block agrees to a shared system, roof installations offer the most sunlight and efficiency.

Balcony

Some residents opt for small-scale balcony solar panels. While they won’t power your whole flat, they can help charge small devices or feed into your usage to reduce bills slightly.

Window

Window solar panels or portable solar kits are also available. These are plug-in devices you can place in sunny windows to generate small amounts of electricity — a good option for renters or those without installation permissions.

How Many Solar Panels Does it Take to Run a Flat?

This depends on the size of your flat and your energy usage. As a rough guide:

● A 1-bedroom flat might only need 4–6 solar panels (1.5–2 kW system)
● A 2-bedroom flat could need around 6–8 panels (2–3 kW system)
● For communal systems, more panels will be required to cover shared and individual needs

Keep in mind that space restrictions in apartment blocks can limit how many panels can actually be installed.

Looking for Apartment Solar Panels? Allow Us To Help!

At Liverpool Heating, we understand that every home is different – and that includes flats and apartments. Whether you’re exploring options for a single flat or looking into a shared solution for a whole block, our expert team can help you find the right solar setup for your space, budget, and energy needs.

Get in touch with us today to arrange a free consultation and discover how we can help make solar power a reality for your apartment.