Sunshine on the Solent coast across the seasons
One of the first questions we get asked is whether solar really works here, given the British weather. The honest answer is yes, and one reason is that this corner of the country is among the sunnier places in the UK. Here's a factual look at how the sunshine is spread through the year.
A genuinely sunny patch of Britain
Hayling Island has recorded an average of around 1,792 hours of sunshine a year, based on long-term observations between 1985 and 2010. That's roughly 30% more than the UK average of about 1,403 hours. The wider Solent coast, from Bognor Regis across to the Isle of Wight, consistently sits near the top of national sunshine records.
Why it matters: more sunshine hours mean more electricity from the same set of panels. In southern England a well-sited system typically produces around 900 kWh per kWp a year, so a 4.8 kWp roof can expect roughly 4,300 kWh in a good year.
How the seasons spread out
Solar production follows the daylight, so it's naturally weighted towards the warmer half of the year. That's normal and expected:
- Spring and summer bring the longest days and the strongest sun, so the bulk of the year's energy is produced between March and October.
- Autumn still offers plenty of daylight, with production tapering as the days shorten.
- Winter days are shorter and the sun sits lower, so output is lower, but panels still generate from daylight even when it's overcast.
This seasonal rhythm is worth knowing when you think about a system. During the sunny months many homes produce more than they use, and that surplus can be exported under a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. In the darker months the system still contributes, just a smaller share of the household's needs.
Panels and clouds, honestly
Panels respond to daylight rather than heat, and they do produce on cloudy days, though at a reduced rate compared with bright sun. UK systems are designed with this in mind, and the annual figures you'll see quoted already reflect our mix of clear and overcast days, so there's no need to worry that one grey week will undo everything.
The takeaway: this coast is a genuinely good place for solar, with well-above-average sunshine and a long, productive season. The pattern is predictable, and a well-designed system is sized with it in mind.
If you're curious how your own roof sits in all this, we can look at its orientation and likely output with no obligation. Or keep reading with our guide to VAT, export payments and planning.