Q&A Series: Installing Solar Panels in Poundbury

Continuing our Q&A series from January's General Meeting, this week we explore the opportunities and considerations for solar panel installation in Poundbury - a topic of growing interest as energy costs remain high and environmental awareness increases.

What is the current approach to solar panel installations in Poundbury? Are there government subsidies available to homeowners and businesses?

Although initially cautious with first-generation panels, the Duchy of Cornwall's position on solar panels in Poundbury has evolved to reflect technology, design and environmental pressures. Jason Bowerman confirmed at the General Meeting that the Duchy is "open to solar panels - we will allow them where we reasonably can." However, in accordance with the Stipulations, homeowners and businesses must still secure permission before installation, to ensure Poundbury maintains its distinctive architectural character.

Councillor Richard Biggs from Dorset Council emphasised the council's strong support for solar panel adoption as a way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and help residents and businesses save money on energy bills.

Why Solar Makes Sense in Dorset

Dorset is one of the sunniest counties in Britain, enjoying around 1,750 hours of sunshine per year—significantly above the UK average of 1,400 hours. This makes solar panels particularly effective here.

Understanding the Costs and Savings

For a typical 2-bedroom house in Poundbury (based on Energy Saving Trust estimates):

• Installation costs: Solar and battery storage systems vary significantly in size and price, depending on factors such as capacity, roof configuration and installation complexity. While smaller 3-4kW systems typically cost £5,000-£7,000, they soon become discharged over the course of a day. Buying and installing a 10kW battery costs about £10,000. 

• Annual savings: Most households save £200-£400 per year on electricity bills, though this varies based on energy usage patterns and whether you're home during daylight hours when panels generate most power.

• Payback period: Most systems pay for themselves within 10-15 years, after which the savings are essentially free money.

Selling to the Grid

It is possible to sell excess electricity back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. Energy suppliers pay for surplus power you generate but don't use. Rates vary by supplier (typically 4-15p per kWh), so it's worth shopping around. This works best if you're out during the day when panels produce most energy.

Do You Need a Battery?

Solar panels don't require a battery, but adding one increases the value you get from your system:

• Cost: Battery storage systems typically cost £2,000-£5,000 over and above the panels.

• Benefits: You can store daytime solar energy for evening use, increasing self-consumption from around 30% to 60-70%. With a 10kW battery, for large parts of the year you will have zero electricity charged from the grid, and will also be exporting surplus energy back to the grid. Some systems offer backup power during outages. Overall, savings are maximised by reducing grid electricity purchases.

• Practical considerations: Batteries are large and heavy, and you may have limited options as to where they can be installed. They will typically need to be sited on an external wall or in a garage or utility room. Installing panels, inverter and battery together as one package should deliver the best overall savings.

Credit: Tim Wilmot

Government Support and Grants for Homeowners

Several discounts and schemes are making solar more affordable:

• 0% VAT: Residential solar panel installations are zero-rated for VAT (until 2027).

• Warm Homes Local Grant: Households with annual income under £30,000 and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of D-G are eligible. On average, such grants cover about 80% of solar panel costs, with some installations could be fully funded. Contact Ridgewater Energy or Healthy Homes Dorset to check eligibility.

• Switch Together Solar (Dorset Council): This group-buying scheme helps residents get competitive prices on solar panels and battery storage through collective purchasing power. Delivered by iChoosr, it combines buying power to negotiate better deals with trusted installers. Register at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/switch-together-solar.

• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Payment for excess electricity exported to the grid, available to individuals and businesses.

  
  

Note: Government schemes change periodically, so verify current offerings before making decisions.

Support for Businesses

For small businesses in Poundbury, solar panels can offer significant savings:

• Typical costs (based on MCS data): Small commercial systems (10-20kW) cost £13,000-£30,000, suitable for shops, cafes, and small offices. This works out to approximately £1,000-£1,500 per kWp installed.

• Savings: Small to medium-sized businesses can save £4,595-£11,895 annually on energy bills, with systems typically breaking even in 4-6 years.

  
  

Available Financial and Other Support Includes

• Annual Investment Allowance: Claim up to £1 million in tax relief for solar installations

• 0% VAT: Available on all business solar panel installations until 2027

• Smart Export Guarantee: Earn income from selling surplus electricity back to the grid

• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Zero upfront costs—developers install and maintain the solar system

• Low Carbon Dorset: Grants for up to 50% of project costs (£1,000-£75,000) for Dorset businesses

• Dorset Council's Sustainability Team can offer more guidance, contact them at lowcarbondorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

  
  

Getting Personalised Advice 

You can use use Dorset Council's free online Homewise tool to get a personalized action plan for your specific property, including solar panel recommendations, potential savings, and available funding. Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-homewise.

Getting Started

Before installing solar panels in Poundbury:

1. Obtain Duchy permission: Contact the Duchy to discuss your plans and understand any requirements (Call 01305 250533 or email poundbury@duchyofcornwall.org). Formal approval of the finalised design will then be needed under the Stipulations.

2. Get personalised advice: Use the Homewise tool or contact Healthy Homes Dorset for free, impartial advice

3. Consider Switch Together Solar: Register for Dorset Council's group-buying scheme for competitive pricing

4. Seek reputable installers: Check the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) database for certified installers or use Buy with Confidence

5. Multiple quotes: Get at least three quotes from MCS-certified installers

   
   

Considerations for Poundbury

With solar panels you could save long-term on energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, become more energy-independent with minimal maintenance, and potentially increase your property value if you are a homeowner.

However, the upfront investment is substantial (though grants may cover some costs for many people), there are aesthetic considerations in our setting, and not all roofs may be suitable. South-facing roofs are ideal, east/west acceptable, but north-facing generally not advised. As you may know, effectiveness depends on roof pitch, shading, and weather.

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Does Poundbury Already Have Solar Panels?

Yes! Many homes have installed them, and some business and organisations also. For example, the Pavilion in the Park has 16 solar panels and a Tesla battery, which were supported by Low Carbon Dorset, the Duchy of Cornwall and others (completed 2021).

Your Questions

Have other questions about sustainable living in Poundbury? Email us at secretary@lovepoundbury.org.

Thank you to Councillor Richard Biggs (Dorset Council) and Jason Bowerman (Duchy of Cornwall) for their helpful insights.

Details from this question will also be available in the FAQs of our Support and Guidance section of the Virtual Community Hub.