The UK’s sunniest ‘hotspots’ where Brits can save £800 a year – full list of top 20 | UK | News
When choosing where you’re going to live, potentially for decades at a time, for many, the local weather plays an important role in the decision-making process. The number of sunny days, in particular, is vital, allowing you to enjoy long walks not interrupted by downpours, or even just a coffee outside.
Now, the UK’s top 20 sunniest hotspots have been revealed. As an added bonus, more sunshine also means more opportunity to make your own electricity, through the installation of solar panels. Eco-tech provider, Hive, has unveiled the parts of the UK with the most solar energy potential, based on an analysis of annual sunshine hours, according to the Met Office, property suitability for solar panels and ONS and equivalent figures on the proportion of owner-occupied homes with a roof. By installing solar panels, homeowners in these areas could cut their energy bills by over £800 each year, Hive revealed.
Castle Point in Essex has claimed the top spot, according to the provider, outperforming more than 360 other local authorities. Located around 30 miles east of London, the borough comprises the towns of South Benfleet, Hadleigh and Thundersley on the mainland, as well as the adjoining Canvey Island in the Thames Estuary, which is connected to the mainland by bridges.
On average, it is the driest part of the UK, with temperatures often reaching 22C in the summer and only dropping to 3C in winter. Castle Point receives 17.5 inches (445mm) of rain on average per year.
Mid Suffolk and Broadland in Norfolk also rank within the top three UK locations for solar investment, followed by Rochford in Essex and North Kesteven, Lincolnshire.
While England dominates the list, particularly areas in the South East, Wales holds its own, with four locations claiming top 20 spots – Carmarthenshire, Isle of Anglesey, Flintshire and Bridgend – making it the UK’s second-best nation for solar potential, despite having fewer high-sunshine areas.
By installing solar panels, homeowners in these hotspots can slash their annual energy bills by up to 94%, or £818, on average, while also lowering their carbon footprint and making a positive impact on the planet.
Susan Wells, Director of EV and Solar at Hive, said: “Solar energy represents an opportunity for households to take control of their energy bills and carbon impact. Despite prospective cost savings, and high energy bills being front of mind for many households, our analysis shows that many areas with the greatest solar energy potential are not taking advantage of this.
“That said, there’s a common misconception that solar power only makes sense in the sunniest parts of the UK, but that’s simply not true. Thanks to advancements in technology, solar panels are now efficient even in overcast conditions, making every corner of the UK viable for solar investment – whether you’re in Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands.
“At Hive, we’re making it easier than ever for households to make the switch, combining expert advice, smart technology and flexible support to help customers cut both carbon and cost.”
The ranking of local authorities is based on hours of sunshine, property suitability for solar panels and rates of homeownership.
Top 20 UK “solar hotspots” – locations with the most solar energy potential:
- Castle Point, Essex – 1884.3 annual sunshine hours (Met Office)
- Mid Suffolk, Suffolk – 1675.3
- Broadland, Norfolk – 1624.0
- Rochford, Essex – 1884.3
- North Kesteven, Lincolnshire – 1631.2
- Wealden, East Sussex – 1891.8
- West Lindsey, Lincolnshire – 1721.5
- Maldon, Essex – 1643.9
- Babergh, Suffolk – 1721.5
- Rutland, Leicestershire – 1645.1
- South Holland, Lincolnshirem – 1645.1
- Fareham, Hampshire – 1705.7
- Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire – 1644.2
- New Forest, Hampshire -1705.7
- Blaby, Leicestershire – 1647.4
- Isle of Anglesey, Anglesey – 1500.2
- East Hampshire, Hampshire – 1705.7
- East Suffolk, Suffolk – 1741.6
- Flintshire, Flintshire – 1572.5
- Bridgend, Bridgend – 1691.8
