Solar Panel Installers Hampshire | Local MCS Experts | Starks Solar

Solar Panel Installers
Hampshire

Your Local MCS & NICEIC Certified Solar Experts

Transform your home energy with Hampshire's most trusted installers. Starks Solar helps homeowners from Winchester to Ringwood achieve energy independence with premium Solar, Battery, and EV Charger installations.

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Why Choose Starks Solar in Hampshire?

Hampshire is one of the sunniest counties in the UK, yet many homeowners are still overpaying for grid electricity. Unlike national call centers that subcontract work to the lowest bidder, Starks Solar is a local business serving Hampshire directly.

We understand the specific requirements of properties across the county. Whether you own a heritage cottage in the New Forest, a Victorian terrace in Portsmouth, or a modern build in Basingstoke, our in-house team tailors the system to your roof's aesthetics and energy needs.

  • In-House Team: No subcontractors. Just our trusted, vetted employees.
  • Local Knowledge: Experts in South Coast weather & conservation planning.
  • Free Bird Proofing: Essential for coastal Hampshire homes (seagull protection).
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In-house team of Starks Solar electricians, standing together in uniforms, showcasing expertise in solar system installations for rural homes.

Complete Energy Ecosystems

We don't just bolt on panels. We design intelligent systems.

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Solar Panels

High-efficiency "All Black" panels designed to maximize generation on the South Coast.

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Battery Storage

Store your free solar energy to power your home at night. Save up to 70% on bills.

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EV Chargers

Charge your car for free using Hampshire sunshine. Zappi & Tesla Certified.

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Solar Panel Installation Guide

Harnessing Solar Power on the South Coast

Hampshire is uniquely positioned to benefit from solar energy. As a coastal county, we enjoy higher levels of solar irradiance than the UK average. This means a 4kW system in Fareham or Southampton will typically generate more electricity annually than the same system in the Midlands. At Starks Solar, we design our systems to capture every bit of this potential.

Bird Proofing: A Necessity in Coastal Areas

Living near the coast in areas like Portsmouth, Gosport, and Lymington means seagulls and pigeons are a common concern. Nesting birds under solar panels can cause damage to wiring and reduce efficiency due to debris. Unlike many competitors who charge extra, Starks Solar includes bird proofing mesh as standard on all our residential installations. This protects your investment and ensures your system operates at peak efficiency for decades.

Sigenergy inverter and battery with Aiko solar panel, featuring Starks Solar logo, highlighting energy storage solutions for residential installations.
NEW TECHNOLOGY

Battery Storage in Hampshire

Solar panels are only half the solution. To truly achieve energy independence, you need to store the energy you generate during the day.

We install advanced Sigenergy systems with "Island Mode" capability. This means if the grid goes down (common in rural areas like the New Forest), your lights, WiFi, and freezer stay on.

  • Energy Security: Backup power ready for storms.
  • Smart Trading: Buy cheap overnight energy (e.g. Octopus Flux).
  • Scalable: Add more capacity easily if your needs grow.
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Common Questions

Expert answers to Hampshire's most searched solar topics.

How much do solar panels cost in Hampshire (2025)?
For a typical 3-bedroom home in Hampshire, a 4kW solar array (approx. 10 panels) usually costs between £5,500 and £7,000. If you add a battery storage system, the price typically ranges from £8,500 to £11,000. Prices vary based on scaffolding needs and roof complexity. We provide fixed-price quotes with no hidden fees.
Do I need planning permission in the New Forest or Winchester?
In most of Hampshire, solar panels are 'Permitted Development' and do not need planning permission. However, if you live in a Listed Building or a specific Conservation Area (common in Winchester, parts of Southampton, and the New Forest), restrictions apply. We handle these checks during our initial survey.
Is Hampshire actually sunny enough for solar?
Yes. Hampshire is one of the best counties in the UK for solar generation. The South Coast receives approximately 1,700 to 1,900 hours of sunshine annually—significantly higher than the UK average. Even on cloudy days, modern "All Black" panels still generate electricity from ambient daylight.
Are there government grants for solar in 2025?
The main financial incentive right now is the 0% VAT rate on solar and battery installations, which saves you 20% immediately. There are no direct cash handouts for most homeowners, although low-income households may qualify for the ECO4 scheme.
What is the payback period for a system in Hampshire?
Due to high electricity rates and Hampshire's high sunlight levels, most of our customers break even in 5 to 7 years. A system typically lasts 25+ years, meaning you enjoy nearly two decades of "free" energy after the system pays for itself.
Is a battery storage system worth the extra cost?
For 90% of our customers, yes. Most households are empty during the day when panels are generating peak power. A battery stores this cheap energy so you can use it in the evening when you get home. It also protects you from power cuts—a key benefit in rural parts of Hampshire.
What about seagulls and pigeons nesting under panels?
This is a major issue in coastal towns like Portsmouth, Gosport, and Southampton. Nesting birds can damage wiring and reduce efficiency. Unlike most installers who charge £300+ for this, Starks Solar includes premium bird-proofing mesh for free with every residential install.
Can I sell my excess energy back to the grid?
Yes. We are MCS Certified, which allows you to sign up for a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff. Energy providers (like Octopus Energy) will pay you for every kWh of electricity you send back to the grid.
Do solar panels work during winter?
Solar panels work on light, not heat. While generation is lower in December than in June due to shorter days, they still produce power. A battery system helps bridge the gap by allowing you to charge from the grid overnight at cheap rates (e.g. 7p/kWh) to use during the day.
Do you use subcontractors?
No. Many national "solar" companies are just sales offices that sell your job to the lowest bidder. Starks Solar is a local Hampshire business. We use our own in-house, uniformed electricians and roofers to ensure quality and accountability.

Hampshire Solar FAQs: Panel Costs, Permissions & Storage

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⚡ The Starks Guarantee

30-Year Workmanship Warranty included. We are NICEIC and MCS Certified, ensuring your installation is safe, compliant, and eligible for export tariffs.