Solar Power in the City

Southampton is ideally situated on the South Coast to take advantage of solar energy. With higher than average solar irradiance, homeowners in areas like West End, Hedge End, and Totton can see significant returns on investment. However, installing solar in a city environment requires technical know-how.

Optimized for Urban Environments

In densely populated areas like Shirley, Freemantle, and Portswood, roofs are often subjected to shading from chimneys, trees, or taller neighboring buildings. A standard string inverter system might struggle here, as shade on one panel can drag down the performance of the whole array. At Starks Solar, we utilize Tigo optimizers and micro-inverter technology. This ensures that each panel operates independently—if one panel is in the shade, the others continue to generate at full power. This is crucial for maximizing yield on Southampton's terraced streets.

Boosting EPC Ratings for Landlords

Southampton has a massive rental market driven by the two universities. For landlords, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings are becoming increasingly strict. Installing solar PV is one of the most cost-effective ways to jump a letter grade on an EPC. We work with many landlords in Polygon and Highfield to retrofit solar solutions that not only ensure regulatory compliance but also make the property more attractive to tenants looking for lower utility bills.

Clean Air & EV Integration

With Southampton's focus on air quality and the introduction of sustainable transport initiatives, Electric Vehicle (EV) ownership is skyrocketing in the city. However, public charging can be expensive. By integrating an EV charger (like the Myenergi Zappi) with your solar array, you can charge your car for free using the excess energy generated by your roof. This is the ultimate way to drive down the cost of commuting in and out of the city center.

Protecting Your Investment from Gulls

As a coastal port city, Southampton has a large population of seagulls. These birds often view solar panels as perfect nesting sites, which can lead to blocked gutters, noise nuisance, and reduced efficiency. Unlike national companies that might skip this step to lower the price, Starks Solar includes bird proofing mesh as standard on residential installations. This barrier prevents birds from accessing the underside of the panels without compromising airflow.