This calculator uses real cost data from over fifty UK church solar installations to give you a quick, indicative estimate. For a precise quote we recommend our free desk feasibility — but this tool will tell you within thirty seconds whether parish solar is worth a deeper conversation.
Your church
About the calculator
The calculator uses median values from over fifty UK church solar installations we've delivered since 2015. Key assumptions:
- Sizing: ~£900–£1,400 per kW depending on heritage premium, scaled by your annual bill
- Generation: 900 kWh/kW (UK average, south-facing 30°)
- Self-consumption: 25% Sunday-only, 50% some weekday, 70% busy — based on real metered data
- Grants: diocesan capital programme value + Buildings for Mission (if CofE) + 20% Listed Places of Worship VAT (if listed)
- Payback: simple payback on net-of-grants cost at 22p/kWh grid retail and 10p/kWh SEG export
The calculator can be off by 15–25% for any individual parish — the variables that matter most are roof orientation, structural capacity, electrical supply, and the actual grant awards. Use this as a "should we explore this further?" gate; use the free feasibility for real numbers.