Why is Barnstaple a strong area for solar panels?

Barnstaple is North Devon’s largest town and one of the most active markets for solar panels in the region. The surrounding area, including the Taw estuary valley, Braunton, Ilfracombe and the rural North Devon hinterland, has seen steady growth in both domestic and commercial solar adoption over the last five years.

North Devon’s irradiance figures, while not quite as high as the English Riviera, are well above the UK national average and more than sufficient to make solar a sound financial investment for many properties.

M&E Contrax Renewables is based in Newton Abbot, around 40 miles from Barnstaple via the A361. Our team installs solar panels across North Devon and we are happy to carry out surveys throughout the Barnstaple and Bideford area, including EX31, EX32 and surrounding postcodes.

What should homeowners know about domestic solar in Barnstaple?

Barnstaple’s housing stock is varied. There are older Victorian and Edwardian properties in the town centre and established residential streets, larger post-war estates on the outskirts, and a spread of rural properties in the surrounding parishes.

Many properties around Barnstaple have south or south-west facing roofs that generate well. A suitable solar installation will depend on the roof direction, pitch, shading, roof condition, available space and how much electricity the household uses during the day.

For town centre properties, the planning position is straightforward for many standard rooftop installations, with permitted development often applying and no planning application needed. However, the exact position should always be checked during the survey stage.

Do planning rules affect solar panels in North Devon?

For properties in Barnstaple town centre, the planning position is straightforward for many standard rooftop installations. In many cases, permitted development applies and no planning application is needed.

For properties in the North Devon AONB, which covers significant areas around Barnstaple, installations need to be checked against the permitted development rules for the specific location. Listed buildings, conservation areas and properties with highly visible roof slopes may need additional consideration.

At survey stage, M&E Contrax checks the property, roof layout and planning context so you know what applies before you commit to an installation.

Why do rural North Devon properties often make a strong case for solar?

Rural properties in the wider North Devon area, including farmhouses, agricultural buildings and off-grid or partially off-grid properties, often have excellent solar generation potential combined with high electricity costs.

For oil-heated rural North Devon properties, the combination of solar panels and a heat pump can make a particularly strong case. Solar PV helps generate electricity on site, while an air source heat pump can reduce reliance on oil heating when the property is suitable.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is available for eligible heat pump installations across North Devon, helping reduce the upfront cost of switching to a lower carbon heating system.

Why does the North Devon tourism sector suit commercial solar?

The North Devon tourism sector, including holiday parks and leisure venues around Croyde, Woolacombe and Ilfracombe, presents commercial solar opportunities similar to those we serve in Torbay and the South Hams.

High summer occupancy, consistent daytime electricity demand and large roof areas on service buildings can make holiday parks strong candidates for solar PV. A well-designed system can help businesses use more of their own electricity on site during their busiest periods.

What about battery storage in North Devon?

Battery storage is increasingly requested alongside solar across North Devon. A battery captures surplus daytime solar generation and makes it available later, helping homes and businesses use more of the electricity they generate themselves.

Rural properties in the area, where power cuts are more common than in urban areas, often value battery storage for resilience as well as for its financial benefits. A battery system with Emergency Power Supply configuration can provide backup power to essential circuits during grid outages.

This can be particularly relevant for properties dependent on electric water pumping, livestock equipment, refrigeration, security systems or other essential electrical loads.