Domestic and commercial solar panel installation across Exeter
MCS-accredited, NICEIC-approved, with all electrical work carried out in-house.
Speak to a Solar Expert TODAY!
Let’s discuss what’s possible.
Your Local Solar Panel Installation Team In Exeter
Exeter is one of the best-placed cities in the UK for solar. Exeter receives 1,237 kilowatt-hours per square metre of solar irradiance annually, 13% above the national average, which means a solar system installed on an Exeter property generates more electricity, and saves more money, than the same system would in most other parts of the country. This advantage shortens payback periods and strengthens the financial case whether you are a homeowner looking to cut bills or a business managing rising energy overheads.
M&E Contrax installs solar panels across Exeter and the surrounding area for both domestic and commercial customers. We are MCS-accredited and NICEIC-approved, and we carry out all electrical installation work using our own directly employed engineers, not subcontractors. Our base is in Newton Abbot, fifteen minutes from the city, which means genuine local knowledge of Exeter’s housing stock, its commercial estates, and the planning considerations specific to the area. As MCS Accredited installers we have met defined standards for competency, processes, insurance, and quality of work, and that these are audited regularly.
Personalised Consultations & Detailed Estimates
Local Expertise & In-depth Knowledge
Perfect End-to-End Solar Delivery
Solar panels for Exeter homes
Exeter’s housing is a varied mix of Victorian and Edwardian terraces near the centre, semi-detached and detached homes across suburbs like Heavitree, Pinhoe, Whipton, and Topsham, and newer developments on the edge of the city at Cranbrook and Pinhoe. Most of these properties have south or south-west facing roof aspects and are well suited to solar. The city’s diverse housing stock, including Victorian terraced houses, Georgian properties, modern developments, and suburban family homes, provides numerous opportunities for solar installations.
What we install for Exeter homeowners
We install domestic solar PV systems that are sized to your home’s actual electricity usage, and designed around roof space, shading, and future plans.
What’s included:
- Solar PV installation sized to your household electricity use
- MCS-certified installation with documentation for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) registration
- Hybrid inverter options for homes considering battery storage now or in the future
- Battery storage paired with panels (link to your battery storage page)
- All electrical connection work carried out by our in-house NICEIC-accredited engineers
- DNO notification or (where required) a G99 application managed as part of the process
Planning considerations for Exeter properties
Most domestic solar installations in Exeter fall under permitted development and do not require a planning application. However, Exeter has a significant number of conservation areas and listed buildings, and the rules can differ for properties within them.
In some parts of Exeter, permitted development rights have been removed or restricted to protect local character. If your property is listed, or within a conservation area, permitted development may not apply and you may need planning permission or listed building consent before installation.
This is most likely to apply for properties near the Cathedral and city centre, parts of St Leonard’s, areas around Barnfield and Northernhay, and historic streets in St David’s and Heavitree.
Exeter City Council provides an interactive Map of Conservation Areas so homeowners can check whether their property is within a designated area. If additional consent is required, we’ll flag it during the initial survey and advise on the most sensible next step before you commit.
Commercial solar panels in Exeter
Exeter has a substantial commercial base, from Marsh Barton Trading Estate, the largest industrial estate in the region, and Sowton Industrial Estate near Junction 30 of the M5, to Exeter Science Park, Pynes Hill, Matford Park, and the city centre retail and office district. Commercial properties in these locations often have roof areas that are larger and more straightforward than domestic rooftops, and electricity consumption that typically peaks during daylight hours, when solar panels are generating.
That alignment between generation and consumption is the core of the commercial solar case. Electricity used on site from your own panels displaces grid electricity at the full unit rate, which is typically more valuable than exporting electricity.
What we install for Exeter businesses
We design and install commercial solar PV systems that are sized using real consumption data and built around your operational requirements.
Typical commercial installations include:
- Rooftop solar PV for industrial units, warehouses, offices, retail premises, and schools
- System sizing based on actual site consumption data, not generic assumptions
- DNO G99 applications managed in-house from the outset
- Battery storage options for businesses with significant off-peak or overnight loads
- EV charging integration alongside solar installation (single visit, shared access planning)
- MCS certification and full handover documentation
Exeter’s commercial districts we cover
We install commercial solar across Exeter’s main business and industrial areas, including Marsh Barton, Sowton and Skypark, the Exeter Science Park and Honiton Road corridor, Pynes Hill and Matford Business Park, Woodwater Park and the Pinhoe Road commercial area, city centre offices and retail, and business premises in Topsham and Exminster.
We also support rural commercial and agricultural properties on the Teignbridge and East Devon fringes to the south and east of Exeter.
Useful Resources
Reduce Bills With Clean Energy
Installing solar panels in Exeter delivers substantial savings while protecting you from rising energy costs. From historic properties in the city center to modern developments in areas like Cranbrook, our renewable systems help Mid Devon residents and businesses achieve energy independence while supporting the area’s carbon-neutral goals by 2030.
Export Energy, Earn Income
Your Exeter solar installation can generate surplus electricity that benefits both your wallet and the local grid. Through smart export tariffs, excess power from your panels flows back to the network, creating an additional revenue stream while contributing to Devon’s renewable energy targets and community sustainability efforts.
Predict Your Energy Expenses
Solar technology provides Exeter households and commercial properties with reliable cost forecasting in an unpredictable energy market. With consistent output and minimal upkeep requirements, your investment delivers predictable returns – essential for budgeting whether you’re a family in Heavitree or St Thomas.
Demonstrate Environmental Leadership
Whether you’re a resident in areas like Wonford or operating from Exeter’s business parks, choosing solar panels makes a visible statement about your commitment to sustainability. Join the growing number of Mid Devon properties embracing renewable energy and help establish Exeter as a model for environmental responsibility across the region.
Why choose M&E Contrax for solar panels in Exeter?
Genuinely local. We’re based in Newton Abbot and work across Devon and the South West, so we understand Exeter’s housing stock, commercial districts, and the planning considerations that matter locally.
In-house electrical work. We’re NICEIC approved and employ our own qualified electricians. Your solar system is connected and commissioned by our team, which improves quality, accountability, and aftercare.
MCS-accredited. MCS certification is the standard required to access the Smart Export Guarantee. Every installation we complete is MCS-registered and fully documented.
Commercial and domestic scale. We install systems from domestic rooftops to large commercial and agricultural projects, including a 61kW installation at a commercial site in Exeter.
Designed for both residential and commercial settings, our setups can be paired with battery storage for even better energy control. From local homes to rural properties and even solar farm integration, our systems help reduce emissions and maximise your return on investment, all while increasing your energy independence.
We provide free consultations and unbiased advice to help you choose the right setup – whether you’re interested in rooftop panels, integrated EV charging stations, or a hybrid solution with battery backup. We’ll assess your site, usage, and goals to offer a clear recommendation that balances performance and value.
Our skilled technicians ensure a smooth and professional installation process, followed by ongoing maintenance and servicing. We’re committed to keeping your solar system running efficiently for years to come, providing expert aftercare whenever you need it.
Our solar panel installations in Exeter meet strict UK safety and environmental standards. We use industry-leading components and trusted workmanship to create solar systems that are as reliable as they are efficient.
Get a free solar quote for your Exeter property
Whether you are a homeowner in Topsham, a business owner on Marsh Barton, or managing a commercial portfolio across the city, M&E Contrax offers a free no-obligation survey and written quote. We cover Exeter across all postcodes, EX1 through EX6, and the surrounding areas of Teignbridge and East Devon.
Every quote is based on a real survey of your property, your actual electricity consumption, and your plans for the future. We do not quote from satellite images or assume a standard package. If solar is the right decision for your property, we will tell you why and what to expect. If something gives us pause, a difficult roof, a shading issue, a conservation area constraint, we will tell you that too.
Get your free Exeter solar surveyMCS Accredited | NICEIC Approved Contractor |Free survey, no obligation | Full aftercare support
Covering Exeter and Surrounding Areas
Case Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
No. South facing roofs can be ideal, but east and west facing roofs can also work very well. The best setup depends on usable roof space, shading, and your electricity usage pattern.
Yes. Solar panels can be installed on slate, clay tile, and concrete tile roofs. The fixing method varies by roof type, and we confirm roof condition and suitability during survey.
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity in daylight and can perform consistently across the seasons. Output is typically higher in summer and lower in winter, which is normal for UK solar.
For many homes and businesses in Exeter, solar panels can be a practical long term upgrade. The value depends on roof suitability, shading, and how much electricity you use during daylight hours. A survey will confirm the best system design for your property.
Yes. We install solar panels across Exeter and nearby areas including Cranbrook, Topsham, Exminster, Pinhoe, Heavitree and Broadclyst. If you’re just outside these areas, get in touch and we’ll confirm availability.
Shading can affect performance, which is why we assess it early. Chimneys, trees, and nearby buildings can create shade at certain times of day, and system design should account for this to minimise impact.
