Key facts
| Network operator | Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (Southern Electric Power Distribution licence area) |
| Planning authority | Southampton City Council; Eastleigh, Test Valley and New Forest district councils for sites outside the city |
| Clean air zone | No charging clean air zone; the council chose non-charging measures in 2019 |
| Indicative yield | About 950 to 1,050 kWh per kWp a year for a well-oriented array |
| Nation support page | Grants and support in England |
Grid connection with SSEN
Southampton is served by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) through its Southern Electric Power Distribution licence, which covers central southern England. Commercial systems above the G98 limits need G99 approval before connecting. Boundaries can vary at the edges of licence areas, so confirm your operator with the Energy Networks Association postcode tool.
High yields here mean a given roof generates more than the same roof further north, and on a large port-side shed that can push export well above what the local network can take. Export limitation under G100, a battery, or sizing the array closer to daytime demand are common answers. Our page on G99 and DNO applications explains the process.
Planning around Southampton
Southampton City Council decides applications within the city, including the port's Eastern and Western Docks. Several key employment areas lie outside the city boundary:
- Southampton Airport and the business parks around Eastleigh and Chandler's Ford are in Eastleigh Borough.
- Nursling and Adanac Park are in Test Valley.
- Marchwood and Fawley, on the western side of Southampton Water, are in the New Forest District Council area, with the New Forest National Park close by.
England's permitted development rights for non-domestic rooftop solar were widened in December 2023 and the 1 MW limit removed, with conditions for flat roof height, listed buildings and conservation areas. Southampton's Old Town, with its medieval walls, has listed buildings and conservation area status. Our planning permission guide explains the conditions.
The port economy and solar
The Port of Southampton, run by Associated British Ports, handles containers, cars and cruise ships, and sits within the Solent Freeport. Around it are logistics and distribution, cold storage, marine engineering and boatbuilding businesses, alongside a university, a large teaching hospital and retail. Cold stores and food distribution sites are strong matches, because refrigeration demand peaks in warm, sunny weather; see food and drink.
Clean air and vehicle charging
In January 2019 Southampton City Council decided not to introduce a charging clean air zone, after studies showed nitrogen dioxide levels would meet legal limits without one, and adopted a package of non-charging measures instead. There is no daily vehicle charge in the city. Port hauliers and van fleets are still moving to electric for cost and carbon reasons, and a depot roof can supply a good share of daytime charging. See EV charging for business.
Roofs and buildings in Southampton
- Historic buildings in the Old Town and around the docks, often listed, where heritage consent and visual impact are the main constraints.
- 1960s to 1980s industrial units in Millbrook, Nursling and around Eastleigh, many with asbestos cement roofs; see asbestos roofs.
- Large modern sheds near the port and along the M27 and M3, with profiled metal roofs that suit big arrays.
Waterside sites face salt-laden air and stronger winds, so ask about corrosion-resistant fixings and wind load design.
Expected generation
Southampton's south coast position gives it one of the higher yields in the UK. A well-oriented array typically produces about 950 to 1,050 kWh per kWp a year (indicative). The European Commission's PVGIS model gives close to 1,080 kWh per kWp for an ideally angled south-facing array with standard losses, and nearer 870 for a low-pitch east-west layout.
How the free survey works
Tell us about the site through the short form. We review your enquiry and call you to understand the building and your energy use. If it looks suitable we arrange a free survey with one MCS certified installer matched to the site, in person or virtual, and your details go to that installer only. Port-side sites with access or security restrictions usually need the visit planned with the landlord. There is no obligation. See our South East page for the wider region.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the network operator for Southampton?
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, through its Southern Electric Power Distribution licence for central southern England. Despite the name, this part of SSEN serves Hampshire and the surrounding counties. It handles G99 applications for commercial solar in Southampton. Confirm your operator with the Energy Networks Association postcode tool, as boundaries can vary at the edges.
Is our unit near Southampton Airport covered by the city council?
No. Southampton Airport and the nearby business parks are in Eastleigh Borough, so Eastleigh Borough Council is the planning authority. Most rooftop systems on commercial units there can use permitted development, subject to national conditions. If the site is close to the runway, the installer should also check any glint and glare or safeguarding requirements with the airport.
Does Southampton have a clean air zone?
Not a charging one. In January 2019 Southampton City Council decided against a charging clean air zone and adopted non-charging measures, as modelling showed legal limits would be met without one. There is no daily vehicle charge. Businesses electrifying vans or HGVs for other reasons can still pair charging with rooftop solar.
Why does yield matter so much here?
Higher yield means each kWp produces more units a year, so payback can be quicker if you use the power on site. The flip side is that large roofs may export more than the network can accept, so the survey sizes the system against your daytime demand and the likely export limit rather than simply filling the roof.
Related pages
- South EastTwo network operators, strong south coast yields, Kent horticulture, Thames Valley offices and Solent logistics, and the clean air zones that affect fleets.
- BristolNGED South West grid approvals, planning across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, the Class D Clean Air Zone and Avonmouth's large logistics roofs.
- CardiffNGED South Wales grid approvals, Welsh permitted development for non-domestic solar, the proposed workplace parking levy, and roofs from Wentloog to Cardiff Bay.
- Food and drinkRefrigeration and process cooling give food and drink sites a strong match with solar. The survey pays close attention to hygiene zones, insulated panel roofs and fire risk.
- G99 and DNO applicationsG98 versus G99, what goes into a DNO application, connection offers, export limitation under G100, reinforcement costs and how the survey checks your supply.