Recorded solar PV in London and the North West: what the EPC data shows
Across the current EPC Atlas London and North West datasets, 37,116 records are clearly marked Solar PV: Yes. The regional split is striking, but it needs to be interpreted carefully.
Recorded solar PV: North West versus London
| Region | Total EPC Atlas records | Solar PV: Yes | Yes as % of dataset |
|---|---|---|---|
| North West | 2,241,566 | 28,424 | 1.3% |
| London | 2,639,163 | 8,692 | 0.3% |
A striking regional difference — with an important caveat
The share of records marked Solar PV: Yes is about 3.9 times higher in the North West dataset than in London. That is notable because London actually contains more total records.
One obvious contextual difference is housing form: 69.1% of North West records are houses, while 60.5% of London records are flats. Roof ownership and building form can influence the practical context for domestic solar, although the EPC Atlas figures alone do not establish the cause of the regional difference.
Why this matters for solar prospecting
Existing-system campaigns and new-installation campaigns start from different questions. EPC Atlas can use recorded solar evidence alongside roof type, EPC rating, property type, tenure and location to create more focused working lists.
Methodology and sources
These figures describe records currently searchable within the EPC Atlas regional datasets. They are not official estimates of the total number of dwellings in a region and should not be read as a complete inventory of current housing stock. EPC registers can contain certificates issued at different points in time, including certificates that have expired or been replaced.
Government guidance confirms that bulk Energy Performance of Buildings data covers England and Wales and includes certificates registered since 2012, which may have expired or been replaced. Official statistics also caution that EPC-based figures are based on certificates lodged on the register rather than a complete census of every dwelling.
- GOV.UK — Get energy performance of buildings data
- GOV.UK — Energy Performance of Buildings Certificates statistics
- Greater London Authority — State of London: Environment
EPC Atlas uses EPC/property evidence as a prospecting indicator. It is not a building survey, guarantee of ownership, guarantee that work is required, or statement of installation suitability.