Not all Cardiff neighbourhoods are created equal when it comes to solar. Roof orientation, tree coverage, property type and even street layout all affect how much energy your panels will generate. Here's our honest guide based on hundreds of installations across the city.
What Makes an Area Good for Solar?
Before we get into specific areas, it's worth understanding the key factors that determine solar suitability in Cardiff:
South-facing is ideal. East/west can still work well. North-facing is possible but less efficient.
Trees, chimneys and neighbouring buildings can significantly reduce output. We assess this during your free survey.
Detached and semi-detached homes typically have more usable roof space than terraces.
Most Cardiff homes don't need planning permission, but conservation areas and listed buildings have restrictions.
Top Cardiff Areas for Solar in 2025
Predominantly semi-detached and detached homes with south or south-west facing roofs. Minimal tree shading and excellent roof space. One of our busiest installation areas.
View Whitchurch & Rhiwbina solar infoLarge detached properties with generous roof space. High energy usage households benefit most from solar here. Planning restrictions are minimal in most streets.
View Cyncoed & Lisvane solar infoMix of 1960s–80s estates with ideal roof pitches and orientations. Very popular for solar + battery combinations. Good grid connection for export.
View Llanishen & Thornhill solar infoVictorian terraces can be trickier due to north-south street orientation, but many properties have suitable rear roofs. We've completed many successful installs here.
View Canton & Pontcanna solar infoModern new-build estates with consistent roof orientations and minimal shading. Often the easiest installations with the cleanest roof structures.
View Pontprennau & St Mellons solar infoCoastal location with good solar irradiance. Mix of Victorian and modern properties. Some conservation area restrictions apply — we handle all planning queries.
View Penarth solar infoWhat About Cardiff City Centre & Terraced Streets?
Areas like Roath, Splott, Grangetown and Canton have a high density of Victorian and Edwardian terraces. These can still be excellent for solar — particularly if the rear roof faces south. We've installed on hundreds of terraced homes across Cardiff and know exactly how to maximise output on these properties.
The key is a proper site survey. Don't assume your home isn't suitable — let us assess it for free.
Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings in Cardiff
Parts of Cardiff — including areas of Pontcanna, Llandaff and Penarth — fall within conservation areas. Solar panels are still possible in most cases, but they must not be visible from the street. We handle all planning queries and have experience navigating Cardiff Council's requirements.
Not Sure If Your Area Is Suitable?
We cover 90+ areas across Cardiff and South Wales. Book a free site survey and we'll tell you exactly what's possible for your home.