If you live in Bolton, Bury, Blackburn, Burnley, Blackpool or anywhere else in the North‑West, you may wonder whether solar panels are worthwhile in our often cloudy climate. At Flux Solar Energy, Solar Panel Installers in the Northwest, we’re here to answer that question and bring clean, affordable energy to your home. Based at 28 Manchester Road, Westhoughton (BL5 3QJ), our team of MCS‑certified installers designs and fits bespoke solar PV systems across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. In this guide, we explain why solar works in the north, the savings you can expect and the towns we’re ready to serve.
Why solar panels work in the North‑West
The United Kingdom might not be famous for long, sunny days, but the reality is that our solar resource is surprisingly good. According to energy experts, the UK receives 750–1,100 kWh of solar radiation per square metre each year.
Even in winter, London receives 0.52 kWh/m² per day in December and 4.74 kWh/m² in July. Those figures are comparable to Germany, which generates a substantial portion of its electricity from solar power. Our cooler climate also helps: higher wind speeds cool PV modules, boosting their efficiency. In short, the North‑West’s cloudy skies are no barrier to solar generation.
Typical savings and incentives
You don’t need Mediterranean sunshine to enjoy strong returns. Case studies in Wigan and Chorley show that solar panels typically reduce household electricity bills by 50–70 %. When homeowners add battery storage, savings can climb to around 70 %, because excess solar energy is stored rather than exported cheaply.
The UK government currently applies 0 % VAT on domestic solar and battery installations, saving households hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Under the Smart Export Guarantee, any surplus electricity you send back to the grid earns you a payment — another way to shorten the payback period.
Why choose Flux Solar Energy?
We’re not just another national installer. Flux Solar Energy is proud to be a local company with roots in Bolton. Our customers choose us because we offer:
- Local expertise: We understand the particular roof types, planning rules and electricity tariffs across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.
- Accredited quality: We hold MCS, TrustMark, NAPIT and HIES accreditations, ensuring workmanship, consumer protection and system performance that you can rely on. Many of our projects are completed in a single day thanks to our streamlined process.
- Tailored design: We size each system to your energy use, roof orientation and future plans (think EV charging and heat pumps). Whether you have a terraced roof in Bury or a detached home in Blackpool, we configure panels, inverters and batteries for maximum efficiency.
- Friendly service: Our Westhoughton‑based team guides you through every stage, from survey to handover. We provide all MCS and TrustMark documentation on completion and offer ongoing maintenance and support.
Ready to learn more? Talk to a solar expert to get started.
Our growing service area
Flux Solar Energy already serves homeowners in Chorley, Preston, Wigan and Stockport, but we’re expanding. Here are some of the towns and cities we’re focusing on as part of our geo‑targeted expansion. Each section highlights local landmarks and neighbourhoods to help search engines connect our services with your community. Don’t see your town? Contact us, we’re able to travel, and our engineers are completing jobs as far as Devon!
Bolton & Westhoughton
Westhoughton is our home base, and we take pride in helping our neighbours reduce their bills and carbon footprint. From the bustling streets of Bolton town centre to villages like Lostock, Heaton, Bromley Cross and Horwich, our team has already installed systems on a variety of roof types. Many Bolton properties feature Victorian terraces or semi‑detached homes with slate roofs. We use low‑profile mounting systems that preserve the character of your home while maximising solar exposure. We can arrange a site visit within days.
Bury & Rochdale
North of Manchester, towns such as Bury, Ramsbottom, Radcliffe and Rochdale offer excellent opportunities for solar. With a mix of new builds and traditional stone houses, homeowners here benefit from high roofs and open vistas. We design systems to suit both pitched and flat roofs, using ballasted mounts on flat extensions. Many customers in Bury have taken advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee to earn extra income from unused solar power. Our battery solutions store this energy for evening use or export when rates peak.
Blackburn & Burnley
Heading further north into East Lancashire, Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley, and Accrington are towns where the industrial past meets a renewable future. These areas often enjoy unobstructed southern exposures, ideal for solar PV.
We’ve seen a surge in interest from Burnley homeowners keen to offset rising electricity prices. Installing a 4–6 kW system paired with a battery can cover most of a typical household’s annual consumption, while Smart Export Guarantee payments add further financial benefits. Our team takes care of planning permission queries and grid connection approvals, simplifying the process for you.
Blackpool & the Fylde Coast
Do seaside locations work for solar? Absolutely. Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, Fleetwood and Cleveleys receive strong sunlight reflections off the sea, boosting panel output. Salt‑laden air does require corrosion‑resistant mounting hardware, which we supply as standard. For homes near the coast, we recommend all‑black panels with marine‑grade fixings. Our systems have already transformed holiday lets and family homes along the Fylde Coast, reducing bills and boosting property values.
Warrington & Liverpool
Heading west across the Mersey, we’re excited to bring our expertise to Warrington, Widnes, Runcorn and the vibrant city of Liverpool. Many homes in these areas have ample south‑facing roof space. Combining solar with a home battery allows you to charge electric vehicles overnight or run appliances during peak‑rate periods using stored solar energy. Since grid exports now earn payments under the Smart Export Guarantee, our customers in Warrington and Liverpool enjoy the best of both worlds: lower bills and a new revenue stream.
Lancaster & Morecambe Bay
Further north, Lancaster and Morecambe offer unique solar opportunities. The region’s mix of historic terraces and modern eco‑homes makes for interesting roof profiles. Our engineers design bespoke systems that blend seamlessly with heritage façades while delivering cutting‑edge performance. Lancaster University’s sustainability drive has inspired homeowners to explore renewable energy options, and our installations are part of that movement. Whether you overlook Williamson Park or the Morecambe coastline, we ensure your solar panels are optimised for the region’s daylight hours.
Sheffield, Leeds & the wider North
Although we’re based in Greater Manchester, we’re receiving more enquiries from South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire towns like Sheffield, Barnsley, Leeds and Bradford. Many homeowners there are intrigued by our high‑efficiency panels and turnkey installations. While local installers are available, some customers appreciate our tailored approach and the fact that we handle everything in‑house. If you’re in Yorkshire and want to work with a North‑West firm that values quality over volume, give us a call — we’ll let you know if we can serve your postcode.
What to expect when you work with us
Choosing a solar panel installer can feel daunting, but our process is straightforward. Here’s what happens when you contact Flux Solar Energy:
- Free consultation and site survey: We assess your roof space, orientation, shading and electricity usage. We’ll discuss your goals, whether it’s cutting bills, powering an EV, or earning export income.
- Bespoke system design: We create a proposal with panel layouts, estimated generation and savings. We’ll suggest battery options and explain how the Smart Export Guarantee works.
- Installation and certification: Our MCS‑certified engineers install your system, usually in one day. We test the equipment, commission the inverter and provide MCS and TrustMark certificates.
- Handover and support: We show you how to monitor your system via a smartphone app and file the SEG application on your behalf. Our aftercare includes annual maintenance checks, cleaning advice and help with upgrades.
Ready to go solar? Let’s talk
Solar energy isn’t just for the south. With annual radiation between 750 and 1,100 kWh/m² and modern high‑efficiency panels, the North‑West is ripe for solar adoption. Homes across Bolton, Bury, Blackburn, Blackpool, Warrington, Liverpool and beyond are already reaping the rewards — slashing bills by up to 70 %, enjoying 0 % VAT on installations and earning Smart Export Guarantee payments.
If you’re ready to join them, Flux Solar Energy is here to help. We provide honest advice, top‑quality equipment and meticulous installations. Whether you need a small 3 kW system for a terrace in Bury or a larger array with battery storage for a detached home in Lancaster, we tailor our service to you.
Contact us today for a free, no‑obligation quote. Let’s harness the North‑West sun together and create a cleaner, more affordable future.
