Dorset is one of the sunniest counties in England, enjoying around 1,750 hours of sunshine per year – significantly above the UK average – and Dorset Council has declared a climate and ecological emergency with a target to become a carbon-neutral council by 2035. There has never been a better time to invest in solar energy. But you need a partner you can trust.
At Infinity Energy Services, we have been designing and installing high-performance solar PV systems for homes and businesses since 2011. We are not a sales company. We are technical experts with over 6,500 installations behind us and a reputation built on quality, care, and long-term support.
Infinity Energy Services is a safe pair of hands for your solar panel installation in Dorset:
- Installing energy systems since 2011
- Over 6,500 installations completed
- Award-winning: Energy Efficiency Awards 2023 & 2024
- Finance available
- Free, no-obligation quote
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with any questions or for expert advice
Certified, Accredited & Award winning service
Why Dorset Is a Great Location
for Solar Panels
Dorset is one of the sunniest counties in England, enjoying approximately 1,750 hours of sunshine per year – well above the UK average of around 1,400 hours. Peak solar production runs from April to September, with June and July typically delivering the most sunshine. Combined with its south coast location and outstanding solar resource, this makes Dorset an excellent county for solar energy, giving you a faster payback and a stronger long-term return on your investment.
Dorset Council declared a climate and ecological emergency in 2019 and is working towards becoming a carbon-neutral council by 2035 and a carbon-neutral county by 2045. The council’s Natural Environment, Climate and Ecology Strategy sets out ambitious goals for cutting emissions, supporting nature recovery, and building climate resilience across the county.
Dorset Council’s Low Carbon Dorset programme provides free technical advice and grants to local businesses and community groups to help them reduce their energy use, generate their own renewable energy, and lower their carbon emissions. Since launching in 2018, the programme has awarded over £6 million in grants and supported more than 200 organisations with low-carbon projects across the county.
Dorset is also home to an active community energy sector. Dorset Community Energy, a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society established in 2013, has over 200 members who have invested more than £1.1 million to finance solar panel installations on 28 schools, community buildings, and healthcare sites across the county.
Healthy Homes Dorset provides free, impartial energy advice to all Dorset residents on reducing energy bills and accessing available grants. These local commitments reflect the growing recognition that solar energy makes financial and environmental sense for Dorset homes and businesses alike.
The Benefits of Solar Panels in Dorset
Solar panels generate free electricity from daylight.
They produce no carbon emissions, require minimal maintenance, and last for decades. Here are the key benefits of installing solar panels in Dorset:
- Save on electricity bills from day one – generate your own free power and reduce what you buy from the grid.
- 0% VAT – the UK government has cut VAT on residential solar panels and battery storage installations to zero.
- Earn money via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – get paid for surplus electricity you export back to the grid.
- 25-40 year solar panel warranties – the panels we install are built to last, with long-term manufacturer guarantees.
- Increase your home’s value – research from Solar Energy UK confirms that solar is seen as a desirable property upgrade.
- Reduce your carbon footprint – a typical 4 kWp system saves approximately one tonne of CO2 per year.
- Finance available – pay upfront or spread the cost with affordable monthly payments.
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Add Battery Storage to Make Even Greater Savings
Most solar panel systems generate surplus electricity during the day – particularly during spring and summer – that would otherwise be exported to the grid. While you do get paid for that electricity via the Smart Export Guarantee, you make far greater savings by using it yourself.
That is where battery storage comes in. A solar battery captures your excess solar energy and stores it for use later in the day – for example, in the evenings or at night – instead of pulling expensive electricity from the grid.
You can also install battery storage without solar panels. This allows you to charge your battery with cheap, off-peak electricity overnight and discharge it during expensive peak hours, reducing your bills significantly.
We install all makes and models in Dorset, including Tesla Powerwall 3, Sigenergy SigenStor, Fox, SolarEdge, GivEnergy, SolaX, Enphase, Pylontech and more.
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Battery storage allows you to:
- Store and use more of your solar electricity
- Save even more money every month
- Import less electricity from the grid
- Have emergency backup power in a power cut (certain models)
- Store cheap, off-peak electricity at night and use it during the day
- Become much more energy independent, especially in summer
Planning Permission for Solar Panels in Dorset
Over half of the Dorset Council area falls within one of two nationally designated landscapes: the Dorset National Landscape, which stretches from Lyme Regis along the Jurassic Coast to Poole Harbour and inland across the Dorset Downs and the Isle of Purbeck; and the Cranborne Chase National Landscape in the north-east of the county. Dorset also has extensive conservation areas – particularly in the historic towns of Dorchester, Sherborne, and Wareham – and a significant number of listed buildings.
If you live in Dorset, here is what you need to know: In most cases, solar panels are permitted development and do not require planning permission. However, there are some important exceptions:
- National Landscapes and conservation areas: Solar panels cannot be installed on a wall that faces a highway without planning permission. In December 2023, the government amended permitted development rights to allow solar panels on roof slopes facing a highway in conservation areas and designated landscapes – meaning roof installations are generally fine. Dorset Council is the sole planning authority for the county.
- Listed buildings: If your property is a listed building – and there are many across Dorset, particularly in Dorchester, Sherborne, Wareham, Blandford Forum, and the villages of the Purbeck coast and Blackmore Vale – you will almost certainly need Listed Building Consent before installing solar panels. The installation must be reversible and must not alter the building’s character or appearance.
Our advice: We will assess your specific property and advise on any planning considerations during our initial survey. For detailed guidance, see our comprehensive guide: Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?
Commercial Solar Panel Installation in Dorset
Solar panels are not just for homes. We deliver commercial solar projects for businesses, farms, schools, and public sector organisations across Dorset. Dorset’s diverse economy – from advanced manufacturing and defence at Dorset Innovation Park and Blandford Camp, to the tourism and marine industries along the Jurassic Coast, the business parks of Dorchester and Ferndown, and the county’s extensive agricultural sector – means there is strong demand for commercial solar.
With electricity costs continuing to rise, businesses across the county are turning to solar to cut overheads, meet sustainability targets, and future-proof their energy supply. Dorset Council’s Low Carbon Dorset programme has awarded over £6 million in grants to support more than 200 local organisations with low-carbon energy projects, including solar panel installations on business premises, schools, and community buildings.
Dorset Community Energy has financed solar panel installations on 28 schools, community buildings, and healthcare sites across the county, and Dorset Council is developing an emerging clean energy super cluster around Portland and South Dorset – a clear signal that the financial case for commercial and public sector solar is well proven.
Key benefits for Dorset businesses:
- Dramatically reduce electricity overheads – a well-designed commercial system can cut electricity costs by 50% or more.
- Capital allowances – use the Annual Investment Allowance to offset the cost of your solar installation against taxable profits.
- VAT – commercial installations are subject to 20% VAT, but this is fully reclaimable for VAT-registered businesses.
- Meet sustainability targets and enhance your corporate environmental credentials.
For full details, see our Commercial Solar ROI & Payback guide.
Why choose Infinity Energy Services?
Once you’ve spoken to us to discuss your project, we are confident you’ll like what you hear, but in the meantime here are some reasons why you’re safe with us:
- Expertise – We have been designing and installing solar and battery systems since 2011. We understand the technology inside out.
- Awards – Our excellent standards are recognised by the industry: we won Best Regional Installer in 2023 and 2024 at the prestigious Energy Efficiency Awards.
- Experience – Over 6,500 installations completed to date. Small, medium, and large systems for homes and businesses. We have done it all.
- Finance – Spread the cost with affordable, flexible payment options. Subject to status.
- Infinity Certified Installers – We vet and certify all our installation engineers to guarantee top quality, every time.
- Top Brands – Major manufacturers have certified us at the highest level: Tesla Powerwall Premium Installer and SunPower Elite Partner.
- Accreditations – We hold a long list of relevant accreditations, including MCS, RECC, NICEIC, NAPIT, CHAS, and TrustMark.
- Insurance – £10 million Employers Liability and £5 million Public Liability cover.
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HOW OUR TEAM DELIVERED A SOLAR PV SYSTEM
A 4-STAGE APPROACH AND UNRIVALLED SERVICE FROM START TO FINISH
You discuss your project with one of our energy experts. We look at suitable roofs, any shading, equipment recommendations, ballpark costs, and anything else you want to achieve.
After the discovery call, we either send you a tailored proposal straightaway or visit your property if the layout is more complex. We always carry out an on-site technical survey before installation, to ensure there are no surprises. For Dorset properties in the Dorset National Landscape, the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, or in conservation areas, we will advise on any planning considerations at this stage.
If you decide to go ahead, you will receive a first-class solar installation from our certified team of engineers. No corners cut. Best practice applied for every customer. Most residential solar panel installations are completed in just 1-2 days.
We are not the kind of solar installer that takes your money and then never answers the phone again. We are here for the long term. We provide the same high levels of support before, during, and after installation – backed by an insurance-backed workmanship guarantee.
What are our customers saying?
Areas We Cover in Dorset
We install solar and battery systems across the whole of Dorset, including all of the following towns and cities:
- Bournemouth
- Poole
- Weymouth
- Christchurch
- Ferndown
- Dorchester
- Wimborne Minster
- Bridport
- Verwood
- Blandford Forum
- Gillingham
- Swanage
- Sherborne
- Shaftesbury
- Weston
- Merley
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in Dorset?
In most cases, no. Solar panels are typically considered permitted development in England and do not require planning permission. However, if your property is within one of Dorset’s two National Landscapes – the Dorset National Landscape or Cranborne Chase – you cannot install panels on a wall facing a highway without permission. If your home is a listed building, you will need Listed Building Consent. Some conservation areas may have Article 4 Directions that impose further restrictions. We will advise you on all of this during our initial survey: Do You Need Planning Permission for Solar Panels?
Can I install solar panels if I live in a National Landscape in Dorset?
Yes, absolutely. Living in the Dorset National Landscape or the Cranborne Chase National Landscape does not prevent you from installing solar panels. Since December 2023, roof-mounted solar panels are permitted on roof slopes in designated landscapes without planning permission, provided they comply with standard conditions (e.g. they must not protrude more than 200 mm from the roof surface). Our team will assess your specific property and advise on the best approach.
How much do solar panels cost in Dorset?
The cost depends on several factors, including the system size, your roof’s orientation and condition, the panels and inverter chosen, and whether you include battery storage. Every property is different. Contact us for a free, bespoke quote tailored to your home and energy usage.
How long does a solar panel installation take?
Most residential solar panel installations are completed in just 1-2 days. If battery storage is included, this may extend to two days. Commercial solar panel installations take anywhere from 3-4 days to a month or longer, depending on the size and complexity.
Will solar panels increase my home’s value?
Yes. Research from Solar Energy UK, the industry’s trade association, has shown that high-quality solar installations can add value to a property. Modern buyers increasingly see solar panels as a desirable upgrade.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight (irradiance), not just direct sunshine. While output is highest on bright, sunny days, they still produce meaningful energy on overcast days.
What warranty do you provide?
We provide comprehensive protection. This includes long-term manufacturer warranties on the panels and inverters (typically 25-40 years for panels), plus our own reliable after-sales service and an insurance-backed workmanship guarantee.
Start Your Solar Journey in Dorset Today
Infinity Energy Services is your trusted, MCS-certified, and experienced choice for a complete solar energy system in Dorset. Stop paying for electricity you can generate for free. Cut your bills, gain energy independence, and invest in a greener future for your family.
Ready to get started? Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation survey and proposal.
Call us on 0800 909 8882 or fill in your details below:
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