Solar, battery and heat pump costs in RM1 (Romford)
Honest local numbers for Romford, Havering: how much sun your roof gets, what the local housing stock looks like, and how long the payback really is.
Solar yield in RM1
A south-facing panel at the optimum angle (40°) in Romford produces about 1,050 kWh per kWp a year, so a typical 4kWp roof makes about 4,200 kWh.
Source: PVGIS v5.3 (JRC), 1kWp crystalline-silicon, 14% losses, optimal angle, fetched 2026-10-25
Estimated payback
| Option | Upfront cost | Yearly saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar only (4kWp) | £6,500 | £777 | 8.4 years |
| Solar + battery | £10,000 | £941 | 10.6 years |
| Air source heat pump (after £7,500 grant) | £5,000 | £82 more than gas | No saving at these prices |
Assumptions used
- Electricity import 25.0p/kWh, export (Smart Export Guarantee) 12.0p/kWh, gas 6.5p/kWh.
- 50% of solar used at home without a battery, 80% with one.
- Heat pump seasonal efficiency (SCOP) 3.0, gas boiler 85%, heat demand 12,000 kWh a year.
- No price inflation, panel degradation or finance costs. Standing charges ignored. Default assumptions - check and update before launch (prices change quarterly).
Homes in RM1
EPC ratings of homes with a certificate (8,186 certificates):
- 71% heated by mains gas
- 49% have good loft insulation (rated good or very good)
- 28% have insulated walls
Poorly insulated homes need a bigger heat pump and save less. Insulate first where you can.
Garden rooms
Thinking about a garden office? Many Romford homes add one with its own small solar array. See our garden rooms guide.
FAQ
Is solar worth it in RM1?
A 4kWp south-facing system in RM1 generates about 4,200 kWh a year. With our assumptions that saves around £777 a year, paying back in roughly 8.4 years. Your own roof, usage and tariff will change this.
How many homes in RM1 could switch from gas?
About 71% of homes with an EPC in RM1 use mains gas heating, so most could be eligible for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant towards a heat pump.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
A government grant in England and Wales of £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump, claimed by your installer. Check current rules on GOV.UK.
What EPC rating do most homes in RM1 have?
The most common rating is D. Homes rated D or below usually benefit from loft and wall insulation before a heat pump.
Nearby districts
- RM7
- RM2
- RM5
- RM11
- RM3
- RM12
Data credits
Solar yield: PVGIS v5.3, European Commission Joint Research Centre (© European Union). Housing data: Energy Performance Certificates, MHCLG Get energy performance of buildings data, Open Government Licence v3.0. Grant: GOV.UK Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Prices are our assumptions, listed above.