Gorseinon and the SA4 catchment present a straightforward domestic solar market. The combination of Gower-proximity yield (955 kWh/kWp at SA4’s western end), relatively flat topography reducing valley shading, and a housing stock with a high proportion of south to south-west facing rear pitches creates consistently strong payback conditions.
Penyrheol estate: the core residential catchment
Penyrheol carries predominantly three-bedroom semi-detached properties on north-south oriented roads, with south-west facing rear pitches on the majority. A 4 kWp south-west facing Penyrheol semi at 952 kWh/kWp generates approximately 3,683 kWh annually. At 38% daytime self-consumption, year-one benefit is approximately £688. On £7,000 installed cost, simple payback is 10.2 years.
Loughor estuary premium
Loughor (Casllwchwr) sits on the Loughor Estuary at the SA4/SA14 boundary. The estuary position and south-facing exposure give Loughor one of the better yield positions in the catchment, comparable with the Llanelli SA14 estuary premium — 960 to 965 kWh/kWp rather than the general SA4 baseline of 952 to 955 kWh/kWp.
New-build solar-ready
SA4 has seen significant new-build residential development through 2022 to 2026 at Loughor and Three Crosses. New-build properties are solar-ready from foundation stage, with cable conduit pre-run. A solar-ready new-build install costs approximately £1,500 to £2,200 less than an equivalent retrofit on older stock. FLD advises SA4 new-build purchasers before occupation to avoid retrospective cable routing costs.
Battery storage: the commuter household
Most SA4 working households are Cardiff and Swansea commuters absent during the day. Battery storage defers the surplus midday generation to the evening demand peak, converting exports at 13p/kWh into self-consumed savings at 28p/kWh. A 5 kWh battery at approximately £4,200 incremental cost adds approximately £190 to £230 of annual value. Combined solar-plus-battery payback for a complete new installation: 10.5 to 12.5 years on £11,200 to £13,500.
Getting a Gorseinon survey
FLD is 12 minutes from Gorseinon. We combine SA4 domestic surveys with Parc Gorseinon commercial visits. Call Paul on 01792 680611.
