EXPLAINED: How much it costs to have solar panels installed in the UK
Thinking about solar panels? Most UK homes can expect to pay between £5,000 and £8,000 for solar panel installation, with optional extras also impacting the costs.
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Last updated: July 30th, 2025- How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
- What affects solar panel costs?
- Grants, incentives, and funding to reduce solar costs
- Why more UK households are investing in solar panels ?
- How long will it take to see a return on your investment?
- Why now is a great time to invest in solar, and how we can help
- Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
Most UK homes can expect to pay between £5,000 and £8,000 for solar panel installation, with the average cost around £6,100, according to MoneySavingExpert.
However, you may end up paying more or less, depending on the size of your roof and the number of panels you have installed.
For example, a 6kW system for a 4-5 bedroom home could cost close to £10,000, while a 3kW system for a smaller home could come in at around £5,000.
While the costs may seem steep, panels have become more affordable for homeowners in the last couple of years
In the 2024–25 fiscal year, the median panel cost per kW dropped by roughly 20 per cent compared to the previous year, according to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.
A battery can increase the upfront cost of the project, but also contributes to long-term savings.
A battery system costs between £8,000 and £9,500 for a typical home, but more than £10,000 for a large home. However, it is possible to pick up a smaller battery for around £5,000.
What affects solar panel costs?
Beyond system size and extras like a battery, other things can affect the cost of having panels installed:
Panel quality - Premium monocrystalline panels are more expensive but more efficient than standard polycrystalline panels. They generate more power from the same roof space, making them worth the extra cost for smaller roofs.
Your roof - Complex or difficult-to-access roofs increase installation costs. Factors like steep angles, multiple roof levels, or limited access can add several hundred pounds to your quote.
Add-ons - Monitoring systems and electrical upgrades can increase the total. Smart monitoring costs around £200-£500, while older homes may need consumer unit upgrades.
Installer choice - Prices vary significantly between companies, so get multiple quotes. We can help by connecting you to local solar companies near you.
Below you can see a table of what you can typically expect to pay for solar panel installation.
| House Size | System Size | Installation Cost | With Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 bedroom flat | 3kW (8-10 panels) | £4,500 - £6,000 | £12,500 - £15,000 |
| 3 bedroom house | 4kW (10-12 panels) | £5,500 - £7,000 | £13,500 - £16,500 |
| 4 bedroom house | 5kW (12-15 panels) | £6,500 - £8,000 | £14,500 - £17,500 |
| Large 4-5 bedroom house | 6kW (15-18 panels) | £7,500 - £10,000 | £15,500 - £19,500 |
| Large detached house | 8kW+ (20+ panels) | £9,000 - £12,000 | £19,000 - £22,000 |
A trusted solar panel installer will design a bespoke system tailored to your needs, home and budget.
To know exactly what price range your solar panel project will be in, fill out our form and connect with local installers who can give you an exact quote
Grants, incentives, and funding to reduce solar costs
- Zero VAT until 2027 - All homeowners currently pay no VAT on solar installations, which can save hundreds of pounds on the total cost.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) - Energy suppliers are required to pay you for any excess electricity your solar panels generate and send back to the national grid.
- Solar Together group-buying schemes - Many local councils offer programs that help residents secure better deals by purchasing solar panels collectively as a group.
- ECO4 scheme for low-income households - If you're on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may qualify for free solar panels through this scheme, which is available across England, Scotland, and Wales.
- LA Flex scheme in England - This program can help homeowners who don't quite meet the standard eligibility criteria for other support schemes but still need assistance.
- Enhanced Scottish support - Scotland offers some of the UK's most generous solar support, including interest-free loans and grants through Home Energy Scotland, making solar installations particularly accessible for Scottish homeowners.
Why more UK households are investing in solar panels
Greater affordability and a faster return on investment have made solar panels an attractive option for more UK households.
This is in addition to the existing benefits, such as saving hundreds of pounds on energy bills and receiving payments for the power you export back to the grid.
As a result, the number of panels fitted in the first half of 2025 was up 22 percent on the year before.
Also read: How to have solar panels installed in the UK
How long will it take to see a return on your investment?
One of the most appealing features of having solar panels installed is that they will eventually pay for themselves through energy savings and payments for money sent back to the grid.
The good news for UK homeowners is that the time it takes to see a return is tumbling, according to climate analysis and data provider, Carbon Brief.
Between October 2020 and January 2024, the payback period for a 3kWp system fell from 16 years to 10 years.
Save up to £800 a year
Installing solar panels can drastically reduce your electricity bills – and your reliance on the grid.
Given that solar panels last for 25-30 years, you'll continue saving long after your investment has paid for itself.
When your solar panels will have paid for themself will depend on a few factors, such as where you live.
Money Saving Expert estimates that the average break-even time in London would be 10-11 years compared to 12-13 in Edinburgh.
Total installation cost, energy usage and electricity price also affect when solar panels will have paid for themselves through savings.
Why now is a great time to invest in solar, and how we can help
Thanks to increased affordability, shorter break-even times, and government support and schemes, now is an ideal time to invest in solar energy.
Some support, like zero VAT on solar panels, is only slated to last until 2027, while other grants and schemes are subject to availability and funding - meaning you shouldn't miss out on savings by waiting too long.
We can make your solar journey even easier by connecting you to trusted panel installers in your area.
If you're considering solar panels, take a few minutes to fill out our form, and we'll match you with local solar panel installers.
Our service is free, and any offers you receive are non-binding.
Consumer organisation Which? recommends obtaining quotes from three different providers before selecting the best option for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay upfront for solar panel installation?
Not necessarily. If you're not eligible for grants or free installation schemes, many solar providers offer financing options to spread the cost.
Banks and building societies also provide "green loans" specifically for solar panel installations, making it easier to manage the upfront investment.
How do I know what size system I need for my home?
A professional installer will assess your roof space, energy consumption, and household needs to recommend the right system size.
Generally, a 3kW system suits smaller homes, while 4-6kW systems work well for average family homes. Your installer will also consider your roof's orientation and any shading issues.
Will solar panels work during winter or on cloudy days?
Yes, solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunshine. While they produce more power on bright sunny days, they'll still generate electricity during winter months and cloudy weather, just at reduced levels.
Modern panels are designed to work effectively year-round in the UK climate.
Can I add a battery to my system later?
Yes, you can retrofit a battery to an existing solar system, though it's generally more cost-effective to install both together.
If you're unsure whether you need a battery initially, you can start with panels only and add storage later as your needs become clearer.
What maintenance do solar panels require?
Solar panels require very little maintenance. An annual visual check and occasional cleaning (usually just rainwater does the job) are typically sufficient.
Most systems come with monitoring that will alert you to any performance issues. The panels themselves should last 25-30 years with minimal degradation.
About Solarenergy.co.uk
We're a service that helps UK households find the right solar panel solution. Our experienced team makes it easy to obtain offers from multiple qualified installers.
Save time researching suppliers yourself - we bring installers directly to you, so you can choose the solution that's best for your home.
