UK solar panel costs explained
Investing in solar panels helps secure a greener future, cut your bills and allows you to sell energy back to the grid. Understanding the costs can help you make the right decision.
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How much do solar panels cost to install in the UK?
The total price of installing a solar panel system in the UK will depend on factors such as the system size, installation fees and maintenance costs.
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.
An optional battery system that’ll cover the needs of most homes will cost between £8,000 and £9,500.
Labour costs will be included in the overall price quotes, and make up 25–30 per cent of the installation costs.
There are also several grants for which you may be eligible to help offset the costs.
We can connect you with local installers who will provide you with a quote based on your needs. Getting an offer is free and non-binding. Our form only takes a couple of minutes to fill out.
Government help to reduce solar panel costs in the UK
Several UK-wide and local government schemes can help significantly, or even completely offset, the cost of solar installation.
Northern Ireland, Wales, and England all have schemes that provide free solar panels for low-income homes.
Scotland offers grants of between £7,500 and £9,000, along with interest-free top-up loans to fully cover the cost of solar panel and battery installation.
Now is a particularly good time to invest in solar, as solar panel installation is currently VAT-free until 2027.
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The financial benefits of having solar panels installed
Save up to £900 a year
Installing solar panels can drastically reduce your electricity bills – and your reliance on the grid.
- The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows households to be paid for excess electricity they sell back to the grid.
- The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a typical household could save as much as £550 a year through the SEG, based on a rate of 15p per kWh.
- Meanwhile, you could save between £190 and £350 per year on your energy bills.
- Ultimately, installing solar panels could also increase the value of your home should you decide to sell.
Offers from local solar installers, made simple
We can help simplify the process by connecting you with local solar installers.
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your home and solar needs, and we’ll put you in touch with installers.
Consumer organisation Which? recommends getting quotes from three different providers.
Compare your non-binding offers, and if one suits your budget and energy needs, book your installation with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay upfront for solar panel installation?
Not always. Some installers offer financing options or payment plans, and in Scotland, interest-free loans are available alongside grants.
How do I know what size system I need?
A professional installer will assess your roof, energy use, and goals to design a system tailored to your home.
Can I still install solar panels if my roof is shaded or small?
Newer panels are more efficient, and some setups can work on smaller or partially shaded roofs. Solutions like optimisers or ground-mounted panels may also be suitable.
Will solar panels work in cloudy UK weather?
Yes. While solar panels generate more power in direct sunlight, they still produce electricity on cloudy or overcast days — just at reduced output. Modern systems are designed to perform year-round.
How long does it take to see a return on investment?
Most homeowners see a return within 10 to 13 years, depending on system size, electricity usage, SEG payments, and energy prices.
Where can I learn more about the installation process?
If you’d like to learn more about the installation process we've put together an in-depth guide.
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.
