Solar panel costs & savings in the UK.
Real installed prices, payback maths, and a live calculator using current Smart Export Guarantee rates and Ofgem-cap electricity prices. No upsells, no hidden numbers.
Typical UK solar panel costs in 2026
Fully-installed prices including 0% VAT (in effect until 31 March 2027). Range reflects panel brand, inverter brand, scaffolding access and roof complexity.
| System size | Approx panels | Annual generation | Installed price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kWp | 7–8 panels | ~2,500 kWh/yr | £5,200 – £7,500 | 1–2 person homes, small bills |
| 4 kWp | 10 panels | ~3,400 kWh/yr | £6,500 – £9,500 | Average UK family home |
| 5 kWp | 12–13 panels | ~4,300 kWh/yr | £8,000 – £11,000 | Larger families, EV charging |
| 6 kWp | 15 panels | ~5,100 kWh/yr | £9,500 – £13,000 | High-usage homes, heat pump pairing |
| 10 kWp | 24–26 panels | ~8,500 kWh/yr | £14,500 – £19,500 | Larger detached / small commercial |
Battery storage typically adds £4,000–£6,000 for a 5–10 kWh unit. EV charger pairing adds £800–£1,400.
See your savings — based on your system size and SEG rate.
Adjust the sliders to model annual savings, payback period and lifetime savings. Estimates only; your real number depends on roof orientation, shading and consumption.
Modelled with: 50% self-consumption, 27p/kWh import rate, 4% energy inflation, 850 kWh/kWp annual generation. Get a precise quote →
Get paid for the electricity you don't use
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK scheme requiring licensed electricity suppliers to pay you for the surplus solar electricity you export to the grid. It replaced the old Feed-in Tariff in 2020 and is now the main way solar owners earn from their excess generation.
As of 2026, the best fixed SEG tariffs sit around 15p per kWh (Octopus Outgoing); time-of-use SEG tariffs can pay considerably more during peak hours. Variable rates from other suppliers can be as low as 4–6p, so it's worth shopping around.
Eligibility: You need an MCS-certified install, a smart meter capable of half-hourly export readings, and a G98/G99 connection notification from your DNO. Your installer handles the certification side; we help you complete the SEG application.
0% VAT until 31 March 2027
Residential solar PV — and battery storage when installed at the same time — currently attracts 0% VAT in the UK. The rate runs until 31 March 2027, after which it is currently scheduled to revert to 5%.
In practical terms that's a 20 percentage-point saving on every installed price you see. A £8,500 quoted system would cost you £10,200 once VAT returns. Booking before March 2027 protects you from that increase.
Solar panel cost questions, answered.
How much do solar panels really cost in 2026?
For a typical UK family home, expect £6,500–£9,500 fully installed for a 4 kWp system, or £10,000–£14,000 with a 5–10 kWh battery. Bigger homes and commercial installs scale up roughly linearly.
How long is the payback period?
Typical UK payback in 2026 is 7–11 years for a 4 kWp system without battery, and 9–13 years with battery. Higher monthly bills and better roof orientation push payback shorter.
Are solar panels worth it without a battery?
Yes, especially if you're at home during the day or have an EV that can charge during sun hours. Without a battery you'll self-consume 35–50% of your generation; the rest is exported via SEG. With a battery you'll typically self-consume 70–85%.
What about maintenance costs?
Quality solar PV is mostly maintenance-free. Panels are warrantied for 25 years on performance. Inverters typically need replacing once at year 10–15 (£800–£1,500 fitted). Optional cleaning every 2–3 years if you live near trees or coast (£60–£150).
Can I finance a solar panel install?
Most installers offer financing through 0% APR or low-rate green loan partners (typically 5–10 year terms). Monthly payments are often less than your monthly bill saving — meaning the system is cash-flow positive from month one.