How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK?

Installing solar panels is a big decision. This guide covers what solar panels cost in the UK, how installation works, the rules you need to follow and the support available. All costs and savings are estimates and will depend on your home, your system and how you use your energy. Schemes, eligibility and rates change, so check current details before you buy.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Benefits of switching to solar panels
2. Average costs for different solar panel system sizes
3. Solar panel cost breakdown
4. Battery storage
5. Annual maintenance requirements and costs
6. How to save on solar panel installation
7. Government regulations and planning permissions for solar panel systems
8. Financial incentives and subsidies for installing solar panels
9. Install your solar panel system with professionals from MyBuilder
10. Installation process of solar panel systems
11. Frequently asked questions

Benefits of Switching to Solar Panels

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. They are typically installed on rooftops or in open areas where they can receive maximum sunlight. A solar panel system includes the panels, an inverter and mounting equipment, and some systems also include batteries for energy storage.

• Lower electricity bills: Solar panels can reduce the amount of electricity you buy from your supplier. How much you save depends on the size of your system, your roof, and how much of the electricity you generate you use yourself.
• Lower carbon emissions: Solar panels generate electricity without burning fossil fuels, which can reduce the emissions linked to the electricity you use. The amount depends on your system and the mix of energy on the grid.
• Less reliance on the grid: You’re less exposed to changes in energy prices, although you’ll still buy electricity when your panels aren’t generating enough.
• Property appeal: Some buyers value homes with lower running costs, so solar panels can make a property more appealing. The effect on value depends on your local market, so ask a local estate agent for advice.

Average Costs for Different Solar Panel System Sizes

On average, UK homeowners spend about £8,500 on a solar panel system, with prices ranging from £5,000 to £12,000 depending on system size, materials and extras such as labour and roof repairs.

A smaller 1 kW system might suit a compact home or lower energy needs, while larger systems of 4 kW or more suit family homes with higher demand.

• 1 kW system: Supplements your energy needs and reduces your reliance on the grid.
• 2–3 kW system: Suits smaller family homes, with a balance between cost and output.
• 4 kW system or larger: Suits larger family homes with higher energy use.

System size	Average cost (£)
1 kW (around 4 panels)	£1,800
2 kW (around 8 panels)	£3,500
3 kW (around 12 panels)	£5,000
4 kW (around 16 panels)	£6,500
5 kW (around 20 panels)	£8,000
6 kW (around 24 panels)	£9,500
8 kW (around 32 panels)	£12,000

These prices are a starting point and vary with panel quality, extra equipment and the complexity of your installation. How long a system takes to pay for itself depends on its cost, how much electricity you use yourself, what you earn from exporting the rest, and future energy prices.

Solar Panel Cost Breakdown

The total cost has three main parts: materials, labour and additional costs. The type of panels, the complexity of your property and where you live also affect the price. Get a quote from a specialist who can assess your home.

Material Costs

Solar panels are usually priced per kW and can range from £800 to £1,200 per kW, depending on efficiency and brand. The inverter, which converts the electricity from your panels into the type your home uses, adds another £600 to £1,200. Mounting systems cost £400 to £800 and electrical components £250 to £500. A battery is optional (see the battery storage section), and a monitoring system to track your energy production costs £150 to £350.

Material	Cost (£)
Solar panels (per kW)	£800–£1,200
Inverter	£600–£1,200
Mounting system	£400–£800
Battery storage (optional)	£1,500–£6,000
Wiring and electrical components	£250–£500
Monitoring system	£150–£350
Miscellaneous materials (bolts, nuts, etc.)	£100–£200

Labour Costs

The total labour for installing solar panels typically ranges from £2,000 to £4,000. Hourly rates are around £25 to £35 for general labourers, £50 to £70 for electricians and £35 to £55 for specialist solar installers. Initial system design and consultation can add £300 to £600.

Additional Costs

Some jobs need extra work. If planning permission is required, it can cost £100 to £300. Scaffolding to reach your roof safely might add £300 to £700, and roof repairs before installation would increase the cost further.

Task	Cost (£)
Planning permission (if required)	£100–£300
Scaffolding	£300–£700
Roof repairs (if needed)	£500–£2,000
Post-installation inspection	£50–£150
Insurance	£100–£200

Battery Storage

A battery stores excess energy generated during the day so you can use it at night or on cloudy days, which can reduce how much electricity you take from the grid. It adds to the upfront cost, so check that it suits your usage before you buy.

• Lead-acid batteries: The most affordable option, at £500 to £1,500, but with a shorter lifespan and lower efficiency. They need more frequent replacement and maintenance.
• Lithium-ion batteries: More expensive, at £2,000 to £6,000, but with higher efficiency, a longer lifespan and more storage capacity. They suit households with higher energy demands.
• Flow batteries: A newer technology, from around £5,000, with a long lifespan and high efficiency. They suit larger systems and can discharge fully without damage.

Annual Maintenance Requirements and Costs

Solar panel systems need little maintenance, but some ongoing care helps them perform well.

• Cleaning: Rain cleans panels in most areas, but dust, debris and bird droppings can reduce output. Professional cleaning costs £100 to £200 a year. Cleaning panels yourself means working at height, so only do it if you can do so safely and the manufacturer allows it.
• Inspection and monitoring: Many installers offer maintenance packages with annual inspections and performance monitoring. A technician will check for damage, make sure electrical connections are secure, and confirm the inverter is working correctly.
• Inverter replacement: The inverter typically needs replacing every 10–15 years, at a cost of £500 to £1,500 depending on the type and capacity.

How to Save on Solar Panel Installation

There are a few ways to keep costs down:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from several installers to find a competitive price.
• Pick the right size: A system that matches your energy use costs less than one that’s larger than you need.
• Check for support: 0% VAT and other schemes can reduce your costs. See the incentives section for details.
• Look at community buying schemes: Group-buy schemes run by local councils or community groups may offer lower prices.
• Don’t install it yourself: Installation involves working at height and making electrical connections, and a DIY system generally can’t claim payments under the Smart Export Guarantee.

Government Regulations and Planning Permissions for Solar Panel Systems

Before installing solar panels, check the rules that apply to your home. They’re set separately in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with your local planning authority.

Planning Permission

In most cases, installing solar panels on a home is permitted development, so you don’t need planning permission. If your property is a listed building, you will need listed building consent. If your home is in a conservation area or a World Heritage Site, restrictions can apply, so check with your local planning authority first.

In England, the panels must not project more than 200mm from the roof or wall surface, and must not sit above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys). Ground-mounted systems have their own criteria, including height and distance from boundaries. The criteria in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ, so check locally.

Grid Connection and MCS Certification

Your installer must tell your local network operator (the Distribution Network Operator, or DNO) about your system. For smaller systems, they notify the DNO after installation (known as G98), and for larger systems they need approval before installation (known as G99).

To receive payments under the Smart Export Guarantee, your system generally needs to be installed by an installer certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Check your installer’s certification before you hire them.

Electrical Safety and Building Regulations

A qualified electrician must carry out the installation and certify that it complies with BS 7671. In England and Wales, the electrical work must also meet Part P of the Building Regulations, and installers registered with a competent person scheme can certify their own work. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own building standards, so check locally.

Financial Incentives and Subsidies for Installing Solar Panels

There’s no universal grant for solar panels in the UK, but some support is available. These schemes were current at the time of writing. Eligibility, funding and rates change, so check the latest details before you buy.

• 0% VAT: Residential solar panels, and batteries installed with them, currently carry 0% VAT across the UK instead of the standard 20%. This is scheduled to run until 31 March 2027, after which the rate is expected to return to 5%. Your installer should apply it to your quote automatically.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): This pays you for surplus electricity your solar panels export to the grid in Great Britain. Large energy suppliers must offer an SEG tariff, and rates vary widely, so compare them. You usually need an MCS-certified installation and a smart meter.
• England: The Warm Homes: Local Grant, delivered by local councils, can fund measures that include solar panels for eligible lower-income households with a poor Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is also scheduled to run until 31 December 2026 for households on qualifying benefits.
• Wales: The Nest scheme offers free home energy improvements, which may include solar panels, to eligible households.
• Scotland: Home Energy Scotland offers advice and funding for some energy-saving measures. Check what’s currently available for solar.
• Northern Ireland: Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive about schemes for eligible households.

The Green Homes Grant, the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Feed-in Tariff have all closed to new applicants. Be wary of any company that says you can still apply, or that offers “free solar panels”.

Install Your Solar Panel System With Professionals From MyBuilder

Post your job on MyBuilder for free and get quotes from electricians near you who specialise in solar panels. Check that your installer is MCS-certified before you hire them.

Installation Process of Solar Panel Systems

Installing solar panels usually follows these steps:

1. Site assessment: An installer visits your property to assess the roof’s orientation, angle, shading and strength, and works out how much energy the system could produce.
2. Design and quotation: The installer designs a system for your home and gives you a quotation covering costs, expected energy production and potential savings. These are estimates, not guarantees.
3. Permissions and notifications: The installer applies for any planning permission you need, makes sure the work complies with building regulations, and notifies or applies to your network operator.
4. Installation: The panels are mounted on the roof, the inverter is installed and the system is connected to your electrical supply. This typically takes 1–3 days.
5. Testing and certification: The system is tested, and you should receive an electrical installation certificate and, if your installer is MCS-certified, an MCS certificate, which you’ll need to apply for the Smart Export Guarantee.

From the initial consultation to final installation, the process typically takes 4–8 weeks. Weather, local regulations and installer availability can affect the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?

It depends on the cost of your system, how much of the electricity you generate you use yourself, what you earn from exporting the rest, and future energy prices. Your installer can give you an estimate for your home, but it isn’t guaranteed.

What is the expected lifespan of solar panel systems?

Solar panels often last 25 years or more, and many manufacturers offer warranties of 20–25 years on the panels. Other components, such as the inverter, typically need replacing sooner.

Can I install solar panels myself to save money?

We don’t recommend it. Installing solar panels involves working at height and making electrical connections, and systems that aren’t installed by an MCS-certified installer generally can’t claim Smart Export Guarantee payments.

How does the weather in the UK affect solar panel efficiency?

Solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, but they produce less than in direct sunlight, so your output will vary through the year. Panels also tend to work better in cooler conditions than in very hot weather.

Find an electrician near you.