How much do solar panels cost in the UK?

Arreglísimo editorial team · Updated 2 November 2026 · 5 min read · How we write our guides (in Spanish)

Practical guide · Updated 2 November 2026

The essentials in 30 seconds

According to the Energy Saving Trust, domestic solar panel systems are generally around 4.5 kWp and cost around £7,600 to install. The price depends on the size of the system, any difficulty accessing your roof, whether you choose panels or solar tiles, whether the panels are integrated into the roof and whether you need to renew the roof covering. Installing when scaffolding is already up for roof repairs, or on a new build, can lower the cost. HMRC says the installation of solar panels in homes is zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027, and 5% from 1 April 2027. A battery adds £1,500 to £10,000, around £4,600 for 5 kWh. There is no dedicated government solar grant at the moment, and payback is about 9 to 12 years with export payments.

Get quotes from at least three MCS-certified installers.
Compare quotes for the same system size, in kWp.
Budget for a new inverter after around 12 years.

01 / The figure

How much does a solar panel system cost?

Typical UK costs (Energy Saving Trust and HMRC)
Item	Typical cost or rule
Home solar panel system (about 4.5 kWp)	Around £7,600
Battery storage	£1,500 to £10,000; around £4,600 for a 5 kWh system
VAT on installation in homes	0% until 31 March 2027, then 5%
Inverter replacement	Needed after around 12 years
Payback with export payments	About 9 to 12 years, depending on location and time at home

The Energy Saving Trust gives a figure for a whole installed system, not per panel. A quote for "one solar panel" is not comparable, because scaffolding, mounting, the inverter, wiring and testing are part of the job whatever the number of panels.

02 / What changes the price

Why solar panel quotes differ

01

System size

A bigger system, in kilowatts peak (kWp), costs more. The Energy Saving Trust's solar panel calculator suggests a size for your home.
02

Roof access

Any difficulty getting to your roof adds to the cost.
03

Panels or tiles

Solar tiles are an alternative to panels and change the price.
04

In-roof or on-roof

Integrating the panels into the building affects the cost.
05

Re-roofing

If the roof covering needs renewing, that work comes into the quote.
06

Timing

Fitting panels while scaffolding is already up for roof repairs, or while building a new house, can lower the cost.

For ground-mounted systems in the garden, the Energy Saving Trust says the cost is harder to predict, because it depends on the type of mounting frame and how far the panels are from the house.

03 / VAT

Is there VAT on solar panels?

HMRC's VAT Notice 708/6 lists solar panels among the energy-saving materials whose installation in residential accommodation is zero-rated from 1 May 2023 to 31 March 2027. From 1 February 2024, the relief also covers batteries for storing energy and smart diverters. From 1 April 2027, these installations go back to the reduced rate of 5%. The relief applies to installations, so check that your quote shows VAT correctly. The detailed conditions are in the notice.

04 / Battery

How much does a solar battery add?

The Energy Saving Trust says a home battery costs £1,500 to £10,000 depending on type and size, and around £4,600 for 5 kWh. A typical home system might be 10 kWh. You can save money by fitting the battery at the same time as the panels, because the installer is already on site. A battery lasts about 10 to 12 years, shorter than the panels, and storing energy loses some of it, so the savings will not always justify the cost on their own.

05 / Grants

Can I get help with the cost?

No dedicated solar grant: the Energy Saving Trust says there are no dedicated solar panel grants from the UK Government, though you may get funding through other government schemes.
Energy suppliers: ask yours whether it offers support for solar installations.
Warm Homes Plan: the Energy Saving Trust reports that it will include fully funded support for solar panels for people on low incomes and low and zero-interest loans for homeowners regardless of income. Details are still to come.
Export payments: in England, Scotland and Wales the Smart Export Guarantee pays for electricity you send to the grid. In Northern Ireland, ask your supplier about an export tariff.

06 / Is it worth it?

How long until solar panels pay for themselves?

Payback with export payments (Energy Saving Trust, July 2026 fuel prices)
Location	Home all day	Home half the day	Out all day
London	9 years	9 years	9 years
Manchester	10 years	10 years	11 years
Aberystwyth	9 years	9 years	10 years
Stirling	11 years	11 years	12 years

Panels should last 25 years or more, so payback falls well within their life. See solar panel savings and how long solar panels last.

07 / Getting quotes

How to compare solar panel quotes

01

Size it

Use the Energy Saving Trust's calculator to see what system suits your home.
02

Get three quotes

From MCS-certified installers, who follow a code of conduct. It is also worth asking for a price with a battery.
03

Compare like with like

Same kWp, panels or tiles, on-roof or in-roof, scaffolding and VAT shown.
04

Ask about the inverter

Most have at least a five-year warranty, often extendable up to 15 years; a 15-year warranty can cost almost as much as a new inverter.
05

Ask for maintenance details

The installer should leave written maintenance checks and inverter fault signals.