In short
- The Energy Saving Trust puts the typical cost of a home solar panel system of around 4.5kWp at around £7,600.
- Installing solar panels on a home is currently zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027.
- In the Energy Saving Trust's examples, systems pay for themselves in roughly 9 to 12 years, depending on where you live and when you use electricity.
- You'll usually save most by using your solar electricity yourself, because buying a unit typically costs more than twice what you're paid to export one.
What a typical system costs
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical home solar system of around 4.5kWp costs around £7,600. The "kWp" figure is the system's peak output, and it roughly reflects how many panels you have.
Your quote could be higher or lower depending on:
- System size. More panels cost more in total, though the cost per panel usually falls as systems get bigger.
- Roof access. Most installations need scaffolding, and awkward or tall roofs cost more to reach.
- Panels or tiles. Solar tiles and in-roof systems that sit flush with the roof cost more than standard panels mounted on top.
- The condition of your roof. If your roof will need renewing soon, it's usually better to do that first rather than remove and refit panels later.
- Ground-mounted systems. These are harder to price in advance, because groundworks and cable runs vary so much.
What should be in a quote
A complete quote should cover the panels, the inverter that converts their electricity for use in your home, mounting equipment, scaffolding, wiring, a generation meter and commissioning. It should also include registering the system with your local electricity network, which installers usually handle, and the certificate you'll need to claim export payments.
Check whether a battery is included or quoted separately. A battery can add several thousand pounds, so it's worth comparing quotes on a like-for-like basis.
How much could you save?
Solar panels save you money in two ways: you buy less electricity from the grid, and you can be paid for electricity you export. The first is usually worth much more. The Energy Saving Trust notes that exported electricity typically earns about 12p per unit, while buying electricity costs more than twice that.
The Energy Saving Trust has estimated payback periods for a typical system, based on fuel prices in July 2026 and including export payments:
| Location | Home all day | Home half the day | Out all day |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Manchester | 10 | 10 | 11 |
| Aberystwyth | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Stirling | 11 | 11 | 12 |
Source: Energy Saving Trust. Figures are for England, Scotland and Wales. Your own payback will depend on your system, your roof, your tariff and how you use electricity.
Does your roof suit solar?
An unshaded, south-facing roof is ideal. East- or west-facing roofs still work well, generating around 15 to 20% less than a south-facing roof, according to the Energy Saving Trust. North-facing roofs aren't recommended. Shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings can reduce output noticeably, so an installer should assess it on site.
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Ongoing costs
Solar panels need little maintenance. Rain keeps most roof-mounted panels clean, though you may need to keep nearby trees trimmed. Panels should last 25 years or more. The inverter usually needs replacing once during that time, typically after around 12 years, so it's sensible to allow for that cost when you work out payback.
Getting paid for exported electricity
Under the Smart Export Guarantee, larger electricity suppliers must offer a tariff that pays you for electricity you send to the grid. Each supplier sets its own rate, which must always be above zero, and you don't have to use your current supplier. To get SEG payments, you'll need to show that your system and installer are certified, usually with an MCS certificate, and have a smart meter that records exports. The SEG applies in Great Britain only, not Northern Ireland.
Planning permission
Solar panels on houses are generally permitted development, so they usually don't need planning permission. Exceptions can apply to listed buildings, conservation areas and national parks. If any of these apply, check with your local planning office before you go ahead.
Help with costs
As well as 0% VAT until 31 March 2027, the government's Warm Homes Plan includes support for solar panels through low- and zero-interest loans and through help for low-income households. Details and timings are being rolled out in stages, so check GOV.UK for what's available now. In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland can advise on support where you live.
Comparing solar quotes
- What size of system, in kWp, are you proposing, and how many panels?
- How much electricity do you expect it to generate in a year, and how did you work that out?
- Which panels and inverter will you use, and what warranties come with each?
- Is scaffolding included, and is there anything else that could add to the price?
- What workmanship warranty do you offer, and is it insurance-backed?
- Will you register the system with the network operator and provide an MCS certificate?
This guide is general information, not financial or professional advice. Prices, grants and rules change, so check the sources below before you make a decision. EnergyAdvise is a matching service and doesn’t install products itself.
Sources
- Solar panels: costs, savings and benefits explained, Energy Saving Trust
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), Ofgem
- Smart Export Guarantee: guidance for generators, Ofgem
- Warm Homes Plan, GOV.UK
- VAT on energy-saving materials and heating equipment (VAT Notice 708/6), GOV.UK