Your complete guide to solar panel costs (UK)

A solar panel system will undoubtedly come with initial solar panel costs, but they come with a multitude of benefits that make them a worthwhile investment! With the sun’s energy by our side, switching to solar photovoltaic systems is one of the smartest decisions you can make today. This is especially true as we continue to see energy prices soar while solar panel prices continue to drop. Although at first glance, the upfront solar panel investment might seem a bit steep, it can substantially lower your energy bills. What’s more, it’ll even allow you to earn money through programs like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

But how much do solar panels really cost in the UK? That’s a question many homeowners are asking. On this page, we’re going to break it down. We’ll go over all the factors that influence solar installations from initial installation fees to ongoing maintenance expenses, helping you understand whether solar is right for your home.

On this page, you’ll learn:

• The average cost of installing solar panels in the UK.
• The key factors that impact the price of solar panels.
• How much you can save on energy bills and earn through export schemes.
• Government incentives that can help reduce upfront costs.
• The costs and importance of a solar inverter in solar panel systems.

Solar energy is a long-term investment that can yield great returns.

Let’s explore the average solar panels costs and whether their many advantages make them a worthwhile investment for you and your home:

DID YOU KNOW… We at Soly offer cutting-edge 435W Tier 1 solar panels, industry-leading guarantees of up to 25 years, pioneering low-voltage, high-safety technology, and the ability to view your savings in real time with the Soly app.
Learn more about your solar panels cost and savings >

At a glance: How much do solar panels cost in the UK?

When it comes to the average solar panel costs, residents will find that prices vary. They’re based on Solar PV system size, type, and solar panel efficiency. While there are several components involved in setting up a solar power system, here’s a general breakdown of costs across small, medium, and large solar systems:

Notes:

• The figures in this table are based on systems that use 455W panels.
• Small systems typically require an average of 6 solar panels, mid-sized systems about 11 panels, and large systems around 18 panels.
• Please note, all prices shown are estimated costs for UK homeowners. For a precise quote tailored to your needs, we recommend reaching out to a professional installer. Don’t worry—Soly is here to simplify the process and guide you every step of the way! The only thing you need to do is either contact us by email or phone, or use our online configurator to book a call with one of our consultants in the final step.

The average solar panel costs in the UK for a three-bedroom house ranges between £6,000 and £8,000. This depends on the size of the solar panel system and the specific installation requirements.

Solar panels not only help save on electricity bills, but homeowners can also earn money through programs like the Smart Export Guarantee SEG. This is because they’re able to sell excess energy back to the grid. We keep seeing the solar panel cost drop, and this makes it more affordable for UK homeowners to invest in the sun’s energy.

What affects solar panels cost

When it comes down to it, several factors influence solar panel costs.

Those key factors include the type of panels you choose (whether that’s monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels, or thin film solar panels), solar panel system size, and even the condition of your roof. Let’s talk about these a bit more below:

1. Type of solar panels cost

Solar panels typically have different price points and levels of efficiency. Let’s take a look below at the three main solar panel types in detail:

• Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient, as they generate the most electricity per square metre. They are a great choice for homes with limited roof space. These solar panels typically cost around £1 per watt.
• Polycrystalline solar panels are less efficient but more affordable, costing about £0.90 per watt.
• Thin-film solar panels are the least efficient but the most affordable, ranging between £0.40 and £0.80 per watt.

The best solar panels typically have 20% efficiency or even higher! Of course, choosing between the three of these is really going to come down to what your home’s energy needs are, along with your budget and the size of your roof.

Keep on reading: Polycrystalline vs Monocrystalline solar panels

2. Breakdown of costs per house size

Solar panel costs increase with solar panel system size.

The higher the number of solar panels, means the higher the costs.

However, it also means more electricity generated and increases the potential savings you can make on your energy bills through things like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and the obligations companies have to support renewable energy.

This is because more solar panels are needed to meet the demand for more electricity. To calculate how many solar panels you need for your home, you can use the following formula:

DID YOU KNOW… Number of panels needed = Daily household energy usage (kWh) ÷ Solar panel output (kW) x 4.19 (average UK sunlight hours) x 0.75

You can also use Soly’s online configurator to get an instant estimate. With our tool, you can input your energy requirements, roof type, and location to get a real-time cost estimate.

The most common solar installation in the UK is a 3.5 kW system, which typically powers a three-bedroom house and requires around 10 solar panels.

3. How your rooftop type and location can influence the final solar panel costs

When you’re thinking about solar panel installations, the type of roof you have and where you are located can have quite an impact on both the cost and the efficiency of your system. It’s important to understand these factors so that you can determine what adjustments, if any, are needed in order to truly maximise your solar panel investment. Let’s explore this below:

3.1 – Roof condition

Your roof must be structurally sound to support the weight of solar panels. In some cases, your trusted, local solar panel installer may even recommend that you have a structural expert take a look at and evaluate your roof. If repairs or reinforcements are needed, those costs will be included in your quote.

3.2 – Optimal roof slope

A slope between 30 and 40 degrees is ideal for getting the most out of the sun’s rays. If your roof has a slope outside this range, specialised mounting systems may be required. This can increase the total solar panel installation cost.

3.3 – Roof orientation

• A south facing roof is ideal for getting the most sunlight exposure and being able to produce the most energy.
• East- and west-facing roofs can be effective as well, but may not be as energy efficient as a south facing roof.

3.4 – Geographic location & Shade

• Urban areas: May face shading from nearby buildings, reducing efficiency.
• Rural areas: Potential obstructions from trees or other natural features could impact sunlight exposure.

3.5 – Regional Sunlight Variations:

• Southern UK counties receive more sunlight. This increases the electricity generated by the sun’s energy.
• Northern UK regions typically get less sunlight. This could affect the solar panels’ performance. Importantly, however, the solar panels can still work well in cold or cloudy weather.

3.6 – Pre-installation roof inspection

Before your solar panel installation, the best solar panel installers will thoroughly inspect your roof to spot any potential issues upfront. If they find any structural problems or necessary adjustments, these could add to the overall cost of your installation.

However, at Soly, we use the most innovative satellite technology to remotely assess your roof during the consultation stage. After that, we carry out a technical validation process using images provided by you. If any further inspection is needed, we can arrange for an on-site technical visit. We can do all of this without adding costs on installation day. This way, your roof is ready to go and the panels can be safely installed.

4. Labour costs and installation complexity

When you install solar panels, it involves several steps. These include assessment, design, scaffolding, electrical work, and installation. Labour costs vary depending on your location in the UK. Many times, urban areas like London, for instance, tend to be more expensive. Below are some average labour costs based on solar panel system size:

• Small systems (~6 solar panels): £2,500
• Medium systems (~10 solar panels): £2,800
• Large systems (~14 solar panels): £3,000

The solar panel installation process

When it comes to solar panel installations, a few important steps must be taken to make sure everything is set up correctly and safely. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect when accredited installers come to set up your system:

• Installers will set up scaffolding around the house to access the roof safely. This step can take anywhere from 3-8 hours.
• Roof anchors are installed, and an aluminium frame is set up to hold the solar panels.
• Solar panels are placed on the mounting structure and secured with bolts, positioned to maximise sunlight absorption.
• Electricians will handle the wiring, and your home’s electricity will be temporarily switched off during this step.
• Finally, the solar inverters are installed to convert the energy generated by the panels into usable electricity.

5. Other costs: Additional components’ costs & more!

Aside from the panels, other parts of the solar system can add to the overall cost of your setup. While some of these extras are optional, they can really boost your system’s performance and make it even more efficient.

Solar battery storage costs

A solar battery storage system lets you store any extra energy your solar panels generate during the day, so you can use it at night or when it’s cloudy. While it’s not a must-have, more and more homeowners are choosing to add a solar battery storage system to their installations. Why? Because it allows them to maximise their solar investment, achieve greater energy independence, and rely less on the grid, making their home even more energy-efficient.

Here’s what solar batteries generally cost:

• 5 kWh solar battery: from £4325
• 10 kWh solar battery: from £6950
• 10 kWh solar battery: from £9405

Mounting system costs

The solar mounting system plays a crucial role in securely attaching your solar panels to your roof. The cost depends on factors like the type of roof and how complex the installation is.

Typically, you can expect to pay between £255 and £765 for the mounting system. Of course, this will all largely depend on the solar panel system size.

Maintenance & repair cost of solar panels and inverters

While solar panels are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements, there are still some ongoing costs to consider to ensure your system operates efficiently over its lifespan. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect:

• Maintenance costs (Optional): Regular solar panel maintenance is essential to keep your solar panels in top condition. This typically involves cleaning the panels to remove dirt and debris, which can affect their efficiency. Maintenance costs can range from £150 to £250 per year, depending on the size of your system and the frequency of maintenance required.
• Repair costs: Although solar panels are designed to last for 25 years or more, they can still be damaged by extreme weather conditions or other factors. Common repairs might include replacing broken panels or addressing issues with wiring or mounting systems. Repair costs can range from £120 to £1,500, depending on the extent of the damage.
• Inverter replacement costs: The inverter is a critical component of your solar panel system, converting the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity for use in your home. Inverters typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. The cost of replacing an inverter can range from £500 to £1,500, depending on the type and quality of the inverter.
• Other costs: When considering the overall expenses of maintaining solar panels, it’s important to factor in several other key costs. Regular inspections and testing can cost between £140 and £250, helping to identify any potential issues early. Additionally, solar panel insurance generally costs between £60 and £100, providing peace of mind against unforeseen events. At Soly, we offer up to 25-year warranties on our solar panels and microinverters. Additionally, our solar batteries come with a 15-year warranty. This means that if any issues arise with your solar system during the warranty period, you’re covered. There’s no extra costs, just long-term reliability and security.

It’s important to factor these ongoing costs into your budget when considering installing solar panels. However, it’s worth noting that these costs are relatively low compared to the significant savings you can make on your electricity bills over the lifetime of your solar panel system.

How to reduce solar panel installation costs

When you decide to make the switch to solar, it certainly doesn’t have to break the bank. You can explore the many options that are out there. These solutions can help you to save on the cost of solar panels and maximise long-term savings overall. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most effective ways to cut down on the expenses and see just how much you can potentially save on your energy bills:

Opt for government-backed incentives

Switching to solar energy is made even more affordable thanks to various solar panel grants and funding options available in the UK. Homeowners can take advantage of programs like ECO4, which offers funding for energy-efficient upgrades to low-income households, and HUG2, providing up to £10,000 for homes off the gas grid to improve energy efficiency.

Additionally, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows homeowners to earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid. There’s also the Solar Together scheme, a group-buying program that helps communities purchase solar panels at discounted rates, and the 0% VAT on solar panels, which applies until 2027. These grants and incentives reduce the upfront cost of solar panels, making the switch to renewable energy much more accessible.

Opt for solar panel finance options

When it comes to financing solar panels, homeowners in the UK have several options to ease the upfront cost. You can opt for personal loans, which allow you to spread the cost over manageable monthly payments, or consider leasing and subscription plans, where you don’t own the system but benefit from reduced energy bills.

Soly also offers flexible payment options, including deposit-based financing, to make solar energy accessible to more people. For example, our financing option allows you to start with a £500 deposit. With this flexible payment plan, the remainder is only due once your system is fully installed and operational.

How much can you save with solar panels?

According to Energy Saving Trust in 2023, with solar panel costs, UK households with a 3.5 kW solar PV system, could save around £465 per year on their energy bills. However, at Soly, we’ve uncovered that the savings can be even higher than that.

Using our online configurator, households can save up to £1,300 per year. This will depend on their location, roof orientation, and electricity usage. Overall, these savings come from reducing how much you rely on electricity usage from the grid and how much you generate electricity using your solar panel renewable energy to offset those rising energy prices.

FAQ

What is the average cost of solar panels in the UK?

Average solar panel costs in the UK can range anywhere from £5,375 to £13,425. This will largely depend on the solar panel system size, roof complexity, and any additional features like a solar battery, or microinverters. Solar panel prices for a 3-4 bedroom home with a 3.5 to 4 kW solar system installation generally costs around £6,000 to £8,000 on average.

Is the cost of solar panels going down?

Absolutely. The cost of solar panels has been steadily decreasing over the years. Solar technology is continuing to improve and with that, the demand for solar increases. This means that solar panel efficiency has risen while solar panel prices have fallen. With government incentives and grants like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), solar panel cost is much more affordable.

What does Martin Lewis say about solar panels?

Martin Lewis, a well-known financial expert, has spoken positively about solar panels. He states that solar panels “can be a smart way to spend your money.” He also says that, “although the initial cost might seem high, over time, you can save money on energy bills and even earn some money from government programmes.” These benefits make solar panels a good investment.

Is it worth buying solar panels in the UK?

Yes, buying solar panels in the UK is worth it for many homeowners. Solar energy helps reduce electricity bills, increases property value, and offers environmental benefits by lowering your carbon footprint. With savings of up to £1,300 per year and various government incentives available, solar panels provide a solid return on investment.

Costs vs Benefits: Is it worth installing solar panels?

The average solar panel costs for a 3.5kW system are between £6,000 and £8,000. In terms of how much do solar panels save you, it can save you anywhere from £465 to £1,300 annually, depending on various factors like location and usage.

Solar panel payback time is relatively short. Most homeowners break even within 7 to 15 years, so this makes it a smart investment in the long run for electricity costs and savings. You’ll be able to reduce your reliance on the grid and become more energy-independent.

There’s no doubt about it, with government grants and the current Zero VAT on solar panels, they have certainly become one of the most cost-effective and environmentally sound investments in the UK.

In short, solar panels are worth it for most UK homeowners, especially those with high electricity usage and a south-facing roof. Even in those less sunny areas, solar panels typically lead to significant savings for the long-term.

Why choose Soly for your solar panel needs?

At Soly, we make solar energy accessible and ensure your photovoltaic system lasts as long as possible, performing at its best. Here’s why we’re the ideal choice for your solar energy journey:

• Affordable financing: We understand that upfront costs can be a barrier to going solar. That’s why we offer convenient financing options, including a £500 deposit plan, where the remaining balance is due only after your system is installed and operational. This makes solar energy more affordable for UK residents. Soly also partners with Ideal4Finance, providing tailored, competitive financing with instant, personalised offers.
• Referral benefits: Soly offers the best referral scheme in the solar market. As a Soly customer, you can earn £300 for each friend you refer who installs a system with Soly—with no limits! This can significantly help reduce your payback period. For example, one of our customers, Martyn, managed to reduce his payback period by nearly a year by referring just three friends.
• High-quality panels: We use only the best solar panels, offering monocrystalline solar panels from Jinko Solar. Known for their efficiency and durability, these monocrystalline solar panels can last for up to 40 years, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
• Trusted reputation: Soly is proud to be highly rated on platforms like TrustPilot and Google and recognized as a certified Which? Trusted Trader. We’ve built a reputation for excellence, earning the trust of countless satisfied customers, with our commitment to quality evident in every installation.
• Accredited installers: We work exclusively with local installers nationwide who are accredited by HIES, TrustMark, and MCS, ensuring that your solar system is installed with the highest industry standards in mind. Proper installation plays a huge role in maximising the lifespan of your solar panels.
• Expertise you can trust: With over 10 years of experience in the solar industry, we know how to deliver the best solar solutions tailored to your needs. Our team of experts will ensure your system is designed to last.
• Peace of mind: We provide up to 25-year guarantees for our solar panels and 15-year guarantees for our solar batteries. This means you can have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected for decades to come.

Reach out to our solar experts today to discover how Soly can help you transition to clean, renewable energy with the best products and financing options.