How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?

If you’re considering solar panels for your home, one of the biggest questions is likely to be how much does it cost to install solar panels in the UK?

Solar panels require an upfront investment, but they can also help reduce the amount of electricity you buy from the grid and allow you to generate renewable energy at home.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, an average domestic solar PV system of around 4.5kWp costs approximately £7,600 to install.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all price. The cost of your solar panel installation will depend on the size and design of your system, your roof and whether you choose to add battery storage.

How much do solar panels cost in the UK?

As a general guide, the Energy Saving Trust currently puts the cost of an average 4.5kWp domestic solar PV system at around £7,600.

This is a typical figure rather than a fixed price. Your installation could cost more or less depending on the specification of your system and the complexity of the installation.

For example, a larger home with higher electricity consumption may benefit from a larger solar PV system, while a smaller property with lower energy requirements may need fewer panels.

What affects the cost of solar panel installation?

Several factors can influence the cost of installing solar panels.

1. The size of your solar PV system

The more solar panels you install, the greater the potential generation capacity of your system.

The average UK home solar system is around 4.5kWp, but the right size for your property depends on your available roof space and how much electricity your household uses.

A professional installer can assess your electricity consumption and property to determine an appropriate system size.

2. Your roof

Your roof plays an important role in the installation process.

The size, pitch and orientation of your roof can all affect the design of your solar PV system. Shading from trees or nearby buildings can also affect how much electricity your panels generate.

A roof that is more difficult to access may also increase installation costs.

3. The type of solar panels

There are a range of solar panels available, with different specifications, efficiencies and designs.

The panels themselves are only one part of a complete solar PV system. Your installation will also typically include mounting equipment, cabling and an inverter, alongside the necessary electrical and installation work.

4. Battery storage

A solar battery can be added to your solar panel system to store excess electricity generated during the day.

You can then use this stored energy later, such as during the evening when your panels are no longer generating electricity.

Battery storage adds to the upfront cost of your installation, so it’s important to consider your household’s electricity usage when deciding whether a battery is right for you.

The Energy Saving Trust currently puts the average cost of a 5kWh battery storage system at around £4,600, although prices vary depending on the battery and installation.

5. The complexity of the installation

Not every solar installation is straightforward.

Roof access, scaffolding requirements, the condition of the roof and the distance between your panels and electrical equipment can all affect the amount of work involved.

Ground-mounted systems can also have different costs because of the mounting structure and the distance between the solar array and your home.

Can solar panels reduce your electricity bills?

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity that you can use to power your home.

Every unit of solar electricity you use yourself is electricity that you don’t need to purchase from your energy supplier.

How much you save will depend on how much electricity your system generates and how much of that electricity you use.

You can also export surplus electricity to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and receive payments from an eligible energy supplier.

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

The solar panel payback period varies from property to property.

Current Energy Saving Trust modelling gives typical payback periods of around 9–12 years, depending on location and household circumstances, with export payments included.

The actual payback period for your installation will depend on the initial cost of the system, how much electricity it generates, how much energy you use yourself and the export tariff you receive.

It’s therefore better to calculate the potential return for your individual property rather than relying solely on an average figure.

Do solar panels need planning permission?

In many cases, domestic solar panels fall under permitted development and don’t require planning permission.

However, there are exceptions, including certain listed buildings and properties in conservation areas. Additional considerations can also apply in some locations.

It’s important to check the requirements for your property before installation.

How long does it take to install solar panels?

A typical domestic solar panel installation can take around one to two days, although more complex installations may take longer.

The overall process will also include the initial survey and system design, installation, electrical testing and relevant registration.

Choosing an appropriately qualified installer is an important part of the process. The Energy Saving Trust recommends using an MCS-certified installer and getting multiple quotes before proceeding.