How much do solar panels cost in 2026?
The cost of solar panels in the UK has dropped significantly over the past decade. In 2026, a typical residential solar panel system costs between £5,000 and £11,000 fully installed, depending on system size. Here are the current average prices:
| System Size | Number of Panels | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | 8–10 panels | £5,000–£6,500 | 1-2 person household |
| 4kW | 10–13 panels | £6,000–£8,000 | Average UK home (most popular) |
| 5kW | 13–16 panels | £7,000–£9,500 | Larger households |
| 6kW | 16–19 panels | £8,000–£11,000 | High energy use / EV charging |
These prices include panels, inverter, mounting hardware, all wiring, scaffolding, and installation by MCS-certified engineers. Solar panels are currently VAT-free in the UK (0% VAT), which saves you around £1,000-£2,000 compared to the standard 20% rate.
Price trend: Solar panel costs have fallen approximately 40% since 2020. However, prices have stabilised in 2025-2026 as supply chain issues have resolved. Further significant drops are unlikely in the short term — now is a good time to buy.
What affects solar panel cost?
Panel quality and brand
Premium panels (e.g., SunPower, LG, REC) cost 20-30% more than budget options but offer higher efficiency (21-23% vs 18-20%), longer warranties (25 years vs 15), and better performance in low light. For most homeowners, mid-range panels from established brands like JA Solar, Trina, or Canadian Solar offer the best value.
Roof type and access
Standard pitched roofs are cheapest to install on. Flat roofs need additional mounting frames (add £500-£1,000). Complex roofs with dormers, skylights, or multiple levels increase scaffolding costs. Slate or tile roofs are standard; if you have a thatched roof, solar may not be suitable.
Inverter choice
String inverters (£500-£1,000) are the standard choice. Micro-inverters (£800-£1,500) cost more but optimise each panel individually — worth it if your roof has partial shading. Hybrid inverters (£1,000-£2,000) are required if you want to add battery storage.
Location
Installation costs vary by region. London and the South East tend to be 10-15% more expensive than the North of England. However, southern locations also generate more solar electricity (around 10% more than Scotland), so the payback period is similar across the UK.
Battery storage costs
| Battery Size | Cost (installed) | Stores | Added Savings/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6kWh | £2,500–£3,500 | Half a day's electricity | £200–£300 |
| 5kWh | £3,000–£4,500 | Most of a day's electricity | £300–£400 |
| 9.5kWh | £4,500–£6,500 | Full day's electricity | £400–£550 |
| 13.5kWh (Tesla Powerwall) | £6,000–£8,500 | More than a day | £500–£650 |
Without a battery, you'll use about 40% of the solar electricity you generate and export the rest to the grid. With a battery, self-consumption rises to 70-80%, significantly increasing your savings. Batteries also let you charge overnight on cheap off-peak tariffs and use that electricity during peak hours.
Solar panel savings and payback period
| System | Annual Savings | SEG Earnings | Payback Period | 25-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW (no battery) | £600 | £120 | 7-8 years | £18,000 |
| 4kW (no battery) | £800 | £160 | 6-7 years | £24,000 |
| 4kW + 5kWh battery | £1,100 | £80 | 7-8 years | £29,000 |
| 6kW + 9.5kWh battery | £1,500 | £100 | 7-9 years | £40,000 |
These figures assume current electricity prices of around 24.5p/kWh and SEG export rates of 4-8p/kWh. If electricity prices rise (as they have historically), savings increase proportionally.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee requires energy suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer a tariff for exported solar electricity. Current rates vary from 4p to 15p per kWh:
- Octopus Energy — up to 15p/kWh (fixed export)
- British Gas — 5.6p/kWh
- E.ON Next — 4.1p/kWh
- EDF — 5.5p/kWh
- Agile Export (Octopus) — variable, 1-35p/kWh
Choosing the right SEG tariff can make a significant difference to your returns. Octopus Agile Export is particularly attractive if you have a battery and can export during peak-price evening hours.
Solar panels and electric vehicles
If you have or plan to get an electric vehicle, solar panels become even more valuable. Charging an EV from solar costs approximately 4-5p per mile compared to 8-10p from the grid. A 4kW solar system can provide enough electricity to drive around 8,000 miles per year for free on sunny days.
Do solar panels need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Solar panels on domestic roofs are classified as permitted development provided they don't protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface and aren't higher than the highest part of the roof. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats. Your installer will advise on any permissions needed.
How to get the best price
- Get 3+ quotes — Prices vary significantly between installers. We can match you with MCS-certified installers in your area.
- Compare like for like — Ensure all quotes use similar panel brands and include the same equipment.
- Check MCS certification — Required for SEG eligibility and warranty protection.
- Time your purchase — Spring installations can be 5-10% cheaper as it's the quiet season for installers.
- Consider financing — Many installers offer 0% finance over 3-5 years, spreading the cost with no interest.
Check for grants first: If you receive qualifying benefits, the ECO4 scheme may cover solar panels completely free. Check your eligibility before paying out of pocket.