Solar Panels UK

Solar Panels: Your Complete Guide to Costs & Savings

Everything you need to know about solar panel costs, savings, and finding the right installer. Get quotes from MCS-certified professionals near you.

Government Grants Solar Panels Heat Pumps Insulation

£1,100

Average annual savings

6-7 years

Payback period

How It Works

How solar panels work and save you money

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing your energy bills and generating income through the Smart Export Guarantee.

How Solar Works

Solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. This powers your home during the day and feeds excess energy back to the grid.

Panels convert sunlight to DC electricity

Inverter converts DC to AC for your home

Excess electricity exports to the grid

Smart meter tracks usage and exports

Smart Export Guarantee

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for excess solar electricity you export to the grid. Choose from multiple suppliers to get the best rate.

Earn 3p-15p per kWh exported

Switch suppliers for better rates

Average household earns £250/year

Payments made quarterly

MCS Certification

MCS certification is the UK's quality standard for renewable energy installations. Only MCS installers qualify for government schemes and SEG payments.

Industry-recognised quality standard

Required for SEG eligibility

Insurance-backed warranties

Regular installer audits

Battery Storage

Solar batteries store excess energy for use when the sun isn't shining. This increases your self-sufficiency and maximises savings from solar generation.

Use solar power in the evening

Reduce grid electricity purchases

10-year warranty typical

Add to existing solar systems

Investment

Solar panel costs in 2026

Solar panel prices have stabilised after years of decline. A typical 4kW system suitable for an average UK home costs £6,000-£8,000 including installation.

3kW System (Small home)

£4,500-£6,000

4kW System (Average home)

£6,000-£8,000

6kW System (Large home)

£8,000-£12,000

Battery Storage (optional)

£4,000-£8,000

Return on Investment

6-7

years to pay back

£850

Annual bill reduction

£250

Export earnings/year

FAQ

Solar panel questions

Everything you need to know about solar panel costs, installation, and benefits. Get expert answers to common questions.

A typical 4kW solar panel system costs £6,000-£8,000 in 2026. Larger 6kW systems range from £8,000-£12,000. Prices include panels, inverter, mounting, and MCS-certified installation.

The average UK household saves £1,100 per year with solar panels. A 4kW system generates around 3,400kWh annually, saving £850 on bills plus £250 from selling excess electricity via the Smart Export Guarantee.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for excess solar electricity you export to the grid. Rates range from 3p-15p per kWh. You can choose your supplier and switch to get the best rate.

Most solar panel installations are permitted development and don't need planning permission. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and panels protruding more than 200mm from the roof.

Solar panels typically last 25-30 years and come with 20-25 year performance warranties. Most manufacturers guarantee at least 80% output after 25 years. Inverters last 10-15 years and may need replacement.

Yes, solar panels are still profitable without batteries. You'll save money on daytime electricity use and earn from excess exports. Batteries can increase savings but add £4,000-£8,000 to installation costs.