How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK?
For a typical 3–4 bedroom home, expect to pay £5,000–£8,000 for solar panels fully installed. Want a battery too? That takes the total to £8,000–£13,000. There’s no grant in England, but 0% VAT on residential solar knocks about £1,000 off what you’d otherwise pay.
At a glance
- Panels only (4kWp)
- £5,000–£8,000
- With battery
- £8,000–£13,000
- VAT
- 0%
- Payback period
- 8–12 years
Get a personalised solar cost estimate
Answer a few quick questions about your roof and we’ll estimate what solar would cost for your home.
Solar panel costs by system size
The size of system you need depends on your electricity usage and roof space.
| System size | Panels | Cost (installed) | Annual output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2kWp | 5–6 | £3,500–£5,000 | 1,700 kWh |
| 4kWp | 10–12 | £5,000–£8,000 | 3,400 kWh |
| 6kWp+ | 16–20 | £8,000–£12,000 | 5,100 kWh |
Battery storage costs
Adding a battery typically costs £2,500–£5,000 extra. A standard 5–6kWh battery (enough for evening use) costs around £2,500–£3,500. Larger 10kWh+ batteries run £4,000–£5,500. Batteries increase your savings by letting you use your own solar power in the evening instead of buying from the grid.
What affects the price
System size is the biggest factor — more panels = higher cost but more generation. Roof type matters: flat roofs need angled frames (+£300–600). Scaffolding on 3-storey homes adds £300–500. High-end panels (e.g. SunPower) cost more but produce more per panel. Multi-roof installations (panels on two roof faces) can add £300–500.
Is there a government grant?
There’s no direct grant for solar panels in England, but 0% VAT saves you roughly £1,000. In Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland grant provides up to £7,500 for solar + battery. In Wales, the Nest scheme offers free solar to qualifying households. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for electricity you export — typically 5–15p per kWh.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost for a 3-bed house?
Is it worth getting solar panels in the UK?
Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?
How long do solar panels last?
How we calculate estimates
Our estimates use published data from the Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem tariff caps, and MCS installer pricing. We model savings based on your home size, insulation level, and current heating system. All figures are indicative — your actual costs will depend on your installer's survey and quote.
Get a personalised solar cost estimate
Answer a few quick questions about your roof and we’ll estimate what solar would cost for your home.