How much do solar panels cost in the UK?

Typical system sizes

Solar systems are sized in kilowatts peak (kWp): what the panels produce together in full sun. Most homes fit between 3kWp and 6kWp. The number of panels depends on each panel's wattage, which your installer will list. With today's panels, 4.5kWp is roughly 10 panels.

Our estimates, not quotes. Costs scale the Energy Saving Trust's figure of around £7,600 for 4.5kWp in line with size. Output uses 750 to 770kWh a year for each kWp facing roughly south, from Which?'s figures (more than 3,000kWh from about 4kWp; 2,850kWh from 3.7kWp). Real quotes vary either way.

For comparison, Ofgem's typical medium home uses about 2,700kWh of electricity a year. A 4.5kWp system makes more than that over a year, but much of it arrives in the middle of the day. That's why how much you use yourself matters so much. Our guide is solar worth it? explains.

What's included in a quote

Ask for a written, itemised quote. It should cover all of this:

• The panels: make, model, wattage and how many.
• The inverter, which turns the panels' power into the kind your home uses.
• Mounting rails and fixings for your type of roof.
• Scaffolding, and who puts it up and takes it down.
• Wiring, isolator switches and any changes to your fuse box.
• Telling your network operator about the system.
• An MCS certificate, which you need to be paid through the Smart Export Guarantee.
• A monitoring app or meter so you can see what the panels make.
• Warranties for the panels, the inverter and the workmanship, with how long each lasts.

Installed solar panels and batteries in Great Britain are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027 (HMRC, VAT Notice 708/6). Your quote should show VAT at 0%. In Northern Ireland, ask your installer how the rules apply.

A battery is usually priced as a separate line. See how much a home battery costs.

What changes the price

Getting more than one written quote is the surest way to know you're paying a fair price.

The size of the system

More panels cost more in total. Scaffolding, the inverter and the paperwork cost much the same whatever the size, so a bigger system often costs less for each kWp.

Your roof

Tiles, slates or a flat roof each need different fixings. A tall house, a steep roof or scaffolding over a conservatory or extension adds to the price.

The kit

Panel and inverter types differ in output, looks and warranty. Ask what each option would make in a year on your roof, not just what it costs.

Electrical work

An older fuse box may need replacing before panels can go in. A good installer checks this at the survey and puts it in writing.

Adding a battery

Fitting a battery at the same time can share the inverter, the visit and the paperwork. Ask for a price with and without one.

Sources and dates

We checked every figure on this page on 4 November 2026. If a source changes, we update the page and the date at the top.

1. Solar panel costs, Which?. Page dated 30 October 2026Reports the Energy Saving Trust's estimate that a typical system of about 4.5kWp costs around £7,600 to install, that about 4kWp can make more than 3,000kWh a year, and published battery prices from two large energy suppliers (around £2,500, and from £3,995).
2. VAT Notice 708/6: energy-saving materials and heating equipment, HMRC. Zero rate in Great Britain runs to 31 March 2027
3. Energy price cap, electricity unit rate 26.32p per kWh, Ofgem. Covers 1 October to 31 December 2026. The next cap is announced on 25 November 2026.
4. Typical domestic consumption values, Ofgem. Medium home: about 2,700kWh of electricity a year

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