← Ask a building expert · Solar Installation

Question

How expensive are solar panels in the UK?

Asked by A homeowner · July 2026
Expert answer

A typical home solar panel system costs £5,000โ€“£9,000 fitted in 2026. The main driver is system size: a 3kW system runs £4,500โ€“£6,500, a 4kW system (around 10 panels) £5,000โ€“£8,000, a 6kW system £7,500โ€“£11,000, and a large 10kW system £12,000โ€“£16,000. Adding battery storage โ€” increasingly popular because it lets you use your own generation in the evening โ€” adds £3,000โ€“£6,000 on top.

Is it worth it? Most systems pay back in 7โ€“12 years through bill savings plus Smart Export Guarantee payments for electricity you export, and panels are warrantied well beyond that. Solar installations also currently benefit from 0% VAT (through March 2027), which is already reflected in the prices above.

A few things move the price for your specific house: roof orientation and pitch, scaffolding access, whether your consumer unit needs upgrading, and how many storeys the installer has to work over. That is why like-for-like quotes matter more here than for most trades.

Our solar panel cost guide has the full breakdown by system size, brand and region, including grants and export tariffs. When you are ready, compare three free quotes from MCS-certified installers โ€” MCS certification is essential for export payments.

Answered by BestBuilders Editorial Team in July 2026 · How we research & fact-check
Ready to get it done? Compare 3 free quotes from vetted local solar installation specialists — takes 60 seconds.

Get My 3 Free Quotes →

More answered questions

Ask your own question →