🧮 Interactive Calculator · Updated July 2026 · Real UK Data

Solar Panel Cost Calculator UK

Get a 2026 UK solar panel cost estimate in 30 seconds. Choose system size, battery capacity and region for an instant installed cost. 0% VAT, MCS-certified installer pricing including scaffolding, inverter and the G98/G99 DNO application. No email required.

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Solar panel costs in the UK (2026)Typical installed prices by option — 2026 — Source: BestBuilders.co.uk · typical UK prices 2026 · excludes VAT & access variances Solar panel costs in the UK (2026) Typical installed prices by option — 2026 £0 £5k £10k £15k £20k 3 kWp system 8 panels, no battery £4.3k–£5.6k 4 kWp system 10 panels, no battery £5.4k–£7k 5 kWp system 13 panels, no battery £6.5k–£8.5k 10 kWp system 25 panels, no battery £11.7k–£15.3k 5 kWp + 5 kWh battery with storage £9.4k–£12.2k 6 kWp + 10 kWh battery with storage £12.4k–£16.1k Source: BestBuilders.co.uk · typical UK prices 2026 · excludes VAT & access variances BestBuilders.co.uk
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Estimate Your Solar Cost in 30 Seconds

3 steps. 0% VAT is reflected throughout (UK relief to March 2027); pricing includes scaffolding, inverter, DC isolator and the G98/G99 DNO application. Savings and SEG export are explained below.

Methodology

How This Calculator Works

Our solar calculator combines system size, battery capacity and region with real 2026 MCS-certified installer pricing at 0% VAT, including scaffolding, inverter and the DNO application.

System & Battery (installed, 0% VAT)

  • 3 kWp £4,300–£5,600 · 4 kWp £5,500–£7,100
  • 5 kWp £6,600–£8,500 · 6 kWp £7,700–£9,900
  • 10 kWp £11,900–£15,400
  • +5 kWh battery ~£3,500 · +10 kWh ~£5,800 · +15 kWh ~£8,200
  • Per-kWp pricing falls from ~£1,650/kWp at 3 kWp to ~£1,350/kWp at 10 kWp.

Includes panels, inverter, scaffolding, DC isolator and the G98/G99 DNO application at 0% VAT.

Savings, SEG & Regional Multipliers

  • A 5 kWp + 5 kWh system typically pays back in ~9–12 years.
  • Surplus is exported under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), ~£0.15/kWh.
  • Battery raises self-use from ~30% (export-only) to ~85% (15 kWh).
  • London 1.22× · South East 1.12× · Midlands 1.00× (baseline)
  • North 0.92× · Wales 0.94× · Scotland 0.96× · NI 0.90×

This tool shows installed cost only. Savings, SEG income and payback depend on your usage and tariff — see the cost guide. Low/high band reflects a ±13% spread.

Typical Solar Panel Installation Costs (2026)

Installed at 0% VAT incl. scaffolding, inverter & DNO application, Midlands baseline (±13%).

System sizeBatteryCost range
3 kWp (8 panels)None£4,306–£5,593
4 kWp (10 panels)None£5,394–£7,006
5 kWp (13 panels)None£6,525–£8,475
10 kWp (25 panels)None£11,745–£15,255
5 kWp+5 kWh battery£9,418–£12,232
6 kWp+10 kWh battery£12,363–£16,057

These figures power the calculator above — enter your own spec for a tailored estimate. For the full breakdown, read our complete cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in 2026?

A 4 kWp system (10 panels) typically costs £5,500-£7,100 installed in 2026, a 5 kWp system £6,600-£8,500 and a 10 kWp system £11,900-£15,400. Prices reflect 0% VAT and per-kWp pricing falls from £1,650/kWp at 3 kWp to £1,350/kWp at 10 kWp.

How much does a solar battery add?

An installed battery adds roughly £3,500 for 5 kWh, £5,800 for 10 kWh and £8,200 for 15 kWh at 0% VAT. A battery raises your self-use from about 30% (export-only) to 55% (5 kWh), 72% (10 kWh) or 85% (15 kWh).

What is the payback period for solar?

A typical 5 kWp system with a 5 kWh battery pays back in around 9-12 years through bill savings plus SEG export income, then generates for the rest of its 25+ year life. Payback is faster with high self-use and a good export tariff.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

Surplus solar you don't use is exported to the grid and paid for under the Smart Export Guarantee. A typical 2026 rate is around £0.15/kWh, though some tariffs such as Octopus Outgoing Agile can pay far more at peak times — it pays to shop around.

Is there VAT on solar panels?

No. Domestic solar panels and batteries currently attract 0% VAT under UK relief running to March 2027, which is reflected in all the prices here. Installation should be carried out by an MCS-certified installer to qualify for SEG payments.

How accurate is this solar cost calculator?

It gives a realistic guide based on 2026 UK prices for your chosen system size and battery option, not a fixed quote. Your final figure depends on roof pitch and orientation, tile type, scaffolding needs, cable runs to the consumer unit and any tree shading. An MCS installer confirms the exact price after a roof survey.

What does the estimate include and exclude?

The figure covers panels, inverter, mounting, DC/AC wiring, scaffolding and MCS-certified installation at 0% VAT. It excludes a battery unless you add one, plus roof repairs, a fuse-board upgrade, bird-proofing, a new meter or any DNO application fee for larger arrays. A survey confirms which extras your property needs.

Why might a real solar quote differ from the calculator?

The calculator assumes a straightforward pitched roof with clear access. After a survey, an installer may adjust for a complex or steep roof, awkward scaffolding, a west/east split array, non-standard rafters or a consumer unit that needs upgrading. South-facing London and rural jobs also vary, so treat the estimate as a starting point.
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Reviewed by the BestBuilders editorial team on 23 July 2026 · Next scheduled review: October 2026 · See our editorial standards.