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Last updated on January 10th, 2025

How much does solar panel installation cost in 2025?

As energy prices rise, more UK homeowners are turning to solar panels to reduce their energy bills and their carbon footprint. With the cost of solar panels in the UK decreasing, there's never been a better time to plan for this energy-efficient home upgrade.

Fast Facts

  • A 4kW photovoltaic (PV) system, suitable for a 2-3 bedroom house typically costs around £8,000 (incl. installation). Including an inverter and solar battery takes the average cost to around £12,000
  • You could save around £735 per year on your energy bills (based on a 4kW system) and earn up to £360 a year selling unused energy back to the National Grid
  • A 4kW solar system typically takes around 10 years to break even
  • Government grants and schemes can help to reduce the cost of installing solar panels

What’s the average cost of solar panel installation in the UK?

The cost of solar panels varies depending on the type and size of the system you require. The table below provides some estimate costs based on several standard system sizes.

SystemProperty typeEstimated cost (solar)Number of 250W panelsRoof area requiredPlus battery storageBattery storage costTotal install cost (solar + battery storage)Typical break even period (solar only)
3kW PV system Terraced£6,0001220m²5kWh£4,500£10,50010 years
4kW PV systemSemi-detached£8,0001627m²8kWh£8,000£16,00011 years
5kW PV systemSmall detached£9,0002033m²10kWh£9,000£18,00012 years
6kW PV systemLarge detached£10,0002440m²12kWh£10,000£20,00013 years
Solar thermal system (3.6m²)£5,000 - £6,000

Last updated: January 2025
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now

The bigger the size of your solar panel system, the higher your solar panel installation cost will be. However, don’t be tempted to buy a smaller system to make your solar panel installation more affordable. Solar panel systems with higher kW generate more electricity, so you’ll save more money in the long run.

The exception is solar thermal panels. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems (what we normally refer to when we talk about solar panels), solar thermal panels don’t convert sunlight into electricity. Instead, they use sunlight to provide heat for hot water and home heating systems.

Average solar panel costs

  • A 4kw solar panel system, suitable for a 2-3 bedroom house, typically costs around £8,000
  • A 6kW system, more suited to a larger, 4+ bedroom house, typically costs around £10,000

Solar panel installation costs

Labour costs to install the solar panels are typically included in the quote. But as a guide, expect to pay around £300 per day, per installer.

  • Installation is normally undertaken by two installers
  • Solar panel installation on a standard system can normally be completed in one day
  • The complexity of the electrical wiring, roof accessibility issues, or your roof being in poor condition can all impact labour costs

Tip: When hiring a solar panel installer, remember to look for accreditation from the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme).

Solar battery costs

Adding a solar battery will increase your solar panel installation costs. However, it’s often more cost-effective to buy it at the same time as your solar panels rather than adding it later on.

  • Solar batteries can make you less reliant on the National Grid, by helping you to use more of the renewable energy you’ve generated yourself
  • In turn, this can help to save more money in the long run
  • A standard 4kWh battery (Lithium ion, 6,000 cycles with a 10-15 year life) costs around £4,000

Read our solar battery storage system cost guide for more detailed information.

Solar inverter costs

The solar inverter is an essential component that converts the DC electricity produced by your solar panels into AC electricity for use in your home.

A standard 4kW inverter (that will typically last around 12 years) costs, on average, £900.

Ongoing maintenance costs

Regular cleaning and maintenance will help to ensure your solar panels work efficiently.

  • On average, solar panel cleaning costs between £4 and £15 per panel and should be done every 6-12 months
  • An annual solar panel service normally costs between £100 and £200

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Factors affecting solar panel installation costs

Several factors will influence the total cost of installing your solar panels, including:

  • The size of the system: Larger homes tend to use more energy, which affects the size of the system you need. The larger the system, the higher your upfront costs, but you’ll see greater energy savings
  • The type of system: High-efficiency, Monocrystalline panels cost more than Polycrystalline panels, but provide better long-term savings
  • Additional components: Costs will increase if you include a solar battery, if you need additional mounting equipment, or pigeon-proofing
  • Installation complexity: More complex electrical wiring, wiring upgrades, or custom panel arrangements will add to your solar panel price
  • Roof condition: Structural reinforcement to support the weight of the panels, special mounting for slate roofs, for example, or roof repairs can all increase overall costs
  • Accessibility: The ease of access to the roof and the loft space can impact the price you are quoted
  • Regional variances: Labour costs vary across the country. Get quotes from several local companies to get a fair and competitive price for your solar panel installation
  • Solar panel grants: If you’re eligible for a solar panel grant, this will help to reduce the overall cost

Learn about the types of solar panels and what to consider when choosing the best solar panels for your home in our buying guide.

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Solar panel cost calculator

Our solar panel cost calculator provides an estimate of how much it could cost to install this renewable energy solution on your home. Make your selections to get a rough project cost.

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£Small detached per m2
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Your solar panel installation project could cost:

Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK. All the costs are estimates only and for accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job. Read our disclaimer for more information.

Get a quote for your solar panel installation

For an accurate quote, search for certified installers in your area.

  • Checkatrade solar panel installers are checked and approved
  • All our members have Public Liability Insurance
  • The work of our tradespeople is covered by the Checkatrade Guarantee

Use our request a quote feature to get quotes from solar panel installers near you, or search your postcode, below, to browse a list of highly-rated solar panel companies in your area.

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How much can you save with solar panels?

Installing solar panels not only reduces your energy bills but you can also earn money through government schemes.

1. Typical energy savings

Every household is different, so it’s hard to say exactly how much money you could save from installing solar panels.

A 4kW solar panel can save you around £735 in electricity bills* (Estimate based on Dec 2024 electricity prices).

When estimating your savings, it’s worth bearing in mind a few key factors, including:

  • The size of your solar panel system
  • How much electricity your household uses
  • The cost of electricity
  • How you maximise the energy you generate
  • How efficient your solar panels are
  • Whether you receive an income from solar panel grants such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

To maximise the amount you can save on your energy bills, it’s best to use appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher when the sun is out. Using your appliances while your solar panels are active will enable you to run them using the energy you’re generating. Small changes like this can make a big difference to your energy bills.

2. Government incentives and schemes

To help offset your solar panel installation cost, you can get paid for the solar energy you generate but don’t use through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Offset your solar panel costs with SEG payments

Depending on the supplier you choose, you can generally earn up to 6.4p per kWh or around £360 a year.

This energy then gets used by the National Grid, allowing other homes to make use of the renewable energy that’s been generated by your solar panels.

To do this, you need to apply to an SEG Licensee (an electricity supplier that offers an SEG tariff).

It’s worth shopping around to get the best rates as, if you export lots of energy to the National Grid, this can make a big difference to how much you earn.

Reduce your solar panel costs with government grants

There are several schemes available that can help to reduce the cost of solar panel installation. However, you’ll need to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria. These include:

  • ECO4
  • ECO Flex
  • The Home Upgrade Grant
  • Solar Together
  • 0% VAT

Read our guide to solar panel grants and schemes for more detailed information.

3. Understanding the payback period

In the UK, it typically takes around 10 years to break even after installing solar panels. That is, the time it takes for the savings from your solar panels to equal your initial investment. However, this will depend on several factors:

  • The type of solar panel system you install
  • The size of your system
  • Your export tariff
  • How much energy your home uses
  • Current electricity prices

After you’ve broken even, the huge cost savings you get from lower energy bills and the SEG will all go straight into your pocket. So, as long as you’re not planning on moving home in the next few years, the initial cost of solar panel installation will certainly be worth it in the long run.

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Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels are certainly an investment, but you’ll benefit from reduced energy bills, less reliance on fluctuating energy prices, clean energy, and a possible increase in your property value.

As we’ve outlined, there is the potential to reduce the cost of solar panel installation through government schemes. You can also earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Solar panels typically pay for themselves after approx.10 years, so as long as you’re planning to stay in your property for at least that term, they are a wise investment.

solar panels cost

Find certified solar panel installers near you

As a significant investment, it’s important to hire a certified solar panel installer near you who is highly experienced and MCS accredited.

When requesting quotes for the cost of solar panel installation, ask for itemisation, so you can compare solar panel prices like-for-like. Remember to ask about warranties too.

Our hiring guide outlines what to look for in a reputable installer.

When you’re ready to start your search, simply enter your postcode, below. You’ll be able to read customer reviews, see examples of previous work, and check the qualifications of approved solar panel installers in your area.

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FAQs

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels benefit from direct sunlight but still generate using daylight, not heat. That means they can generate (smaller amounts of energy) even on cloudy winter days.

As daylight hits the cells on the panels, it is converted into direct current (DC) energy. This passes through an inverter to turn it into AC energy to use in the home. Excess, unused energy can be fed back to the National Grid.

Are my home and roof suitable for solar panels?

Solar panels harvest solar energy in almost all circumstances, but maximising the benefit is all about looking at your own home’s situation.

Orientation: As a northern hemisphere country, the best orientation for solar panels in the UK is south-facing. This means the panels can enjoy the sun as it moves through the eastern, southern and western sky during the day. The height of the sun in the sky changes based on the season and the panels work at maximum efficiency when angled directly at the sun.

Pitch: The ideal pitch of solar panels would need adjusting throughout the year – steeper in winter (as the sun is lower) and flatter in summer. Clearly, that is impractical for most people, so experts tend to agree that around 30˚ is the best compromise. Again, solar panels will generate some energy in almost all instances.

Size: Panels vary in size, but the typical panel is 1m x 1.65m. Typical 3kWp arrays of panels (12 standard panels) will therefore need 20m² of roof space. The amount of useable roof space varies with different houses. Still, it’s possible that if you live in a small mid-terraced home, you might only have between 15-18m² of potential space – so factor that into your planning.

Do solar panels need maintenance?

Solar panels work more efficiently when they are cleaner. The taller the pitch of the roof, the less likely the panels are to gather dust or bird droppings. The relatively large and regular rainfall in the UK also tends to give them regular rinsing.

However, if your panels regularly get bird droppings on them, you will need to clean them. Ideally, this should be around every six months.

The good news is that many installers offer self-cleaning solar panels. They consist of a hydrophobic coating on the glass, which stops raindrops from sticking to the surface. As they drop off, they clean the glass very effectively.

From a maintenance perspective, it’s also essential to ensure that nearby tree branches are not growing too close to the panels over the years. Overhanging leafy branches will affect your panels’ output.

How much does it cost to clean solar panels?

Solar panel cleaning costs can be around £15 per panel.

When it comes to solar panel maintenance, it’s sensible to pay for an annual service, which will ensure your panels are in good working order and pick up on any issues before they turn into more expensive problems. An annual service typically costs around £150.

The most expensive maintenance cost you’ll see is the cost of replacing the inverter. An inverter typically lasts around 12 years and costs approximately £900.

Will having solar panels increase my home’s value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home. They can improve your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, reduce energy bills, and protect you from rising energy prices, making them an attractive addition for many potential buyers.

Our guide on whether solar panels add value to your house goes into more detail.

Will I need planning permission to install solar panels on my home?

The installation of solar panels is part of your Permitted Development Rights – meaning you don’t need to gain formal planning consent to install them.

There are exceptions to this rule, such as limiting the installation of panels to the rear of a property in a conservation area, and prohibiting them entirely if your home is listed. Your home might also be exempt from Permitted Development Rights under an Article 4 direction.

If you have the land and intend to install stand-alone panels in your garden rather than the roof, the array can be no bigger than 9m² and must be at least 5m from the boundary.

What are the pros and cons of solar panels?

Pros of solar panels:

  • Guaranteed income from selling your energy back to the National Grid (tax-free and index-linked)
  • Cost savings – benefit from free energy generated from your panels
  • Sustainability – solar energy is a renewable energy source that doesn’t negatively impact the environment
  • Future-proofing – an element of insulation from future energy rises
  • Payback – they will pay for themselves after a period of around 10 years

Cons of solar panels:

  • Installation costs – solar panels are a significant investment, although prices are reducing
  • Aesthetics – not everyone likes the appearance of solar panels

Are there incentives to help with the solar panel installation cost in 2025?

There are several incentives available to help with the cost of solar panel installation:

  • Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) – Eligible homes can get discounted (or free) solar panels, however, it’s only for the most energy-inefficient homes, and homeowners must meet other eligibility criteria too
  • Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)All households that have solar panels can get paid to export their excess electricity back to the National Grid
  • Zero VAT – Energy-saving materials and equipment (including solar panel supply and installation) will now have 0% VAT. Ordinarily, the VAT rate on these items would sit at 20%. The discounted rate will continue until 31st March 2027

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* Saving estimates are based on a 4kWp solar panel. These savings add up, offsetting the installation cost in a few years. This estimate is based on electricity prices as of Dec 2024.

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Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.

All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.

Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.

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Andra ra

Thank you for all your information. Very usefull

Elizabeth cook

Extremely informative and helpful in making a decision to purchase solar panels.

Sandra

A very helpful guide to solar panel installation

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Well written in simple language, informative, excellent.

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Very informative and detailed guide Very useful

Mark Campbell

Very insightful article and extremely helpful.

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