Solar panels, explained simply.

Take it one step at a time

1. Check your home

   Look at roof space, shade and who owns the roof. An installer must check its condition and design a safe system.

   Could panels suit your home?

2. Get the full price

   Ask what the quote includes. Price a battery on its own, so you can see what it adds to the bill.

   Understand solar costs

3. Check the savings

   Use your bill and the installer’s figures. How much electricity you use in the day makes a difference.

   Try the savings calculator

4. Compare before you choose

   Check the firm, the written offer and who will help if something goes wrong. Take time to ask questions.

   Choose an installer

Help with the panels you have

• Get paid for spare electricityCheck export rates and the rules attached to each offer.
• Think about adding a batteryCheck what will work with your system and how much you could use.
• Get help with a faultStart with safe checks from the ground and find the right person to call.
• Set up or check export paymentsLearn what paperwork you need and what to do if payments are missing.

If you see smoke, sparks or damaged wiring, keep away. Use the urgent safety advice first.

A few words you’ll see

kWh

One unit of electricity, as shown on your bill.

Export

Spare electricity you send to the grid.

Inverter

The part that turns panel electricity into power your home can use.

Advice you can follow up

Our guides link to official sources, explain the limits of estimates and show when tariff rates were checked. You can read how we use sources and tell us if something needs correcting.

• See our sources and methodsWhere the facts and examples come from.
• Browse all solar guidesFind funding, planning, equipment and aftercare help.