UK Solar Guides: Costs, Grants and Payback
Use these guides in order: understand whether the roof and numbers make sense, check the rules and funding claims, then compare an installer and quote.
Start with size, output and payback
How many panels?
Turn annual use, panel wattage and usable roof area into a panel-count range.
Solar output in the UK
Understand kWp, annual kWh, direction, shade and monthly variation.
Payback calculator
Edit installed cost, self-use, export and generation assumptions.
Costs, equipment and batteries
Solar panel costs
Check what an installed quote should include.
Battery storage
Separate battery value from the panel case.
Panels, inverters and batteries
Compare equipment without losing sight of system design.
Rules, grants and export
Planning permission
Know when permitted development may apply and when to ask the council.
Solar grants
Check ECO4 and funding claims cautiously.
Smart Export Guarantee
Understand eligibility, meters, suppliers and tariff conditions.
Plug-in solar: current UK position
Follow the developing under-800W rules and safety requirements.
Choose and compare quotes
Choose an installer
Verify MCS credentials, contracts, equipment and warranties.
Questions to ask
Use a practical list before signing.
Compare quote assumptions
Find the input making a savings claim look attractive.
Downloadable visual checklist
A shareable resource for homeowners and community groups.
How we work
Read about Here4Solar, our editorial policy and the sources and calculation methodology.
New practical guides
EDF export tariff rates
Compare the current EDF routes, eligibility and documents.
Solar panel repairs
Work through faults, safety warnings, warranties and repair checks.
Solar data
UK solar export tariff and SEG licensee dataset
Download a dated, sourced CSV or JSON covering selected 2026/27 Ofgem SEG suppliers plus market-context export products.
Interactive solar tools
UK solar export tariff finder
Filter sourced flat-rate offers by supply, installation and battery conditions, with optional annual export estimates.
Supplier export tariff guides
EDF
18p, 15p, 5.6p and 3p routes.
Octopus
Flat, Prime, Agile and Flux options.
E.ON Next
17.5p, 13p and 6p routes.
British Gas
Rates by supply and system size.
ScottishPower
SmartGen 15p, 12p and 6p routes.
Good Energy
25p Exclusive and current standard-rate checks.
Solar research
UK Solar Export Tariff Transparency Report 2026
Primary-source findings from 25 flat-rate records, with reusable source data.
Price check: find out whether your quote should use 0% VAT for installed solar panels or batteries.
Looking for an ECO4 form? See which online ECO4 form matches your route and why a form is not a funding guarantee.
Optional next step
Still researching solar? Keep one practical next step open.
Read the guides you need, then use a quote to turn general advice into numbers for your property.
- No pressure from Here4Solar
- Personalised home quote
- Check if solar could work
Compare at least three written quotes before choosing an installer.