Solar Panel Costs in the UK
Solar costs, made simple
How much do solar panels cost?
Energy Saving Trust says an average home solar system costs about £6,100 to install. Your price may be higher or lower. It depends on your roof, the number of panels and the work needed.
Compare a quote by system size
Price per kWp can help you spot a large difference between quotes for similar systems. It does not tell you which quote is best.
That works out at per kWp.
Use this only for like-for-like quotes. Compare a battery, roof repairs and other optional work separately. A higher price can also reflect different equipment, access, warranties or electrical work.
Energy Saving Trust recommends getting three quotes from MCS-certified installers. Compare the same system size, expected annual output and included work before choosing.
What should the price include?
- Solar panels and the frame that holds them.
- The inverter. This turns solar power into power your home can use.
- Scaffolding and safe roof access.
- Cables, switches and any changes to your fuse box.
- Design, testing and the final handover pack.
- Paperwork for your network company and MCS certificate.
- VAT, warranties and a clear list of anything not included.
Ask for the battery as a separate price
A battery stores spare solar power for later. It can be useful, but it adds a lot to the price. Ask for two quotes: one with a battery and one without. This makes the choice easier to judge.
Three costs that often surprise people
Roof work
Old tiles, repairs or a weak roof may need attention first.
Electrical work
Your fuse box, earth connection or cable route may need extra work.
Future parts
An inverter or battery may need replacing before the panels do.
How to compare quotes
Make sure each company is pricing the same size system and the same work. Then compare the expected yearly output. Ask the company to explain any large difference in plain English.
Do not choose on the lowest price alone. A cheaper quote may have fewer panels or leave out work that you still need.
Sources and official guidance3
VAT check: see when a supplied-and-installed solar system can be charged at 0% VAT and which extra works may be treated separately.
Link price to output: after comparing installed price per kWp, check the annual generation forecast per kWp.
Compare more than the total: use the three-quote worksheet for price, output, self-use, tariffs and warranties.
After comparing the prices: use the MCS solar installer checks to verify the business, consumer-code claim and deposit protection.
Optional next step
Seen the rough costs? Get numbers for your own roof.
Average prices only go so far. A home quote can separate panels, battery options, scaffolding and installation work.
- No pressure from Here4Solar
- Personalised home quote
- Check if solar could work
Compare at least three written quotes before choosing an installer.