Solar panel cost in the UK (2026)
A typical 3-bed home pays around £7,965 for a 12-panel system, fully installed. Here's what different system sizes cost and what pushes a quote up or down.
Updated October 2026
Solar panel prices by system size
| Panels | System size | Typical installed price | Yearly output (Midlands) | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2.6 kWp | £4,655 to £5,689 | 2,429 kWh | 1 to 2 bed home, terrace |
| 8 | 3.5 kWp | £5,486 to £6,706 | 3,238 kWh | 1 to 2 bed home, terrace |
| 10 | 4.4 kWp | £6,318 to £7,722 | 4,048 kWh | 3 bed semi |
| 12 | 5.3 kWp | £7,150 to £8,738 | 4,858 kWh | 3 bed semi |
| 14 | 6.2 kWp | £7,981 to £9,755 | 5,667 kWh | 4+ bed detached |
| 16 | 7.0 kWp | £8,813 to £10,771 | 6,477 kWh | 4+ bed detached |
440 W panels, including scaffolding, inverter, installation, MCS certificate and 0% VAT. Ranges are plus or minus 10% of the typical price.
Solar battery prices
| Battery | With new panels | Added later |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kWh | £3,000 | £3,700 |
| 10 kWh | £5,000 | £5,700 |
Adding a battery later costs more because it needs a separate visit and often its own inverter.
What's included in the price
- Panels, mounting rails and roof fixings
- An inverter, which converts the panels' DC power into AC for your home
- Scaffolding, typically £500 to £1,000 of the total
- Installation, wiring, a generation meter and isolators
- Notifying your network operator and issuing an MCS certificate, which you need for export payments
What makes a quote higher or lower
Roof access and scaffolding
Three-storey homes, conservatories in the way and narrow access all add scaffolding cost. Bungalows are usually cheapest.
Panel and inverter brand
Premium panels cost more but often carry 25 to 30 year product warranties. Optimisers or microinverters add cost but help on shaded or split roofs.
Electrical work
An old fuse board may need replacing, and long cable runs to the meter add labour. Systems over about 3.68 kW need permission from your network operator before installation, which can add a few weeks.
Roof type
Slate, clay tiles and flat roofs take longer to fit than concrete tiles. In-roof panels, which sit flush with the tiles, cost more than standard on-roof panels.
How long until solar panels pay for themselves?
Most homes break even in 7 to 10 years. A 12-panel system in the Midlands costing £7,944 saves about £861 in its first year at October 2026 prices, and electricity prices tend to rise over time. Use the solar panel calculator to work out your own payback.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
A typical 4 kWp system costs around £6,600 installed in 2026. Most homes pay between £5,500 and £10,000 for panels, depending on system size and roof.
How much do solar panels and a battery cost together?
A 5 kWp system with a 5 kWh battery typically costs around £10,650. With a 10 kWh battery, expect around £12,650.
Is there VAT on solar panels?
No. Solar panels and batteries installed in UK homes carry 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. After that the rate is due to return to 5%.
Why do solar panel quotes vary so much?
Prices change with scaffolding access, roof type, panel and inverter brand, cable runs and whether the fuse board needs upgrading. Comparing price per kWp is the fairest way to compare quotes.
Are cheap solar panel quotes worth it?
Be cautious with quotes well below the ranges on this page. Check the installer is MCS-certified, which you need to receive export payments, and that panels and workmanship carry long warranties.
Get a fixed price for your home
Our calculator estimates your system, then an MCS-certified installer gives a free, fixed quote.