Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2025?
Given the high cost of electricity in 2025, the question isn't really whether solar panels are worth it — it's how worth it they are. For most UK homeowners with a suitable south-facing roof and average daytime energy use, solar panels pay back their installation cost in 7–9 years and then generate free electricity for another 15–20 years after that.
This guide covers the realistic financials, what affects the return, and the situations where solar might not be the right choice.
The Financial Case for Solar Panels in the UK
Electricity prices in 2025
The Ofgem energy price cap means the unit rate for electricity in Great Britain is around 24p/kWh in early 2025. Every unit your solar panels generate (and you use directly) saves you that 24p. For a 4kW system generating 3,400 kWh/year, with 50% self-consumption, that's a saving of around £408/year on your electricity bill — without a battery.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments
You can earn money for excess electricity your panels export to the grid. The SEG requires licensed energy suppliers to pay you for this export. Competitive SEG rates in 2025 range from 10p to 24p per kWh. On a 4kW system exporting ~1,700 kWh/year, that's £170–£408/year in additional income.
Combined annual benefit
- Bill savings (50% self-consumption): £408
- SEG export income (at 10p/kWh): £170
- Total: ~£578/year for a 4kW system without battery
With a battery, self-consumption rises to 70–80%, and annual benefits typically reach £900–£1,200.
Solar Panel Payback Period in East Sussex
| System | Cost | Annual Benefit | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW (no battery) | £6,500 | ~£580 | ~9 years |
| 4kW + 5kWh battery | £9,500 | ~£1,000 | ~9–10 years |
| 6kW + 10kWh battery | £14,000 | ~£1,400 | ~10 years |
After payback, the system continues producing electricity for another 15–20 years with minimal maintenance costs.
Is My Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?
Ideal conditions for solar panels in the UK:
- South-facing roof — maximum output; SE/SW are also very good
- Roof angle of 30–45° — optimal for UK latitude
- Minimal shading — from trees, chimneys, or adjacent buildings
- Structurally sound roof — panels add ~15–20kg per square metre
East and west-facing roofs produce around 80% of what a south-facing system would, and can still be a good investment — especially with battery storage to shift usage to evenings.
When Might Solar Not Be Worth It?
Solar panels may not be the best investment if:
- Your roof is heavily shaded by tall trees or buildings
- You're planning major roof work or a house move within 5 years
- Your property is listed or in a conservation area with restrictions
- You have a north-facing roof only
Even in these cases, a free survey is worthwhile — shade mitigation (optimisers, microinverters) and east/west split systems often overcome apparent obstacles.
Are Solar Panels Worth It for Renters?
Unfortunately, renters can't typically install solar panels without landlord consent. If you own a rental property, solar panels are worth considering — they can increase the EPC rating, making the property more attractive to tenants and increasing its value. A minimum EPC rating of C will be required for new tenancies in the near future.
What Do Real Customers Say?
We've installed over 500 solar systems across East Sussex. The most common feedback: customers are surprised by how quickly the system pays for itself, particularly those who added battery storage and switched to a smart tariff like Octopus Intelligent.
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners in East Sussex with a south-, southeast-, or southwest-facing roof, solar panels in 2025 are very much worth it. With a 7–9 year payback and 25+ year panel warranties, the long-term return is substantial.
Get a free solar quote and see the numbers for your home →
Lee Standell
Solar Energy Specialist at Eastbourne Energy