What Is the Average Cost of Installing Solar Panels in the UK?

The average cost of installing solar panels in the UK has become increasingly competitive, making renewable energy more accessible than ever. Whether you're a homeowner in East Sussex or anywhere else in the country, this comprehensive guide examines current 2026 market prices, breaks down what factors determine your specific installation cost, and explains the government incentives that can reduce what you pay.

Average UK Solar Panel Costs in 2026

Based on current market data, typical residential solar installation costs in the UK are:

| System Size | Number of Panels | Average Cost | Suitable For | |-------------|------------------|--------------|-------------| | 3kW | 8–10 panels | £4,500–£5,500 | 1–2 bed homes, low usage | | 4kW | 10–12 panels | £5,500–£7,000 | 2–3 bed homes | | 5kW | 12–14 panels | £7,000–£8,500 | 3–4 bed homes | | 6kW | 14–16 panels | £8,000–£10,000 | 4+ bed homes, high usage | | 8kW+ | 18–22 panels | £10,000–£13,000 | Large homes or commercial |

These prices include panels, inverter, mounting system, and professional installation by MCS-certified installers. Prices have fallen around 15–20% since 2022 as panel manufacturing has scaled globally.

What Influences Installation Costs?

Panel Quality and Efficiency

Solar panels come in different quality tiers, and the choice affects both cost and long-term performance:

**Budget panels** (16–18% efficiency): Lower cost but require more roof space. Suitable for large, unshaded roofs where space isn't a constraint.

**Mid-range panels** (18–20% efficiency): Good balance of cost and performance. This is what most UK homeowners choose.

**Premium panels** (20–22%+ efficiency): Higher cost but maximum output per panel. Worth considering if roof space is limited or you want maximum generation from a smaller array.

Premium panels from manufacturers like SunPower, LONGi, or REC command higher prices but may be worthwhile for limited roof space or maximum generation goals. Most modern panels now come with 25-year product and performance warranties.

Inverter Choice

The inverter converts DC solar power to AC household electricity. It's a critical component that affects system performance:

**String inverters**: Most cost-effective for unshaded, uniform installations. A single inverter manages the whole array.

**Microinverters**: Higher cost (typically £50–80 more per panel) but better for partial shading or complex roofs. Each panel has its own inverter, so one shaded panel doesn't reduce the output of others.

**DC optimisers**: Middle ground offering panel-level optimisation with a central inverter. Good for roofs with mixed orientations.

Roof Type and Complexity

Installation costs vary by roof type:

**Standard pitched tile roof**: Baseline cost — the most common and straightforward installation.

**Slate roof**: +£200–500 (more careful handling required to avoid breakage)

**Flat roof**: +£300–600 (requires tilt mounting frame to achieve optimal angle)

**Ground mount**: +£1,000–2,000 (requires foundation work, but avoids roof constraints)

Scaffolding Requirements

Multi-storey homes, steep roofs, or difficult access may require:

Standard scaffolding: £300–600

Complex scaffolding (e.g. narrow streets, conservation areas): £600–1,200

In areas like Hastings or Lewes, where terraced houses and narrow streets are common, scaffolding costs can be towards the higher end.

Electrical Distance

If panels are far from your consumer unit, additional cabling and installation time increases costs. Some older properties may also need a consumer unit upgrade (£200–400) to accommodate the solar system safely.

Regional Variations

London and the South East typically see slightly higher prices due to higher labour and operating costs. In East Sussex, installation costs are broadly in line with the national average — competitive local installers like Eastbourne Energy help keep prices keen without compromising on quality.

Breaking Down a Typical Quote

A 4kW solar installation quote might look like this:

| Component | Cost | |-----------|------| | Solar panels (10 × 400W) | £2,500–£3,500 | | Inverter | £800–£1,200 | | Mounting system | £400–£600 | | Electrical components | £200–£400 | | Scaffolding | £400–£600 | | Labour | £800–£1,200 | | **Total** | **£5,100–£7,500** |

When comparing quotes, make sure each includes the same scope. Some lower quotes may exclude scaffolding, monitoring setup, or DNO notification.

Adding Battery Storage

Battery storage costs are additional to panel installation but can significantly improve the financial case for solar:

| Battery Capacity | Typical Cost | Best For | |------------------|--------------|----------| | 5kWh | £2,500–£4,000 | Couples / low evening usage | | 10kWh | £4,000–£6,500 | Families / moderate usage | | 13.5kWh+ | £5,500–£7,500 | High usage / EV charging |

Batteries significantly improve self-consumption and financial returns, particularly for households with high evening or overnight usage. Without a battery, a typical home might self-consume 30–40% of the solar electricity generated. With a battery, this can rise to 70–80%, meaning far less wasted export.

Popular battery brands in the UK include Fox ESS, GivEnergy, Anker SOLIX, and Tesla Powerwall. Prices have been falling steadily and are expected to continue dropping through 2026.

Government Incentives and Financial Support

0% VAT on Solar Panels

Since April 2022, residential solar panel and battery installations in the UK benefit from **0% VAT**. This applies to systems installed on residential properties and is currently guaranteed until at least **March 2027**. This alone saves you £1,000–£2,000 on a typical installation compared to the standard 20% rate. This incentive applies to both solar panels and battery storage when installed at the same time.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The SEG requires energy suppliers with over 150,000 customers to offer a tariff for exported solar electricity. Current SEG rates vary between suppliers:

| Supplier | SEG Rate (approx.) | |----------|-------------------| | Octopus Energy | 4–15p/kWh (variable) | | EDF | 5.6p/kWh | | British Gas | 5.1p/kWh | | E.ON | 4.1p/kWh |

**Important:** You must have an MCS-certified installation to register for SEG payments. A typical 4kW system might export 1,500–2,500 kWh per year, earning £60–£375 annually depending on your tariff and self-consumption rate.

Agile export tariffs from Octopus Energy can pay significantly more during peak hours — some homeowners with batteries are timing their exports to maximise income.

ECO4 and Local Authority Grants

The ECO4 scheme and various local authority programmes may provide additional support for energy-efficient home improvements, though eligibility varies. Contact your local council or check the government's Simple Energy Advice service for current options.

How Long Until Solar Pays for Itself?

At current electricity prices and installation costs, solar panels typically deliver:

**Payback period**: 6–9 years (faster with a battery and smart tariff)

**Annual return on investment**: 10–15%

**Lifetime savings**: £15,000–£30,000+ over 25 years

**Annual bill reduction**: £600–£1,200 depending on system size and usage

These returns assume reasonable self-consumption. Adding battery storage shortens the payback period by 1–2 years for most households because you use more of what you generate rather than exporting it at lower rates.

Getting the Best Value

To ensure you receive good value:

1. **Get multiple quotes**: Compare at least 3 installers, ensuring quotes are like-for-like in scope 2. **Check MCS certification**: Essential for SEG registration, warranty validity, and quality assurance 3. **Review warranty terms**: Look for 25-year panel warranties and 10+ year inverter warranties 4. **Ask about monitoring**: Remote monitoring via an app helps track performance and spot issues early 5. **Consider future needs**: Size wiring and inverter for battery storage even if not installing immediately 6. **Check installer reviews**: Look for genuine Google reviews and completed local projects

Financing Options

Outright Purchase

Cash purchases deliver the best long-term returns — no interest costs eat into your savings. If you can afford the upfront cost, this is always the most cost-effective route.

0% Finance

Some installers offer 0% finance deals, spreading costs over 12–60 months without interest charges. This is increasingly common and can make solar accessible without any upfront cost.

Green Loans

Dedicated green loans from various lenders offer competitive rates for solar installations, typically 3–5% APR over 5–10 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

**How much do solar panels cost for a 3-bedroom house?** A typical 3-bed house in the UK would suit a 4–5kW system, costing between £5,500 and £8,500 installed. The exact price depends on panel choice, roof type, and whether you add battery storage.

**Are solar panels worth it in 2026?** Yes — with 0% VAT, falling panel prices, rising electricity costs, and SEG payments, solar panels offer strong returns. Most systems pay for themselves within 6–9 years and then generate free electricity for another 15–20+ years.

**Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?** Yes. Solar panels work with daylight, not direct sunlight. UK panels typically generate 80–90% of their rated output even on overcast days. Annual generation in southern England averages around 900–1,100 kWh per kWp installed.

**Can I install solar panels myself to save money?** While technically possible, DIY installation is not recommended. Without MCS certification, you cannot register for SEG payments, may void your home insurance, and won't receive manufacturer warranties. Professional installation also ensures electrical safety and building regulation compliance.

**Do solar panels increase property value?** Research suggests that solar panels can add 1–3% to a property's value, depending on the system size and age. They also make properties more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.

**How long do solar panels last?** Modern solar panels are warranted for 25 years and typically continue generating electricity for 30–40 years, albeit at gradually reducing efficiency (around 0.5% degradation per year).

Get Your Personalised Quote

Every home is different — roof orientation, shading, electricity usage, and local factors all affect the optimal system and cost. Use our [solar calculator](/solar-calculator) for an instant estimate based on your circumstances, or [contact Eastbourne Energy](/contact) for a free, no-obligation survey and quote tailored to your property.