Solar panel costs and finance
Typical UK costs, how VAT works and what decides your price, with sources.
Typical UK costs
These are published UK figures from independent sources, not our prices. Your own quote depends on your roof, how much power you use and the equipment you choose.
| Item | Typical UK figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Typical home system, about 4.5 kWp | Around £7,600 | Energy Saving Trust |
| Home battery | Around £5,000 to £8,000 | Energy Saving Trust |
| Export payment (Smart Export Guarantee) | Around 12p per unit | Energy Saving Trust |
| Payback for a typical home | 9 to 11 years in the locations listed | Energy Saving Trust, July 2026 fuel prices |
| VAT on home solar installation in Great Britain | 0% to 31 March 2027, then 5% | HMRC guidance |
What decides your price
- System size and the number of panels your roof can take
- Roof type, height and access, including scaffolding
- Panel and inverter choice
- Whether you add a battery or an EV charger
- The state of your electrical supply and consumer unit
Savings and payback
How much you save depends on how much of your generation you use yourself, what you pay for grid power and what you earn from exports. We go through the savings and the payback period with you using your own figures before you commit.
VAT
Installing solar panels in a home is zero-rated for VAT in Great Britain from 1 May 2023 to 31 March 2027. Home batteries qualify too. From 1 April 2027 the rate reverts to 5%. Check the current position with us before you order.
Paying for it
Ask us about payment options when you request a quote. Grants change often, so check gov.uk and Energy Saving Trust for what is currently available, and we will tell you about any that apply to your property.
Get an exact price
Send your postcode and a rough idea of your electricity use and we will give you a rough quote the same day. A survey follows if you want to go ahead.
Cost questions
How much do solar panels cost?
Energy Saving Trust puts a typical 4.5 kWp home system at around £7,600. Your price depends on your roof, the system size, the equipment, scaffolding and whether you add a battery. After a survey we send a written quote.
How long do solar panels take to pay for themselves?
Energy Saving Trust's July 2026 figures show payback of 9 to 11 years in the locations it lists, including export payments. Your own figure depends on how much power you use in the day, your tariff and the system size. We go through the savings and payback with you before you commit.
Is there VAT on solar panels and batteries?
Installing solar panels in a home is zero-rated for VAT in Great Britain from 1 May 2023 to 31 March 2027, and home batteries qualify too. From 1 April 2027 the rate reverts to 5%, according to HMRC guidance.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee?
It pays you for surplus solar power you send to the grid. Licensed suppliers set their own rates and terms, and rates must be above zero. Energy Saving Trust quotes around 12p per unit. Compare suppliers before you choose.
Do I need a battery?
Not always. A battery stores spare daytime power for the evening and helps if you use most of your electricity after dark. Energy Saving Trust says batteries cost around £5,000 to £8,000. Many can be added to an existing system, and we check compatibility first.
Find out what solar could save you
Tell us about your home or business and we will send a rough quote the same day.