Thinking about going solar this year? Good shout. Solar panels are a clean, zero-carbon way to slash your energy bills and reduce your reliance on the National Grid. But while the sunlight is free, the kit that harnesses it unfortunately isn’t.
- 📊 Solar Panel System Cost Table (UK, 2025)
- Average Solar Panel Costs in the UK
- How Much is Solar Battery Storage?
- How Much Can You Save with Solar Panels?
- Payback Period for Solar Panels
- Solar Installation Costs: What’s Included?
- Funding and Grants for Solar Panels in 2025
- Is Your Home Suitable for Solar Panels?
- Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2025?
The good news? It’s now cheaper than ever to get solar panels installed in the UK, plus, with rising energy prices and improved efficiency, the average home can break even in as little as 10 years. That’s quicker than most kids learn to stack a dishwasher properly.
But how much do they cost, and are they worth it?
Let’s break it down with the latest 2025 data, including installation costs, savings, and available funding.
⚡ Already thinking solar’s a good shout? [Get a fixed price in 60 seconds with our quote tool] - no pushy calls, no obligations, just a free design and instant price.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
The average 4.0 kWp (kilowatt peak) solar system in the UK costs between £6,500 and £8,000
A single 400-watt solar panel costs between £150 and £300
With Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), annual savings can reach £585 or more
The typical payback period is 10–13 years, depending on battery use
Batteries can increase savings by up to 30%, but raise upfront cost
📊 Solar Panel System Cost Table (UK, 2025)
System Size | Panels | Average Cost | Est. Annual Saving | Break-even |
3.0 kWp | 7-8 | £5,000–£6,500 | £350–£400 | 13–15 years |
4.0 kWp | 10 | £6,500–£8,000 | £465–£585 | 10–12 years |
4.0 kWp + Battery | 10 | £10,000–£14,000 | £585–£765 | 12–14 years |
Average Solar Panel Costs in the UK
The cost of a solar panel system depends on several factors:
System size: Measured in kilowatt-peak (kWp), larger systems cost more but generate more power.
Panel type: Premium monocrystalline panels (£1,000–£1,500/kW) are pricier than polycrystalline (£900/kW) or thin-film (£400–£800/kW).
Installation complexity: Roof size, height, angle, and shading affect labour costs.
Location: Labour rates vary, with London being the most expensive.
Additional components: Inverters, mounting systems, and optional batteries add to the total.
💷 The average cost of a solar panel system in the UK is between £5,000 and £8,000, depending on system size and type. Installation is usually included.
How Much is a Single Solar Panel in the UK?
A single 400-watt solar panel costs £150–£350, depending on brand and efficiency. This price excludes installation, inverters, or mounting systems.
For context, a 4.0 kWp system requires 10 such panels, plus labour and materials, bringing the total to £7,000–£12,000.
Pro tip: Higher-efficiency panels cost more upfront but generate more electricity, potentially lowering your payback period.
kWp stands for ‘kilowatt peak'. This is the amount of power that a solar panel or array will produce per hour in ideal conditions.
How Much is Solar Battery Storage?
A solar battery will allow you to store the electricity your solar panels generate - so that you can sell the energy back to the grid or use it later e.g. in the evening.
In fact, a solar battery can allow you to use around 30% more solar energy, meaning that you could save around £180 a year on your energy and reduce your carbon footprint by around 15%.
On average a new solar battery will cost between £4,000 and £8,000 depending on the size, type and brand of the battery.
For example, one of the most popular solar battery brands is the Tesla Powerwall, which offers their batteries at around ~£7,995 for a battery which will provide capacity for the average three-bedroom house.
In general, the larger the battery the more it will cost. Sometimes, life really is that simple.
While there are major benefits to having a solar battery installed with your solar panel array, it's worth noting that they will increase your break-even point period, so it's important to factor this into the calculations.
🏡 Case Study: A Real Solar Installation
Case study: See how one Heatable customer saved £750/year with a 4.0 kWp system and battery in our detailed Q&A.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
How Much Can You Save with Solar Panels?
Savings depend on system size, energy consumption, and whether you use a battery or SEG:
Energy bill savings: A 4.0 kWp system saves £400–£600/year, based on 2025 Energy Price Guarantee rates.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Earn £80–£170/year by selling excess energy at 4–15p/kWh (rates vary by supplier, e.g., Scottish Power offers up to 15p/kWh).
With a battery: Save an extra £150–£200 by storing energy instead of exporting it.
Total potential savings for a 4.0 kWp system: £550–£800/year (bills + SEG). Your location matters; southern UK homes generate more solar energy (e.g., 4,200 kWh/year in South England vs. 3,400 kWh in Scotland).
Try it yourself: Use our Solar Energy Calculator to estimate savings based on your location and usage.
Payback Period for Solar Panels
The payback period - the time it takes for savings to cover installation costs, ranges from 8–15 years, depending on:
Initial costs: £7,000–£12,000 for a 4.0 kWp system.
Savings: £550–£800/year (bills + SEG).
Funding: Grants or 0% VAT reduce upfront costs.
Panel lifespan: Most panels last 25–30 years with 80–90% efficiency after 20 years.
Example: A £9,000 system saving £650/year breaks even in ~14 years. With ECO4 funding or 0% VAT, this could drop to 8–10 years.The exact break-even point will depend on your location, how much energy you use and how much you are paid under the SEG.
What should you know before buying solar? Have a flat roof? Read all about flat roof solar and if you have a conservatory, it is possible to have solar on a conservatory roof too.
Solar Installation Costs: What’s Included?
Installation costs (typically 25–30% of the total) cover:
Materials: Panels, inverters, mounting brackets, and wiring.
Labour: Varies by region (£300–£500/day, 1–3 days).
Miscellaneous: Scaffolding (required for safety), permits, and grid connection fees.
Hidden costs to watch:
Pigeon-proofing: £50–£150/panel to prevent bird damage.
Maintenance: Annual checks cost ~£100.
Structural survey: ~£200–£500 if your roof’s strength is uncertain.
Funding and Grants for Solar Panels in 2025
Several schemes make solar more affordable:
ECO4 Scheme: Offers free or subsidised panels for low-income households (EPC rating D–G, receiving benefits like Universal Credit). Apply via your energy supplier or local council.
0% VAT: No VAT on solar panels or batteries until March 2027, saving ~£2,850 on a 4.0 kWp system.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Earn 4–15p/kWh for excess energy. Compare suppliers for the best rate.
Home Upgrade Grant (England): Up to £10,000 for off-gas-grid homes with EPC D–G.
Warm Homes Nest Scheme (Wales): Free improvements for low-income households or those with health conditions.
Home Energy Scotland: Grants up to £7,500 or interest-free loans up to £5,000 (with heat pump or storage heaters).
Note: Northern Ireland and Scotland lack dedicated solar grants, but SEG and 0% VAT apply. Check eligibility with NI Energy Advice or Home Energy Scotland.
💬 “The smoothest install process I’ve ever had” – Phil Broadhurst - Actual Heatable customer (not just someone from marketing).
Is Your Home Suitable for Solar Panels?
Before investing, consider:
Roof suitability: South-facing roofs (or east/west) at 10–60° angles are ideal. Shading from trees or buildings reduces efficiency.
Roof strength: A 10-panel system weighs ~200 kg. Older roofs may need a structural survey (£200–£500).
Energy needs: A 3–4 person household typically needs a 3.5–4.0 kWp system (10–12 panels, 21–28 m²). Check your energy bills to confirm.
Planning permission: Usually not required (permitted development), but check for listed buildings or conservation areas.
Quick check: Use our roof suitability guide to see if solar is right for your home.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely. With rising energy costs, solar panels offer:
Financial savings: £550–£800/year, with a payback period of 8–15 years.
Environmental impact: Save ~1 tonne of CO₂ annually, equivalent to driving 3,600 miles.
Property value: Increase home value by 6.2–6.8%.
Energy independence: Shield against future price hikes.
Downside: High upfront costs and long payback periods may not suit those planning to move within 10 years.
Why Choose Heatable for Your Solar Installation?
MCS Accredited: High-quality standards guaranteed.
Which? Trusted Trader: 4.9/5 on Trustpilot with 10,000+ reviews.
Named One of the Best UK Solar Installers by The Independent.
Exclusive REA Fusion Panels: Premium efficiency, available only through Heatable.
No Hidden Costs: Fixed-price quotes with flexible financing options.
HIES Protection: 2-year deposit security.
Bespoke Design Tool: Visualise your system and savings here.
See it in action: Watch Phil’s video testimonial or read our customer case study to learn how Heatable transformed one home’s energy bills.
Next Steps for Your Solar Journey:
Check eligibility for ECO4 or other grants via your energy supplier or our funding guide).
Assess your roof using our solar suitability tool.
Get a free quote: Answer a few questions for up to 4 tailored, no-obligation quotes from MCS-certified installers. Start now.
Explore more:
Head to our solar advice hub or YouTube channel for expert tips and real customer stories.
