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. This guide examines current market prices and what factors determine your specific installation cost.

Average UK Solar Panel Costs in 2024

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

| System Size | Number of Panels | Average Cost | |-------------|------------------|--------------| | 3kW | 8-10 panels | £4,500-£5,500 | | 4kW | 10-12 panels | £5,500-£7,000 | | 5kW | 12-14 panels | £7,000-£8,500 | | 6kW | 14-16 panels | £8,000-£10,000 |

These prices include panels, inverter, mounting system, and professional installation by MCS-certified installers.

What Influences Installation Costs?

Panel Quality and Efficiency

Solar panels come in different quality tiers:

**Budget panels** (16-18% efficiency): Lower cost but require more roof space

**Mid-range panels** (18-20% efficiency): Good balance of cost and performance

**Premium panels** (20-22%+ efficiency): Higher cost but maximum output per panel

Premium panels from manufacturers like SunPower, LG, or REC command higher prices but may be worthwhile for limited roof space or maximum generation goals.

Inverter Choice

The inverter converts DC solar power to AC household electricity. Options include:

**String inverters**: Most cost-effective for unshaded, uniform installations

**Microinverters**: Higher cost but better for partial shading or complex roofs

**DC optimisers**: Middle ground offering panel-level optimisation with central inverter

Roof Type and Complexity

Installation costs vary by roof type:

**Standard pitched tile roof**: Baseline cost

**Slate roof**: +£200-500 (more careful handling required)

**Flat roof**: +£300-600 (requires tilt mounting frame)

**Ground mount**: +£1,000-2,000 (requires foundation work)

Scaffolding Requirements

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

Standard scaffolding: £300-600

Complex scaffolding: £600-1,200

Electrical Distance

If panels are far from your consumer unit, additional cabling and installation time increases costs.

Regional Variations

London and the South East typically see slightly higher prices due to higher labour and operating costs. However, competition is strong, keeping prices relatively consistent nationally.

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** |

Adding Battery Storage

Battery storage costs are additional to panel installation:

| Battery Capacity | Typical Cost | |------------------|--------------| | 5kWh | £2,500-£4,000 | | 10kWh | £4,000-£6,500 | | 13.5kWh+ | £5,500-£7,500 |

Batteries significantly improve self-consumption and financial returns, particularly for households with high evening/night usage.

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 represents significant savings compared to the previous 5% reduced rate.

Getting the Best Value

To ensure you receive good value:

1. **Get multiple quotes**: Compare at least 3 installers 2. **Check MCS certification**: Essential for SEG registration and quality assurance 3. **Review warranty terms**: Look for 25-year panel and 10+ year inverter warranties 4. **Ask about monitoring**: Remote monitoring helps track performance 5. **Consider future needs**: Size for battery storage even if not installing immediately

Financing Options

Outright Purchase

Cash purchases deliver the best long-term returns—no interest costs reduce savings.

0% Finance

Some installers offer 0% finance, spreading costs without interest.

Solar Loans

Green loans from various lenders offer competitive rates for solar installations.

Is It Worth the Investment?

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

**Payback period**: 6-9 years

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

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

These returns assume reasonable self-consumption. Adding battery storage can improve returns further.

Get Your Personalised Quote

Every home is different—roof orientation, shading, electricity usage, and local factors all affect the optimal system and cost.

[Contact Eastbourne Energy](/contact) for a free, no-obligation assessment and quote tailored to your property. Or try our [solar calculator](/solar-calculator) for an instant estimate based on your circumstances.