Solar panels Home services cost guide: typical prices & fees in the UK

What UK households really pay today

A clear-eyed look at UK solar costs helps you plan with confidence. Typical 4kW systems for a 2–3 bed home come in at £6,500–£8,100 installed, with London often higher. Batteries improve self-use but add £3,000–£9,000. The current 0% VAT policy keeps totals in check.

Understanding price drivers is the quickest route to a fair quote.

Who benefits most from going solar

Solar PV suits homeowners with unshaded roof space who use daytime electricity or can shift usage with timers. Smaller households and flats may opt for 1.5–3kW systems, while large family homes often need 5–6kW. Adding a battery helps evening use and backup, though it lengthens payback compared with PV alone.

Jargon, decoded

• Solar PV: Panels that convert sunlight into electricity for your home.
• kW (kilowatt): The system’s peak power. More kW means higher potential output.
• kWh (kilowatt-hour): A unit of energy. Your bills and battery capacity use kWh.
• Inverter: Converts panel DC electricity to AC for household use.
• SEG: Smart Export Guarantee - your supplier pays for exported solar electricity.
• 0% VAT: Government measure cutting VAT on solar products to zero until at least 2027.
• Battery storage: Home battery that stores surplus solar for later use.
• Payback period: Time for bill savings and SEG income to cover your upfront cost.

A typical UK home targets 3.5–4kW PV. Output varies by location, roof pitch, and shading. Inverters are sized close to the array rating. Batteries commonly range 4–12kWh; bigger units capture more surplus but add significant cost. Your export tariff rate and your ability to shift consumption meaningfully affect returns.

System choices and typical pricing

Below is a snapshot of common UK options and installed costs.

• Labour commonly sits near £300 per day per installer and is usually bundled in quotes.
• An 8kWh battery with a 4kW array can push totals around £16,000 depending on brand and scope.
• Solar thermal for hot water typically costs £5,000–£6,000 installed and can complement PV or gas.

Money matters - costs, returns, and risks

• Upfront costs: Hardware prices have fallen since 2023, but labour and permitting can vary by region. London and complex roofs tend to price higher.
• VAT: 0% VAT on panels, batteries, and related products until at least 2027 reduces totals materially.
• Savings: A 3.5kW PV system can save roughly £190–£350 per year on bills, depending on occupancy and usage. Larger systems and batteries can increase savings by boosting self-consumption.
• Payback: Typical 4kW PV-only installs recover costs in about 8–10 years. Batteries extend payback but add resilience and independence.
• Risks: Shading, poor roof orientation, or optimistic yield assumptions can cut returns. Choose reputable installers and request performance estimates based on your roof.

Bold idea: Solar can lift property value by about 6–7% in the UK, which strengthens the investment case.

Are you eligible and is your home suitable

Most pitched, unshaded roofs facing south, southeast, or southwest perform well. East or west can still be viable with adjusted expectations. Flats may consider balcony or roof rights and smaller arrays.

• Planning: Most homes fall under permitted development. Conservation areas, listed buildings, or flat roofs may need approvals.
• Roof condition: Older roofs may need remedial work before mounting panels. Factor scaffolding and potential reinforcement into quotes.
• Electrical setup: A recent consumer unit and space for an inverter and possible battery are helpful. Installers will check earthing and bonding.
• Export tariff: You will need a smart meter and an SEG contract to be paid for exports.

If you are off-gas and rely on electricity for heating, a larger PV and battery can mitigate peak tariffs, but right-sizing remains vital.

From quote to switch-on - the process

1. Site survey - roof, electrics, shading, and structural checks
2. Design & yield model - tailored system and annual output forecast
3. Itemised proposal - equipment list, warranties, and clear labour scope
4. Approvals & scheduling - grid notification, permits, and installation date
5. Installation - scaffolding, mounting, wiring, inverter and battery fit
6. Commissioning - safety tests, inverter setup, and smart meter checks
7. Documentation - warranties, manuals, and proof for SEG registration
8. Handover & monitoring - app access, optimisation tips, and support

Weighing it up - pros, cons, and fine print

Pros:

• Lower bills and protection against price spikes
• 0% VAT until at least 2027 reduces upfront costs
• Potential 6–7% uplift in property value
• Clean generation that cuts household emissions

Cons:

• Batteries increase cost by £3,000–£9,000 and extend payback
• Savings depend on usage patterns and daylight availability
• Shading or complex roofs can inflate labour and reduce yield

Consider warranties, installer credentials, and the quality of inverters and batteries. Performance guarantees and monitoring apps help you track real-world results.

Red flags and practical checks before you commit

• Compare at least three like-for-like quotes, including labour days and scaffolding.
• Ask for a shading analysis and a conservative yield model, not a best-case scenario.
• Confirm battery usable capacity, round-trip efficiency, and cycle warranty.
• Check panel and inverter warranties, typically 10–25 years for panels and 5–12 for inverters.
• Verify roof condition and any planning constraints upfront.

Short rule: If a quote lacks itemisation or realistic yield ranges, walk away.

Alternatives worth considering

• Solar PV without battery: Lower upfront cost and often faster payback. You can add a battery later.
• Solar thermal: Targeted hot-water savings at £5,000–£6,000 installed.
• Load shifting: Smart timers for washing, EV charging, and heat pumps to maximise self-use.
• Efficiency first: Insulation, LED lighting, and draught-proofing often deliver quick wins.

A blended approach - PV plus efficiency upgrades - usually gives the best return per pound spent.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What does a typical 4kW system cost today? A: Around £6,500–£8,100 installed, with regional variation and roof complexity affecting the final quote.

Q: How much extra is a battery? A: Expect £3,000–£9,000 depending on capacity. A 4kW array with about 8kWh storage can reach roughly £16,000 in total.

Q: What will I save each year? A: A 3.5kW system often saves £190–£350 annually on bills. Savings rise if you shift usage to daylight hours or add a battery.

Q: How long is the payback period? A: Typically 8–10 years for PV-only systems, influenced by tariffs, location, and consumption.

Q: Is VAT really zero? A: Yes, 0% VAT on solar panels, batteries, and related products is set until at least 2027.

Q: Will solar add value to my home? A: Studies indicate a 6–7% uplift is possible, which can enhance long-term returns.

Make your plan with confidence

• Gather three quotes that break out equipment, labour, and scaffolding.
• Ask for yield ranges and a payback estimate under conservative assumptions.
• Prioritise reputable installers with strong warranties and aftercare.

Switcha can help you compare installers, spot fair pricing, and capture savings from day one.

Important information

Figures reflect prevailing GB market conditions and policies at the time of writing and are subject to change. Your system’s performance and payback depend on usage, location, and roof characteristics. Always compare multiple quotes and seek professional advice.