Solar panels Home services explained: what it is and how it works

Your roadmap to solar at home in 2025

Switching to solar is no longer niche. With zero VAT on installations until March 2027 and stronger support schemes, UK households can cut bills, boost EPC ratings, and lower carbon. Here is how it works, what it costs, and how to choose the right installer without risk.

Understanding APR is not just about percentages - it is about pounds and pence. Solar is similar: look at total lifetime savings, not just the headline price.

Who will benefit most

Solar suits homeowners with unshaded roofs, predictable daytime electricity use, or a willingness to add a battery. It also helps households seeking protection from unit price volatility, improving EPC scores before selling, or meeting sustainability goals. Renters may benefit through landlord-led upgrades or subscription models where available.

Key terms explained clearly

• Kilowatt peak (kWp) - the rated output of your solar array in ideal conditions.
• Kilowatt hour (kWh) - energy you actually use or generate over time.
• Inverter - converts the panels’ DC electricity into AC for home use.
• Battery storage - stores excess solar to use later, boosting self-consumption.
• MCS certification - Microgeneration Certification Scheme accreditation required to access most UK incentives and to ensure standards.
• DNO approval - permission from your local Distribution Network Operator to connect your system to the grid.
• Export payments - money paid for surplus electricity you send to the grid via supplier export tariffs.
• ECO4 and Home Upgrade Scheme - grants that can subsidise or cover installation for eligible households.
• Zero VAT - UK policy removing VAT on domestic solar until March 2027.

Short takeaway: Panels generate DC power, an inverter makes it usable, and optional batteries store it. Quality installation and monitoring keep performance on track.

Ways to go solar in the UK

Below are the common routes and how they differ.

Ownership, finance, and subscriptions compared

System sizing and components

• Typical UK home: 3.6-5 kWp panels with 3-10 kWh battery.
• Roof types: tiles, slate, and flat roofs are all workable with the right mounts.
• Monitoring: smart apps track generation, self-consumption, and export in real time.

The money side - costs, returns, and risk

A typical 4.5 kW system including installation is around £9,800, with common ranges between £6,500 and £15,000 depending on roof, hardware, and scaffolding needs. Subscriptions can reduce upfront costs by spreading payments over up to 20 years, with some providers offering ownership at the end or from day one.

Expected benefits:

• Annual bill reduction: commonly around £530 for a suitable home, more with a battery and agile tariffs.
• Export income: supplier export tariffs pay for surplus electricity.
• Property value: improved EPC ratings can support saleability and price.

Risks and mitigations:

• Performance variance: UK weather reduces output at times - choose quality panels and an MCS installer, and consider a battery.
• Tariff changes: export rates can move - model conservative returns.
• Maintenance: low but not zero - annual checks and cleaning keep yields healthy.

Who may qualify for support

Several schemes target specific groups and property types. Always check regional availability.

• ECO4: supports lower-income or vulnerable households with energy upgrades, which can include solar when part of a package.
• Home Upgrade Scheme: helps off-gas or lower-efficiency homes in England with upgrades such as solar.
• Warm Homes Local Grant and regional schemes: availability varies by council.
• Welsh Government Nest Scheme: support for eligible households in Wales.
• Zero VAT: applies UK-wide to domestic solar until March 2027.

Eligibility typically depends on income, benefits status, property EPC, and whether your area has active funding. Some schemes are not available in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Using an MCS-certified installer is often required to access incentives and export tariffs.

From survey to switch-on - the steps

1. Initial roof and usage assessment - location, shading, bills.
2. Detailed design and quote - components, yield, payback.
3. Choose MCS installer - compare reviews and scope.
4. Installer handles DNO forms - grid permissions and paperwork.
5. Installation day - scaffolding, mounting, wiring, inverter.
6. Commissioning and safety checks - MCS certificate issued.
7. Export registration - supplier export tariff set up.
8. App-based monitoring - track generation and returns.

Upsides and trade-offs at a glance

Pros:

• Lower bills and better EPC scores.
• Works in cloudy UK conditions with modern panels.
• Quiet, low-maintenance, scalable with batteries.
• Export income potential and insulation from price spikes.

Cons and considerations:

• Upfront or contractual commitment is required.
• Shading or complex roofs may limit output.
• Export rates and policy can change over time.
• Batteries add cost, though they lift self-consumption.

Do your homework before you sign

• Insist on MCS certification and clear warranties for panels, inverter, and workmanship.
• Avoid high-pressure sales. Take at least two like-for-like quotes and ask for performance estimates based on your roof orientation and shading.
• Confirm who handles DNO approvals, export registration, and any grant applications.
• Check subscription terms closely - early exit, maintenance, ownership, and what happens at contract end.

A reliable installer does more than fit panels - they navigate permissions, optimise design, and underpin your returns.

If solar is not a fit today

• Insulation and draught-proofing: often the best first step for cutting bills.
• Heat pumps: pair well with solar for low-carbon heating.
• Agile or time-of-use tariffs: shift loads to cheaper periods.
• Community energy or green tariffs: back renewables while you plan.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Do I need planning permission? Most homes do not. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas often need permission. Your installer should confirm before work starts.

Q2. Will solar work in cloudy UK weather? Yes. Output is lower on overcast days, but quality panels still generate meaningful electricity. Battery storage can capture surplus for evenings.

Q3. How much does a typical system cost? Around £9,800 for 4.5 kW installed, with a common range of £6,500 to £15,000 depending on size, roof type, and hardware.

Q4. What is the lifespan and maintenance? Panels often carry 25-year performance warranties. Systems are largely low-maintenance - periodic cleaning and an annual health check are recommended.

Q5. Do I need an MCS installer? Strongly recommended. MCS certification helps with quality assurance and access to export payments and many grants.

Q6. Can I add a battery later? Usually yes. Ensure the inverter and design allow future battery integration, or choose a hybrid inverter from the outset.

Q7. What about new-build homes? From 2025, the Future Homes Standard means most new homes are expected to integrate solar and low-carbon heating as standard.

What to do next

• Gather your last 12 months of energy bills and note your roof orientation and shading.
• Shortlist two or three MCS-certified installers with strong local reviews.
• Request designs showing kWp, expected annual kWh, payback, and export assumptions.
• Compare purchase, finance, and subscription options against your budget and risk appetite.

Important information

This guide is general information for UK households and not personalised financial advice. System outputs, savings, and eligibility vary by property and provider. Always check current scheme details and contract terms before committing.