Solar panels Home services myths vs facts

The UK solar picture in one clear view

Understanding APR is about pounds and pence - the same clarity helps with solar. Here is what the latest UK data really says, and how it applies to your home.

Fact: Domestic solar is no fringe trend - it is now a mainstream, regulated home upgrade across Great Britain.

Who should read this

If you are a UK homeowner weighing energy bills against upfront costs, a buyer of a new-build home, or simply curious whether solar works in our climate, this guide is for you. We cut through myths with 2025 evidence, explain payback in practical terms, and outline steps to choose a certified installer with confidence.

The essentials - terms that matter

• Solar PV: Panels that convert sunlight into electricity for your home.
• Inverter: Converts DC from panels to AC for household use.
• kWp (kilowatt-peak): The panel array’s rated output in standard test conditions - useful for sizing.
• kWh: Units of electricity you consume or generate.
• SEG (Smart Export Guarantee): Payment from your electricity supplier for surplus electricity you export.
• MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme): UK certification for products and installers - the quality hallmark used in official stats and often required for SEG.
• Part L and Future Homes Standard: Building regulations driving higher energy efficiency - a key reason many new homes now include solar.

Why this matters now:

• Nearly 100,000 domestic systems were installed in the first half of 2025 - a 22% rise year on year, with strong uptake in Scotland, England and Wales.
• Q1 2025 saw 57,000-plus certified rooftop installs - the strongest start since 2012, with March alone topping 21,000 amid record solar generation.
• Around 42% of new homes in England included solar in late 2024, with comparable or higher rates in Scotland as standards tighten.
• UK solar capacity reached about 18 GW in 2025 - enough to power roughly 4.8 to 5.3 million homes annually as renewables overtake fossil fuels in electricity generation.

Your choices at a glance

Common routes to rooftop solar and how they compare:

Notes:

• Prices vary by equipment, roof complexity and region. Request itemised quotes.
• Battery storage is optional - it improves self-consumption and can shorten payback where tariffs suit.

Money matters - costs, savings and risk

• Upfront: Typical 3 - 5 kWp systems range roughly £4,500 - £8,500 for quality, MCS-certified installs.
• Bills: Savings depend on daytime use and tariff. Many households self-use 30% - 60% of generation without a battery - more with load shifting or storage.
• Payback: With SEG income and bill reductions, payback often falls in the 6 - 10 year range, shorter on higher tariffs or in high-use homes.
• Returns: Effective annual returns can compare favourably with low-risk savings, as avoided bill rises compound over time.
• Risks: Output varies by season and location. Poor installation risks are mitigated by MCS certification, consumer protection, and workmanship warranties. Inverter replacement is a lifecycle cost to plan for at 10 - 15 years.

Standout line: UK solar generation in early 2025 rose 32%, reinforcing reliability even under British skies.

Do you qualify - property and policy checks

You are likely eligible if:

• You own the property or have freeholder consent.
• Your roof is structurally sound, mostly unshaded and ideally south, south-west or south-east.
• You can meet Distribution Network Operator (DNO) notification or approval requirements - your installer handles this.
• You choose MCS-certified products and an MCS installer - typically required for SEG payments.
• In conservation areas or listed buildings, you may need planning consent - check with your local authority.

What regulations mean for you:

• Part L standards are shifting solar from a nice-to-have to a common feature in new builds - over a third of certified installs in March 2025 were on new homes.
• Scotland’s comparable rules are pushing even higher adoption rates.

Fact: UK policy is not neutral on solar - it increasingly expects new homes to include it.

From idea to install - your step-by-step

1. Gather 12 months of bills and note roof size and shading
2. Get 2 - 3 quotes from MCS-certified installers
3. Compare kit brands, warranties, kWp and projected yield
4. Check DNO process, roof works, scaffolding, timelines
5. Confirm SEG tariff and export metering details
6. Schedule installation - usually 1 - 2 days for 3 - 5 kWp
7. Receive MCS certificate, DNO confirmation and handover pack
8. Monitor output and optimise usage for higher savings

Weighing it up - advantages and trade-offs

Pros:

• Cuts electricity bills and hedges against price volatility
• Strengthens home EPC profile and appeal to buyers
• Low maintenance with 20 - 25 year panel performance warranties
• Supports UK energy security as renewables outpace fossil generation

Cons and considerations:

• Upfront cost and inverter replacement later in life
• Winter output is lower - plan around seasonal variation
• Shading and poor roof angles reduce yield
• Battery adds cost - worthwhile mainly with suitable tariffs or high evening use

Read this before you sign

• Insist on MCS certification, product datasheets and warranty terms in writing.
• Ask for a generation forecast based on UK irradiance data and your roof specifics - not generic claims.
• Compare SEG offers - unit rates and contract terms vary widely by supplier.
• Clarify structural checks, scaffolding, bird-proofing and roof warranties if tiles are lifted.
• New-build buyers: confirm whether panels are in-roof or on-roof, who owns the inverter, and how to register SEG.

If solar is not a fit today

• Insulation and draft-proofing - often the fastest payback.
• Heat pump readiness - pairing with PV can lower running costs.
• Time-of-use tariffs - shift consumption to cheaper periods.
• Community or shared solar - explore local schemes if roof is unsuitable.

Clear answers to common questions

Q: Do solar panels work in the UK climate? A: Yes. Great Britain generated a record 9.91 TWh in early 2025, up 32% year on year, reflecting strong performance and more installs.

Q: Are they only for new homes? A: No. While over 40% of new homes in England included solar in late 2024, retrofits still make up a large share of 2025’s record installations.

Q: How do I get paid for exports? A: Through the Smart Export Guarantee. Choose a supplier, agree a tariff, and ensure your system and installer are MCS-certified and properly metered.

Q: What about planning permission? A: Most domestic installs are permitted development. Exceptions include listed buildings, flats and some conservation areas - check locally.

Q: What if I move house? A: Panels typically add buyer appeal by improving EPC and lowering running costs. You cannot move SEG contracts between addresses, but the new owner can register.

Q: Is UK solar growth slowing? A: No. The UK added around 2 GWp in 2025’s opening months, and total capacity reached about 18 GW as renewables surpassed fossil fuels in generation share.

Your next move

• Shortlist two MCS installers and request itemised quotes this week.
• Compare SEG tariffs before installation is complete.
• Decide on battery later if unsure - you can add storage after assessing real-world generation.

Switcha tip: Track output and bills for three months, then tweak appliance usage to maximise self-consumption.

Important notice

This article is general information for GB homeowners. It is not financial or technical advice. Always seek quotes from MCS-certified installers and verify planning requirements and SEG terms with your supplier and local authority.