Solar panels Home services vs alternatives: which is right for you?

Solar panels Home services vs alternatives: which is right for you?

A snapshot of the UK right now

UK households are adopting solar at pace. 2025 opened with the strongest start in a decade, with more than 57,000 rooftop systems installed in Q1 and nearly 100,000 in the first half of the year. New builds are leading, but retrofits remain steady at 8,000 to 10,000 per month. Solar generation is up markedly, helping tilt the energy mix towards renewables.

Solar is no longer niche. It is a mainstream UK home upgrade with measurable savings.

Who this guide will help

If you own a UK home, are planning a move, or are weighing up energy upgrades for a buy-to-let, this guide is for you. We explain where solar fits, what alternatives exist, and how to weigh cost, payback, and eligibility. Whether you are comparing quotes or just starting your research, you will find clear, unbiased pointers.

The essentials you need to know

Solar in the UK is growing fast due to policy support and consumer demand. In early 2025, installations passed 1.7 million nationwide, with output up by around a third compared with the prior year. Building rules are also shifting the market. In England, 42% of new homes included solar in late 2024, and comparable standards in Scotland pushed that figure much higher.

Key terms you will see:

• PV: Photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity.
• kW and kWh: Kilowatt is system size or power. Kilowatt hour is energy used or produced.
• Inverter: Converts DC from panels to AC for home use.
• Battery storage: Stores surplus solar for evening use.
• SEG: Smart Export Guarantee. You are paid for electricity you export to the grid.
• MCS: Certification scheme for installers and products. Often required for SEG and finance.
• G98 or G99: Grid connection rules set by your Distribution Network Operator.

Strong growth is nationwide but not uniform. Areas such as Argyll and Bute, The Cotswolds, and parts of Wales are ahead of the curve, reflecting local policy, housing stock, and community programmes. For homeowners, this all points to clearer routes to payback, better choice, and a maturing market with transparent monthly data.

What are your choices?

At a high level, households compare solar panels against doing nothing, choosing a green tariff, adding battery-only storage, or considering other electrification upgrades.

Solar PV on its own improves daytime self-consumption. Pairing with a battery shifts solar to evenings, lifting savings and resilience during outages. Battery-only can work where roofs are shaded or unsuitable, especially with smart tariffs. A green electricity tariff is the easiest alternative if you cannot install hardware, though savings depend on market prices.

Costs, payback, impact and key risks

• Typical UK system sizes run 3 to 6 kW. Recent quotes often range from £5,000 to £9,000 for PV only, depending on roof, kit, and access.
• Add £3,000 to £6,000 for a 5 to 10 kWh battery. Larger batteries cost more but may not add equal savings.
• Payback is commonly 6 to 10 years for PV, depending on usage, shading, SEG rate, and export share. Batteries can extend or shorten payback based on tariff optimisation.
• SEG export rates vary by supplier. Better rates improve overall returns.

Risks to weigh:

• Roof complexity and shading can cut output and lengthen payback.
• Inverter replacement is likely once in 10 to 15 years.
• Policy and tariff changes can move the goalposts. The zero VAT relief on domestic solar currently supports affordability.
• Poor-quality installs risk leaks or underperformance. Choose certified installers and detailed warranties.

A realistic survey and accurate yield estimate are your best safeguards against disappointment.

Who is eligible and what helps approval

• Property type: Most houses can host PV. Flats may require freeholder consent. Listed buildings and conservation areas may need planning permission.
• Roof: South, south-east or south-west aspects are ideal. East or west can still work. Check structural integrity and available area.
• Electrical: A modern consumer unit and a smart meter help with SEG and time-of-use tariffs.
• Certification: Use MCS-certified products and installers to access SEG and most finance packages.
• Grid connection: Most small systems fall under G98. Larger systems or battery inverters may need G99 and DNO sign-off.
• Permissions: Freehold changes are simplest. Leasehold and shared roofs need written approval.
• New builds: Rules are encouraging solar as standard, with uptake already high in England and Scotland.

Tip: Ask for a roof plan, string layout, inverter spec, expected annual kWh, and DNO approval timeline in your quote pack.

From survey to savings - the simple path

1. Request three MCS-backed quotes with roof survey.
2. Compare designs, yield, warranties, and SEG export terms.
3. Confirm DNO application and planned installation date.
4. Install scaffolding, panels, inverter, and optional battery.
5. Commission system, submit MCS certificate, and register for SEG.
6. Set up monitoring app and optimise daytime usage.
7. Review tariffs yearly and adjust export or time-of-use plan.

Advantages and trade-offs at a glance

Pros:

• Cuts electricity bills and exposure to price spikes.
• Increases EPC performance and buyer appeal.
• Generates clean power, supporting a greener UK grid.
• Works well with EV charging and heat pumps.

Cons:

• Upfront cost and roof suitability constraints.
• Savings depend on habits, shading, and tariff choice.
• Batteries add cost and have finite cycles.
• Maintenance items over time, especially the inverter.

Balanced view: In a market where installations and generation are rising strongly, solar offers tangible returns for many homes, but it still pays to model your usage carefully.

Red flags and smart checks before you commit

• Overstated yield: Ask for assumptions on irradiance, shading, and degradation.
• Vague warranties: Get panel, inverter, and workmanship terms in writing.
• Finance pressure: Compare cash, loan APR, and total repayable carefully.
• Roof works due: Re-roof first, or factor in panel removal costs later.
• SEG pitfalls: Confirm export metering and variable vs fixed-rate terms.

If a claim sounds too optimistic, request the calculation behind it.

If not solar, what else makes sense?

• Battery plus smart tariff: Charge off-peak, discharge at peak. Works best with predictable schedules.
• Insulation upgrades: Often the cheapest kilowatt hour is the one you do not use.
• Heat pump readiness: Solar pairs well with electrified heating, but fabric first.
• Community or shared solar: Options are growing where roofs are unsuitable.
• Green electricity tariffs: Immediate carbon impact, no hardware, minimal hassle.

Consider sequencing: Insulation, then solar, then battery, then electrified heating delivers compounding benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Do UK homes get enough sun for solar to pay back? A. Yes, typical UK yields support paybacks of 6 to 10 years for many homes, with savings boosted by day-time use and fair SEG rates.

Q2. Should I add a battery now or later? A. If you have high evening usage or can use time-of-use tariffs, a battery can help. Otherwise, install PV first and leave space to add storage later.

Q3. Will I need planning permission? A. Most domestic PV is permitted development. Listed buildings, flats, and conservation areas often need approval. Always check with your local authority.

Q4. What maintenance is required? A. Systems are largely low maintenance. Expect occasional cleaning, monitoring, and an inverter replacement within the system lifetime.

Q5. How do SEG payments work? A. You register your MCS certificate with a supplier, provide export meter data via your smart meter, and receive per kWh payments based on the chosen tariff.

Q6. Are prices still falling? A. Hardware costs have improved, but labour and scaffolding vary. Shopping around and scheduling during less busy periods can help secure value.

Take action with confidence

• Gather three comparable quotes, each with layout, yield, and warranty detail.
• Model savings under two scenarios: PV only and PV plus battery.
• Check SEG offers and time-of-use tariffs, then choose the best fit.
• If your roof is not suitable, prioritise insulation and a green tariff today.

Make an informed move. Switcha can help you compare UK-ready options side by side.

Important information

This guide is general information, not personal advice. Prices, tariffs, and policies change. Always verify installer credentials, product certifications, planning rules, and grid approvals for your property before committing.