Best solar panel deals for UK homes 2026
Compare whole-of-market solar panel quotes from vetted UK installers. Tell us about your home and we’ll help you find a great-value solar + battery deal in 2026—without the sales pressure.
- Whole-of-market comparison for home solar (not tied to one brand)
- Quotes matched to your roof type, usage, and budget
- Options for panels, inverter and battery storage
- Support understanding SEG export payments and typical payback
UK homes only. Quotes depend on roof suitability and installer availability. We’re a comparison service—no obligation to proceed.
Compare whole-of-market solar quotes (UK homes)
The “best solar panel deal” in 2026 isn’t just the lowest headline price. It’s the best value system for your property: the right panel output, a suitable inverter, optional battery storage, good warranties and a reputable installer—matched to your roof space and your daytime electricity use.
EnergyPlus compares whole-of-market home solar options across the UK. Fill in the form and we’ll match you with installers who can quote for your specific setup, including solar-only or solar + battery packages.
What you’ll need (takes ~60 seconds)
- Your postcode (for installer coverage and local pricing)
- Best contact details (to send your quotes)
- Rough idea of your electricity usage (if you know it)
Prefer to research first? Jump to typical costs or how to spot a great deal.
What “best solar panel deals” means in 2026
In the UK, the best deal is typically a balance of up-front price, expected generation, self-consumption (how much of your solar you use at home), and installer quality. A low-cost system can underperform if panels are poorly positioned or the inverter is undersized. Likewise, premium brands can be poor value if your roof or usage can’t take advantage of them.
1) Compare like-for-like system sizes
Request quotes for the same ballpark capacity (kW). A “cheap” quote may simply be a smaller system. For many homes, 3–6kW is a common range depending on roof area and budget.
2) Check warranties and performance guarantees
Look for strong product warranties on panels, inverter and (if included) battery, plus meaningful performance warranties. The best deal protects you long after installation day.
3) Prioritise reputable installers
High-quality workmanship affects generation and safety. Ask about accreditations, aftercare and how long the installer has been fitting domestic solar in the UK.
Typical solar panel costs in the UK (2026)
Pricing varies by roof complexity, access/scaffolding, system size, equipment brand, and whether you add battery storage. Use the guide below as a starting point—then get tailored quotes for your home.
| System type | Typical size (kW) | Typical home fit | Indicative installed range (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar panels only | ~3–4kW | Smaller homes / limited roof | Often £4,500–£7,000 |
| Solar panels only | ~5–6kW | Typical family home | Often £6,000–£10,000 |
| Solar + battery | ~4–6kW + 5–10kWh | Maximise self-use, evening demand | Often £9,000–£15,000 |
| Solar + larger battery | ~6kW+ + 10–15kWh | High usage / EV / heat pump (home) | Often £12,000–£20,000+ |
These figures are indicative for UK homes and can vary widely by property and specification. Your quotes will reflect roof access, kit choice and installer availability in your area.
Savings, SEG export and payback: what to expect
Your financial outcome comes from two places: (1) electricity you generate and use at home (reducing imports), and (2) electricity you export to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) offered by participating suppliers. The “best deal” is the system that aligns with your household’s pattern of use.
How homes usually maximise value
- Run washing/dishwasher in the day (when safe and convenient)
- Use smart timers for immersion heaters (if suitable)
- Consider a battery if most usage is evening-based
- Check export eligibility and metering requirements for SEG
Factors that change payback
- Roof orientation and shading (generation potential)
- Electricity tariff and future price changes
- System size and component quality
- How much solar you self-consume vs export
Panels, inverters and batteries: what to compare
Installers may recommend different equipment mixes. Use these checks to compare quotes fairly and avoid paying more for features you won’t use.
Solar panels
- Wattage per panel and total system size (kW)
- Efficiency and degradation/performance warranty
- Product warranty length and manufacturer reputation
- Aesthetics (all-black options) vs price
Inverter & monitoring
- String inverter vs microinverters (roof complexity)
- Warranty and expected lifespan
- App monitoring and reporting features
- Battery compatibility (if adding later)
Battery storage
- Usable capacity (kWh) and round-trip efficiency
- Power output (kW) for evening peak use
- Cycle warranty and warranty conditions
- Expandable options if your usage increases
A simple comparison checklist for quotes
- System size: total kW and expected annual generation estimate.
- Kit: panel model, inverter model, battery model (if included).
- Warranties: panel product & performance, inverter, battery, workmanship.
- Installation: scaffolding, roof works, bird protection (if needed), timescale.
- Aftercare: monitoring support, call-out policy, who to contact for faults.
Is your home suitable for solar panels?
Many UK homes can benefit from solar, but suitability affects the deal you’ll receive. Installers will typically consider roof space, structure, shading and access. If you’re unsure, it’s still worth requesting quotes—installers can advise based on your property.
Usually a good fit
- South, east or west-facing roof areas
- Limited shading from trees or nearby buildings
- Sound roof condition with enough usable area
- Homeowners looking to reduce electricity imports
May need extra checks
- Heavy shading at peak daylight hours
- Complex roofs (multiple elevations/dormers)
- Listed buildings or conservation areas (planning considerations)
- Older roofs that may need maintenance first
Planning rules can vary. Your installer should advise on whether your proposed installation is permitted development or needs permission.
Common mistakes to avoid when chasing a “deal”
Solar is a long-term home upgrade. Avoid these common pitfalls to make sure the deal you choose stays a good deal years from now.
Comparing price only
Two quotes can differ due to system size, panel quality, inverter type, or included works. Compare specifications, not just totals.
Ignoring shading and layout
A cheaper layout that underperforms can cost more over time. Ask for generation estimates and how shading is handled.
Overbuying battery capacity
Batteries can improve value, but only if they match your evening demand. Compare solar-only vs solar + battery to see real benefit.
Not checking aftercare
Ask who supports monitoring, faults and warranty claims. A strong installer will make this clear in writing.
Skipping export considerations
Understand how SEG works, what meter you need, and how export rates are applied. Export is usually a bonus—not the main return.
Rushing the decision
A good deal will stand up to comparison. Review at least two quotes and ask for written specs before proceeding.
FAQs: best solar panel deals for UK homes (2026)
Are solar panels worth it in the UK in 2026?
For many homeowners, solar can be worthwhile when the system is sized correctly and installed well. Value depends on your roof’s generation potential and how much electricity you can use at home—battery storage can help if most usage is in the evening.
How many quotes should I compare?
Aim for at least two quotes with comparable system sizes. When you request quotes via EnergyPlus, you can compare options side by side and focus on value, warranties and installer quality.
Do I need a battery to get a good deal?
Not always. If you’re home in the day and can use solar as it’s generated, solar-only can be excellent value. A battery can improve overall value if you mainly consume electricity in the evening or want more control over imports.
Will solar work on an east- or west-facing roof?
Yes—many UK homes with east/west aspects still see good results. You may generate more in the morning/afternoon rather than a single midday peak, which can suit household usage patterns.
What is SEG and how does it affect deals?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a scheme where participating suppliers pay you for electricity you export. Rates and terms vary by supplier. For most homes, the biggest value usually comes from using your own solar power, with SEG as an added benefit.
How long does installation take?
A typical domestic install is often completed in a couple of days once scaffolding is in place, though timescales can vary based on roof complexity, electrical work, and scheduling.
What homeowners look for (and what they wish they’d known)
Every home is different, but the themes are consistent: clear specs, realistic generation estimates, and responsive aftercare. Here are typical sentiments we hear from UK homeowners comparing solar quotes.
“Comparing quotes properly made the difference. One ‘cheap’ option was smaller and had shorter warranties.”
Homeowner, South East England
“Battery wasn’t essential for us, but it helped because we’re out all day. The quote comparison made that clear.”
Homeowner, West Midlands
“The installer’s aftercare and monitoring support mattered more than I expected. It’s not just the panels.”
Homeowner, Scotland
Ready to find the best solar deal for your home?
Compare whole-of-market solar panel quotes for your UK home and see options for solar-only or solar + battery. It takes about a minute to request quotes.
No obligation. UK homes only. Availability varies by postcode and roof suitability.
Quick checklist before you submit
- Have your postcode ready
- Know if you want solar-only or solar + battery
- Consider your daytime vs evening electricity use
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