Best UK solar panel and battery bundles 2026
Compare whole-of-market solar + battery bundle options for your home in minutes. Get tailored quotes from vetted UK installers and see which system size, battery capacity and finance options suit your usage and roof.
- Whole-of-market comparison: multiple installer quotes, not a single brand
- Tailored bundle sizing for typical UK homes (panels, inverter, battery)
- Support for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and time-of-use tariffs
- Clear pricing, warranties and payback expectations explained
UK homeowners only. Quotes are free and no obligation. We match you with suitable MCS-accredited installers (where available) based on your details.
Compare solar panel + battery bundles for your home
In 2026, the best UK solar panel and battery bundles aren’t a single product — they’re the right system design for your roof, usage and tariff. EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market options by requesting tailored quotes from vetted installers so you can choose with confidence.
A typical bundle includes solar PV panels, an inverter (string or hybrid), a home battery, monitoring, scaffolding, and installation. The “best” bundle for you depends on your:
- annual electricity use (kWh) and daytime vs evening consumption
- roof space, pitch, shading and orientation
- tariff type (standard variable, smart, time-of-use)
- goal: lower bills, backup, EV charging, or maximising export
Important: We’re a comparison service, not an installer. We’ll introduce you to suitable providers so you can compare like-for-like (system size, battery capacity, warranties, and estimated savings).
What you’ll receive: an installer-designed system recommendation (kWp + kWh), itemised costs, estimated generation, and warranty details — so you can compare like-for-like.
What counts as the “best” solar + battery bundle in 2026?
Instead of naming a single “best” brand, this page focuses on the best-performing bundle types UK homeowners typically benefit from in 2026. The right bundle should balance generation, usable storage, export strategy and warranty cover — with sensible payback assumptions.
Bundle A: Value-led (small battery)
Best for smaller households with moderate evening use who want a sensible entry point.
- Panels: ~3.2–4.5kWp
- Battery: ~5kWh usable
- Ideal for: flats/terraces, low–medium usage
- Why it wins: keeps costs down while boosting self-consumption
Bundle B: Balanced (most UK homes)
A strong fit for typical 3–4 bed homes aiming to shift evening usage off the grid.
- Panels: ~4.5–6.5kWp
- Battery: ~8–10kWh usable
- Ideal for: families, hybrid working, heat pump prep
- Why it wins: better utilisation of solar + tariff arbitrage
Bundle C: High autonomy (larger battery)
Best for high usage, EV charging, or households targeting maximum self-sufficiency.
- Panels: ~6.5–10kWp (roof dependent)
- Battery: ~12–16kWh usable
- Ideal for: EV owners, high evening demand
- Why it wins: more stored energy, more flexibility across seasons
Sizing guidance above is indicative. Your best bundle depends on roof constraints, shading, DNO limits, your tariff, and whether you’re optimising for bill reduction, export income or backup capability.
Why solar panels + a battery usually beats panels alone
Solar panels reduce what you buy from the grid when the sun is up. A battery helps you use more of that generated power later — typically evenings — and can also charge cheaply on time-of-use tariffs (where suitable).
Higher self-consumption
Store daytime generation and use it in the evening. This can reduce peak-rate imports and improve overall savings.
Better tariff flexibility
With smart or time-of-use tariffs, batteries can charge off-peak and discharge at peak times, improving cost control.
Future-ready home
A correctly designed bundle can support EV charging, heat pump running costs, and smarter home energy management.
Cleaner export strategy
Some households benefit from exporting surplus solar (SEG) while still storing enough for evenings. A good installer will model this.
Warranties & performance clarity
Bundles let you compare battery cycles, usable capacity, panel degradation rates, and inverter cover as one coherent system.
How to choose the best bundle (simple checklist)
Use this practical checklist when comparing quotes. It helps you avoid “bigger is always better” sales tactics and focus on what matters for a UK home.
- Start with your consumption and schedule. Gather 12 months of kWh usage (or a recent bill) and note when you use most energy (day vs evening).
- Right-size the panels to your roof. Roof orientation, shading and usable area often limit kWp more than budget does.
- Choose battery capacity that matches your evening load. Focus on usable kWh, not headline capacity. Ask how much typically covers 5pm–11pm in your home.
- Check inverter type and expandability. Hybrid inverters can simplify future battery expansion, but compatibility matters.
- Compare warranties and performance assumptions. Look for clear wording on panel output warranty, inverter cover, battery cycles/throughput and installer workmanship.
- Ask for an energy model with assumptions. A trustworthy quote shows estimated generation, self-consumption, export, tariff rates used, and payback range.
Quick comparison questions to ask installers
- What is the kWp and estimated annual generation (kWh) for my roof?
- What is the battery usable capacity and maximum discharge power (kW)?
- Is the system export limited by the DNO, and if so, to what?
- Which monitoring app is included, and does it show import/export and battery flows?
- What’s included in the price (scaffolding, bird proofing, upgrade works, VAT at 0%)?
UK bundle costs & what affects your quote in 2026
Prices vary by property, roof complexity and equipment choice. Use ranges as a guide, then compare installer quotes for like-for-like specs. Many UK home solar and battery installs qualify for 0% VAT (eligibility depends on current rules and circumstances), which installers should apply where appropriate.
| Bundle type | Typical system size | Indicative installed price range* | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value-led | 3.2–4.5kWp + ~5kWh | £7,000–£11,000 | Lower usage, smaller roofs |
| Balanced | 4.5–6.5kWp + 8–10kWh | £10,000–£16,000 | Most 3–4 bed homes |
| High autonomy | 6.5–10kWp + 12–16kWh | £14,000–£24,000 | High usage, EVs, future electrification |
*Indicative homeowner ranges for UK domestic installs. Your quote depends on roof access, electrical works, inverter choice, battery type, and regional labour costs.
What can increase cost?
- complex scaffolding or restricted access
- consumer unit upgrades or additional protection devices
- split arrays across roof faces (more labour and components)
- premium batteries, backup capability, or higher discharge power
What can improve value?
- accurate sizing (avoid paying for unused capacity)
- optimising to your tariff (import and export rates)
- good panel placement (less shading, better yield)
- clear warranties and reputable installer workmanship
Battery, inverter and export: what matters in UK installs
Two bundles with the same panel and battery “sizes” can perform very differently. When comparing quotes, pay attention to the parts that affect usable energy, safety, and permissions.
Usable battery capacity
Ask for usable kWh after reserve and depth-of-discharge. A “10kWh” battery may not give 10kWh usable each day.
Battery power (kW)
Discharge power affects whether the battery can cover kettles, cooking, and evening peaks without pulling from the grid.
DNO limits & export settings
Your local network may limit export. A good installer will explain G98/G99 and how export limiting impacts performance.
Backup power: Not all batteries provide backup during a power cut. If you want “essential loads” backup, ask whether backup hardware is included and what circuits can be supported.
Common mistakes when buying a solar + battery bundle
These are the pitfalls we see when homeowners compare bundles based only on headline size or a single “from” price.
Over-sizing panels without a plan
If you can’t use or export surplus efficiently, extra kWp may deliver diminishing returns. Ask for modelling based on your usage.
Under-sizing battery discharge power
Capacity (kWh) and power (kW) are different. A battery that can’t meet peak loads may still leave you importing at expensive times.
Comparing quotes with different assumptions
Savings depend on tariff rates, export rates, and how you use energy. Ensure like-for-like assumptions when comparing payback.
Ignoring workmanship & aftercare
The “best” kit still needs a good install. Look for clear workmanship guarantees, transparent handover, and monitoring support.
FAQs: solar panel and battery bundles (UK, 2026)
Do I need a battery with solar panels in the UK?
Not always. If you use a lot of electricity during the day, panels alone can work well. A battery is most helpful when you use more energy in the evening, want more tariff flexibility, or plan to electrify your home (EV/heat pump). Comparing quotes for both options helps you see the value difference.
How many panels and what battery size do most UK homes need?
Many UK homes land around a 4.5–6.5kWp array with an 8–10kWh usable battery, but there’s no single correct answer. Roof size, shading, and your evening usage matter most. Use the checklist above and compare installer modelling.
Can I get paid for exporting solar power in 2026?
Yes, many suppliers offer Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs. Rates and terms vary, and eligibility can depend on metering and installation standards. Your installer should explain how your system will measure export and what paperwork is required.
Is planning permission required for solar panels?
Often, domestic solar PV is permitted development, but restrictions can apply (for example, listed buildings, conservation areas, or unusual roof situations). Always confirm with your local authority and your installer.
Will a battery keep my house running during a power cut?
Not by default. Backup power requires specific equipment and safe isolation. If backup matters to you, tell us when you request quotes so installers can include the right configuration and explain limitations.
Want personalised guidance? The easiest way is to compare whole-of-market quotes. You’ll see real prices, real system sizes, and clear warranty terms.
What homeowners like about comparing with EnergyPlus
Solar and batteries are a significant investment. Homeowners typically tell us they value clarity, choice and the ability to compare without pressure.
“We finally understood the difference between battery capacity and discharge power. The quotes were easy to compare.”
“Two installers suggested different layouts. Having options helped us choose the better warranty and aftercare.”
“We asked for EV-ready. The recommendations were tailored, not a one-size-fits-all bundle.”
Trust & quality checks
- Installer vetting and documentation checks (where available)
- Quote comparisons that highlight key specs (kWp, kWh, warranties)
- Clear next steps so you stay in control
What to have ready (optional)
- a recent electricity bill (annual kWh)
- roof photos (if you have them)
- your smart tariff name (if applicable)
- EV/heat pump plans in the next 1–3 years
Ready to find your best-value solar + battery bundle?
Get whole-of-market quotes tailored to your home. Compare system sizes, battery capacity, warranties and estimated savings — then decide with confidence.
EnergyPlus is a UK comparison service for homeowners. Availability and accreditation may vary by area; always review quote details and warranty terms before proceeding.
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