How much does solar panel installation cost in the UK in 2025?

In 2025, the cost of solar panel installation in the UK typically depends on system size, panel type, roof complexity, and whether you add a battery. As a guide, most homeowners compare quotes based on a 3–6 kW system, with optional battery storage increasing the total price. For an accurate figure for your home, request a tailored quote based on your roof and annual electricity usage.

What factors affect the price of a solar PV system?

Solar PV pricing is mainly influenced by system size (kW), panel efficiency and brand, inverter type, scaffold and roof access, roof material/condition, cabling and consumer unit upgrades, and installer design/labour costs. Adding a battery, EV charger integration, or bird protection can also change the final price. Comparing like-for-like quotes helps you identify the best value.

Is it cheaper to install solar panels with a battery?

A battery increases the upfront cost, but it can improve savings by storing daytime solar for evening use and reducing grid imports. Whether it’s “cheaper” overall depends on your usage pattern, tariff, export payments, and battery size. Many homeowners compare quotes for solar-only vs solar + battery to see the payback difference.

How do I compare solar installation quotes fairly?

To compare solar quotes fairly, ensure each quote lists: system size (kWp), panel model and quantity, inverter model, estimated generation, battery details (if included), monitoring, warranties, MCS certification, workmanship guarantee, and what’s included (scaffolding, DNO application, bird-proofing, VAT, and any electrical upgrades). Ask for a breakdown so you’re comparing like-for-like.

Do solar panels increase home value in the UK?

Solar panels can make a home more attractive by reducing running costs and improving energy performance, particularly when installed professionally with clear documentation and warranties. The impact varies by location and buyer preference, but many homeowners see solar as a long-term upgrade that can support resale appeal.

How long does solar panel installation take?

Most residential solar PV installations are completed in 1–2 days once surveys and paperwork are in place. Timelines can vary if scaffolding is needed, if you’re adding a battery, or if electrical upgrades are required. Your installer should confirm the schedule after a site survey.

What warranties should I expect on a solar installation?

Typical expectations include a panel performance warranty (often 25 years), a product warranty on panels (commonly 10–25 years depending on manufacturer), an inverter warranty (often 5–12 years, extendable), and an installer workmanship guarantee. Always confirm the exact terms in your quote and keep your MCS certificate and handover pack.

Can I get paid for exporting solar energy to the grid?

Yes. Many UK households can receive export payments through a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff when eligible and correctly set up with an export-capable meter. Export rates vary by supplier and tariff, so it’s worth comparing options once your system is installed.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels in the UK?

Most rooftop solar PV installations fall under permitted development and don’t need planning permission, but there are exceptions (for example, listed buildings or conservation areas). Your installer can advise based on your property type and location and confirm any requirements before installation.

How can I get an accurate solar installation price for my home?

The fastest way is to request a tailored quote based on your address, roof type, shading, and annual electricity use. Getting multiple like-for-like quotes helps you compare total installed cost, projected savings, payback period, and warranty coverage. Start by requesting a solar quote at https://www.energyplus.co.uk/solar/.

Compare solar panel installation costs UK 2025

See up-to-date UK solar installation cost ranges for 2025, what drives the price, and compare whole-of-market installers near you. Get tailored quotes for your home in minutes.

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Understand typical costs for 3–8kW systems, batteries and add-ons
Check what to ask (MCS, warranties, export payments, finance)

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Compare local solar installation quotes (homeowners)

Solar panel prices vary more than most homeowners expect. Two quotes for the same roof can differ due to panel brand, inverter type, scaffolding needs, warranty terms and how each installer designs your system. EnergyPlus helps you compare whole-of-market UK installers so you can make a clear like-for-like decision.

Complete the form to get quotes for your postcode and property. You’ll be able to compare:

Total installed price (including VAT where applicable)
System size (kW), estimated annual generation (kWh) and assumptions
Inverter options (string, hybrid, microinverters) and monitoring
Battery options (kWh), backup capability and export settings
Warranties, MCS certification and aftercare

Tip: If you’re comparing quotes, ask each installer to confirm the exact panel model, inverter model, number of panels, and whether scaffolding is included.

Already have quotes? Jump to the installer checklist to compare them properly.

Why homeowners compare solar installation costs in 2025

Avoid overpaying for the same kit

Installers may quote different panel ranges, inverter types and mounting methods. Comparing side-by-side helps you spot markup and choose the right spec for your roof.

Get the right system size

A well-designed system balances generation, household usage and export. Quotes should show estimated annual kWh and assumptions (orientation, shading, roof pitch).

Protect your warranty and SEG eligibility

Choosing an MCS-certified installation is typically required for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and gives clearer warranty accountability.

Solar panel installation costs in the UK (2025 guide)

Prices depend on system size, roof complexity and component choices. The ranges below are typical for domestic installations in 2025 and are intended as a starting point for comparison. Your exact price may be lower or higher based on your property and specification.

Like-for-like matters: When you compare prices, check whether quotes include scaffolding, bird protection, monitoring, DNO application, and VAT treatment.

Typical home system	Who it suits	Typical installed cost (2025)	Notes
3–4kW solar PV (approx. 7–10 panels)	Smaller households, limited roof space	£5,000–£8,000	Often best value per panel when roof is simple and access is easy
5–6kW solar PV (approx. 11–15 panels)	Typical family homes	£7,000–£11,000	More generation, often paired with a hybrid inverter (battery-ready)
7–8kW solar PV (approx. 16–20 panels)	High usage homes, EV charging, electric heating	£9,000–£14,000	May require extra DNO considerations depending on export limit
Battery add-on (5–10kWh)	Homes that use more energy evenings/nights	+£2,500–£6,500	Depends on capacity, brand, backup features and install complexity
EV charger add-on	EV owners wanting solar-aware charging	+£800–£1,500	May require consumer unit upgrades depending on existing electrics

What you should see in a good quote

Total installed price plus a breakdown (equipment, labour, scaffolding, electrical works)
Panel brand/model, wattage per panel, and total system size (kWp)
Inverter make/model (and whether it’s hybrid/battery-ready)
Generation estimate (kWh/year) with assumptions stated
Warranty terms: product, performance, inverter, workmanship

Want personalised numbers for your roof? Get solar quotes and compare like-for-like.

What affects solar panel installation cost?

If you’re comparing quotes in 2025, these are the main factors that explain price differences (even when the panel count looks similar):

Roof access & scaffolding

Scaffolding can be a meaningful portion of your quote. Mid-terrace access, conservatories, steep roofs and multiple elevations can increase cost.

Panel quality & efficiency

Higher-efficiency panels can reduce panel count for a given kW size, but may cost more. Ask for the exact panel model and datasheet.

Inverter type & design

String inverters are common; microinverters/optimisers can help with shading and panel-level monitoring but can add cost.

Electrical works

Consumer unit upgrades, cable runs, isolators and earthing requirements vary by property. A cheap quote can become expensive after a survey.

Battery specification

Capacity (kWh), power (kW), DoD, warranty cycles, and whether you want backup/UPS capability can change pricing significantly.

DNO application & export limits

Some installs require prior approval and may be designed to limit export. Ask how export is configured and how this impacts SEG earnings.

What’s typically included in a UK solar installation?

When you compare solar panel installation costs, check what’s included as standard. This helps you avoid the most common “surprise extras”.

Item	Usually included?	What to confirm
Panels, mounting rails, roof fixings	Yes	Panel model, wattage, aesthetics (all-black), roof type suitability
Inverter + monitoring/app	Yes	Inverter model, warranty length, data access, export limitation settings
Scaffolding/access equipment	Sometimes	Is it included, and is it for all elevations needed?
Electrical works & certification	Yes	Part P compliance, testing, isolators, any consumer unit upgrades
MCS paperwork	Should be	MCS certificate and handover pack (needed for SEG with most suppliers)
DNO notification/application	Often	Who handles it, timescales, any export cap, and documentation provided

A simple way to compare quotes

Match the system size: compare £ per kW (kWp) and confirm panel models.
Match the design: check inverter type, shading strategy and estimated annual kWh.
Match the scope: scaffolding, bird-proofing, electrical upgrades, warranties, aftercare.
Then compare price: the best value quote is rarely the cheapest headline number.

Savings, export payments and payback (what to expect)

Your return from solar typically comes from two places: (1) using more of your own generated electricity instead of buying it from the grid, and (2) getting paid for exported electricity via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) where applicable. Batteries can increase self-consumption, but add cost—so it’s worth comparing both PV-only and PV + battery quotes.

What improves payback

Daytime usage (WFH, appliances, immersion diversion where suitable)
Good roof orientation and limited shading
Optimised system sizing to your annual consumption
Tariff choice (import and export) matched to your usage pattern

What can reduce returns

Over-sized systems that export most generation at low export rates
Shading not addressed in the design
Missing paperwork (can complicate SEG applications)
Inverter/battery mismatch (limits performance or expandability)

Comparing battery quotes: don’t just compare kWh capacity. Check usable capacity, continuous power (kW), warranty terms (years/cycles), and whether it supports backup for key circuits.

Solar installer checklist (use this when comparing quotes)

Before you choose an installer, ask the questions below. They help you confirm quality, eligibility for export payments and a smooth install with fewer surprises.

Certification & compliance

Are you MCS-certified for solar PV and batteries?
Will you provide MCS and electrical certificates promptly?
Who handles the DNO notification/application?

Design transparency

What generation (kWh/yr) do you estimate and why?
How does shading affect the design (optimisers/microinverters)?
Can you show a layout and explain string design?

Warranty & aftercare

Workmanship warranty length and what it covers
Inverter warranty and replacement process
Monitoring support and fault response times

Red flag: A quote that won’t specify exact component models (or avoids explaining assumptions) is hard to compare and can hide compromises.

Regional considerations across the UK

Solar works across the UK, but local conditions can affect system design and pricing. When comparing installation costs in 2025, it’s worth considering:

Weather, shading and roof type

Tree cover, neighbouring buildings, dormers and roof angles vary by area and can influence whether you’ll benefit from optimisers, microinverters or different panel layouts.

Installer availability & access

Rural access, parking restrictions and travel time can affect labour and scaffolding logistics. Comparing multiple installers helps you find competitive pricing for your postcode.

FAQs: comparing solar panel installation costs (UK)

How much does a typical solar panel system cost in the UK in 2025?

Typical domestic PV-only installs often fall within £5,000–£14,000 depending on size (roughly 3–8kW) and roof complexity. Adding a home battery commonly adds £2,500–£6,500 depending on capacity and features. Use the 2025 cost table for indicative ranges and get quotes for a precise figure.

Do I need a battery to make solar worth it?

Not always. Solar can be worthwhile without a battery if you use a good share of your generation during the day and/or have a suitable export tariff. A battery can increase self-consumption and resilience, but it increases upfront cost—so it’s best to compare PV-only and PV + battery quotes.

What should I check when comparing solar quotes?

Confirm the exact panel and inverter models, system size (kWp), estimated annual generation (kWh) with assumptions, whether scaffolding is included, warranty lengths (product and workmanship), MCS certification, and who handles DNO paperwork. See the installer checklist.

Will solar panels increase my home’s value?

It depends on the buyer and the quality of the installation, but a well-documented system with clear warranties and monitoring can be attractive. Keep your handover pack, certificates, and performance records to support any future sale.

How long does installation take?

Many domestic installs take around 1–2 days on-site, depending on scaffolding, roof complexity and whether a battery or consumer unit work is needed. The full timeline also depends on surveying, scheduling and any DNO approval requirements.

Do I need MCS for SEG export payments?

In most cases, suppliers require MCS certification (or equivalent accepted routes) to access SEG export payments. Always confirm eligibility criteria with your chosen energy supplier and ensure your installer provides the correct documentation.

What UK homeowners say about comparing before buying

“We had two quotes with the same panel count but very different inverters and warranties. Comparing properly helped us choose the better long-term option.”

Homeowner in the Midlands

“The checklist made it obvious what was missing from the cheapest quote. We asked the right questions and avoided extra costs later.”

Homeowner in Greater Manchester

“Getting multiple quotes gave us confidence on price and system size. The installer we chose explained the generation estimate clearly.”

Homeowner in the South East

Trust indicators to look for: MCS certification, clear written warranties, transparent component models, and a documented handover pack.

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Updated on 14 Feb 2026