Compare solar panel installation costs UK 2026
Get whole-of-market quotes from vetted UK installers and compare like-for-like pricing for your home. Use EnergyPlus to check 2026 costs, what drives them, and what you could save.
- Compare quotes for solar PV and optional battery storage
- UK pricing guidance for 2026 (typical ranges + cost drivers)
- Matched to your postcode, roof type and usage
- No-obligation form — takes around 2 minutes
Homeowners only. Quotes are provided by independent UK installers. Availability varies by area. Prices shown are indicative and depend on survey results.
Compare installers and prices — without guesswork
Solar quotes can look similar on the surface, but the installed cost and performance can vary based on panel tier, inverter type, roof access and the installer’s design assumptions. EnergyPlus is a whole-of-market comparison service for homeowners — so you can compare multiple options side-by-side and focus on value, not just the headline price.
Use this page to understand typical solar panel installation costs in the UK for 2026, then submit your details for tailored quotes. We’ll match you with appropriate installers for your area and property type.
Tip: If you’re comparing solar PV with or without a battery, ask for both options. Batteries can increase self-consumption, but they also change the payback. We can request quotes with a battery and without, so you can compare like-for-like.
What you’ll need (quick)
- Your postcode (to match local installers and sun-hours assumptions)
- Rough household usage (or your latest electricity bill)
- Roof type and shading (e.g., chimneys/trees)
- Whether you want a battery or EV charger included
Get solar quotes for your home
Tell us a few details and we’ll help you compare options from UK installers.
Comparing quotes? Watch for these
- Panel make/model and wattage (W)
- Inverter type (string vs microinverters/optimisers)
- Scaffolding and roof works included?
- Workmanship warranty and aftercare
Why compare solar installation costs in 2026?
Pricing varies by design
Two 4kW systems can be priced differently due to panel tier, inverter choice, roof complexity, and whether monitoring, bird-proofing, and export limitation are included.
Installers package costs differently
Some quotes include scaffolding, DNO paperwork, and MCS documentation; others add them later. Comparing helps you avoid surprises.
Your tariff and export matter
Savings depend on when you use electricity and how you export. Battery storage can improve self-use — but it must be cost-effective for your household.
Solar panel installation costs UK 2026: typical ranges
Below are indicative installed price ranges for domestic solar PV in the UK in 2026. Your final quote will depend on roof layout, access, equipment choices and whether any electrical upgrades are needed. Use these figures as a starting point — then request tailored quotes to compare real offers for your home.
What “installed” usually includes: panels, inverter, mounting, DC/AC wiring, generation meter (if required), basic monitoring, commissioning, and standard paperwork. Scaffolding and upgrades may be included or itemised — always check.
| System size (typical home) | Typical installed cost (2026) | Likely fit for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4kW (approx. 8–10 panels) | £5,000–£8,000 | Smaller to average households | Often the "sweet spot" if roof space is limited |
| 4–6kW (approx. 10–14 panels) | £7,000–£11,000 | Average to larger households | Good balance of output vs installed cost |
| 6–8kW (approx. 14–20 panels) | £9,500–£14,500 | High electricity use / larger roofs | May require export limitation depending on DNO approval |
| Solar + battery (add-on) | +£2,500–£7,500 | Homes wanting more self-use | Battery size and brand drive cost most |
What’s included — and what may be extra
Often included
- Panels, inverter, mounting kit
- Basic monitoring/app setup
- Standard electrical connection
- MCS documentation (where applicable)
- DNO notification/application (varies by system)
Common add-ons
- Scaffolding (especially 2+ storeys)
- Consumer unit upgrades / new isolators
- Bird protection, pigeon mesh
- Microinverters/optimisers
- Battery storage or EV charger integration
What affects your solar panel installation quote?
When you compare solar panel installation costs in the UK, focus on the total installed price and the specification. The factors below explain why quotes can differ by thousands — even for similar system sizes.
Roof complexity & access
Steep pitches, fragile tiles, multiple roof faces, or limited access can increase labour and scaffolding needs.
Panel and inverter tier
Higher-efficiency panels and premium inverters can cost more but may improve yield, monitoring and reliability.
Electrical work required
Older consumer units, limited spare ways, or long cable runs can add cost. Ask what’s included after survey.
Shading and orientation
Shading from chimneys/trees may require design changes or optimisers to maintain output.
Battery choice (if any)
Battery size (kWh), usable capacity, warranty cycles and brand can significantly impact total cost.
DNO/export constraints
Some areas require export limitation or approval for larger systems. The quote should show how this is handled.
How to compare quotes fairly (quick checklist)
- Check the kW size and the number/wattage of panels (not just panel count).
- Confirm the inverter model and warranty terms.
- Ask whether scaffolding is included and how many days.
- Compare workmanship warranty and aftercare response times.
- Ensure the proposal includes estimated annual generation and key assumptions.
Savings in 2026: what affects payback?
Payback is not a one-size-fits-all number. Your savings depend on how much solar you use in the home, the rate you pay for imported electricity, and what you receive for exporting excess generation. A battery can increase the proportion you use yourself, but it also raises the upfront cost.
Typically improves savings
- Daytime usage (home working, electric cooking, heat pump scheduling)
- Smart export tariff (where available)
- Good roof orientation and low shading
- Right-sized system (not too small for your needs)
Often reduces savings
- Heavy shading or split roof faces with limited usable area
- Low daytime consumption (most use is evenings)
- Oversized system exporting lots at low export rates
- Unaccounted extras (scaffolding, remedial electrics)
| Household scenario | Battery likely helpful? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly out in the day (evening usage) | Often yes | Store daytime generation for evening demand |
| Home working / daytime occupancy | Not always | You can already use solar directly |
| EV charging at home | Sometimes | Depends on charging times and tariffs |
When you request quotes, ask each installer to provide a generation estimate and savings illustration based on your usage pattern. If you’re unsure, we can request both PV-only and PV + battery options for a clearer comparison.
How EnergyPlus helps you compare (simple steps)
- Tell us about your home: postcode, contact details and basic requirements.
- We match you to installers: whole-of-market matching based on coverage, property type and installer availability.
- Receive and compare quotes: review equipment spec, warranties and the full installed price.
- Choose your preferred option: proceed with the installer that best fits your budget and goals.
Questions to ask on every quote
- What’s the panel and inverter model?
- What are the product warranties and terms?
- Is scaffolding included? If not, what’s the allowance?
- Do you include bird protection as standard?
- What annual generation do you estimate and why?
- Is export limitation required in my area?
- What’s the workmanship warranty length?
- What aftercare support do you provide?
Regional considerations across the UK
Solar works across the UK, but yields and installation logistics can vary. When comparing solar panel installation costs in 2026, keep these regional factors in mind:
Scotland
Day length and seasonal variation affect generation profiles. Installer coverage and weather windows can influence lead times.
Wales
Rural areas can have fewer local installers; compare travel costs and availability, especially for post-install support.
England & NI
Urban areas may face access constraints (parking/scaffolding). Some DNO regions have different export requirements for larger systems.
Local pricing: Labour and access costs can vary by region. The most reliable way to understand cost in your area is to compare multiple quotes based on the same system size and spec. Get quotes for your postcode.
Common mistakes when comparing solar quotes
Comparing panel count only
10 panels could be 3.8kW or 4.5kW depending on wattage. Compare total kW and estimated annual generation, not just how many panels.
Ignoring scaffolding and electrics
Some quotes look cheaper but exclude scaffolding or any consumer unit works discovered at survey. Ask what’s included and what could change.
Overpaying for the wrong battery
A larger battery isn’t always better. Consider usable capacity, cycles, warranty, and how much surplus solar you actually have.
Not checking warranty terms
Ask about workmanship warranty length, who handles faults, and whether monitoring is included long-term. Good aftercare matters as much as hardware.
FAQs: solar installation costs in the UK (2026)
How much does it cost to install solar panels in the UK in 2026?
Typical installed costs for a domestic system are commonly in the £5,000–£14,500 range depending on size, roof complexity and equipment choices. Adding a battery can add roughly £2,500–£7,500. For accurate pricing, compare quotes based on your postcode and roof.
Are solar panels worth it in the UK?
They can be, especially if you can use a good share of your generation at home. The value is driven by your import electricity price, your export rate, and your usage pattern (daytime use typically improves savings). Comparing multiple quotes helps you find the best cost-to-performance option.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Many homes can install solar under permitted development, but rules can differ for listed buildings, conservation areas, or if panels protrude beyond certain limits. Your installer should advise after checking your property details.
What is the difference between string inverters and microinverters?
A string inverter connects panels in groups; microinverters (or optimisers) can manage panels individually. Microinverters/optimisers may help where shading or multiple roof aspects exist, but they typically increase upfront cost. Compare quotes that clearly state the inverter approach.
How many quotes should I compare?
Comparing at least 2–3 quotes is usually enough to understand fair pricing for your area and spot unusually high margins or missing inclusions. Make sure you compare the same system size and similar hardware tiers.
Will my quote change after a survey?
It can. Surveys can uncover access requirements, roof condition issues, or electrical upgrades needed. A good quote sets expectations upfront and clearly itemises what could change.
Ready to compare real prices? Use the form above to get quotes matched to your postcode, roof and preferences. Jump back to the quote form.
What homeowners value when comparing with EnergyPlus
“I didn’t realise two quotes could include different inverter setups. Comparing specs side-by-side made it much clearer what I was paying for.”
“We asked for PV-only and PV + battery options. The installer explained the trade-offs and we picked the one that fits our evening usage.”
“Helpful to see typical 2026 ranges first, then compare real quotes. It stopped us overpaying for add-ons we didn’t need.”
Trust signals to look for in any installer
- Clear, itemised proposal with hardware model numbers
- Transparent warranty terms (product and workmanship)
- Survey process explained before final price
- Aftercare and monitoring support outlined
Get 2026 solar installation quotes for your postcode
Compare whole-of-market installer pricing and specifications for your home. It’s free to request quotes and there’s no obligation to proceed.
We’ll never ask you to commit on this page. Quotes depend on survey and final design.
Want a better quote outcome?
- Ask for the same system size across quotes
- Request itemised inclusions (scaffold/electrics)
- Compare warranty terms, not just price
- Consider PV-only vs PV + battery options
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