How much do solar panels cost to install in 2026?

A typical home solar panel installation in the UK costs from £5,500 installed for a 4kWp system in 2026. Larger systems (6kWp) cost from around £7,500. Prices have fallen significantly over the past decade and are broadly stable in 2026.

What affects the price?

• System size. More panels means more output, more cost, and more savings. Most 3-bedroom homes suit a 4kWp system (10 to 12 panels). Larger homes often benefit from 5kWp to 6kWp.
• Panel brand and efficiency. Budget panels from lesser-known manufacturers cost less upfront but may degrade faster and carry weaker warranties. Established brands (JA Solar, Jinko, REC, Sunpower) cost slightly more but offer 25-year performance warranties.
• Roof type and access. Standard pitched roofs with easy scaffold access are the simplest jobs. Complex roofs, very high properties, or unusual orientations add time and scaffolding cost.
• Inverter choice. String inverters are the most common and lowest cost. Microinverters (one per panel) cost more but improve performance on shaded roofs and allow per-panel monitoring.
• Battery storage. Adding a battery at the same time as panels typically adds £2,500 to £4,500. Combining installations is usually cheaper than two separate visits.

What is the payback period?

Payback depends on your electricity consumption, your tariff, and your roof orientation. For a south-facing 4kWp system with average UK irradiance:

• Estimated annual generation: 3,400 to 3,800kWh
• Bill savings (self-consumption + SEG export): £600 to £900 per year at current tariffs
• Payback period: typically 8 to 12 years

Adding a battery shortens the effective payback by increasing self-consumption. East-west roof splits can achieve similar annual totals to south-facing systems, just spread differently through the day.

What grants are available for solar panels in 2026?

There is no direct government grant for solar panels in 2026. However, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for every unit of surplus electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary by energy supplier: most offer 4p to 15p per kWh. You register for SEG after installation.

VAT on residential solar installations is 0% in 2026, which represents a meaningful saving on the overall cost.