How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK?

a house with solar panels on the roof
May 8 , 2023

How Much is a Solar Panel UK?

A single solar panel cost in the UK of 415V is between £300-£400 in 2024. The average cost of solar panels per kW in the UK is £2500, including supply and installation, depending on the size of the system along with some other factors. A 4kw system is the most usable in the UK householders, which costs around £10000 and will cover your roof with 10 panels.

Since 2010 solar panels cost dropping and more people are installing them in their homes and businesses in the UK.

The UK government also helping people to embrace solar energy by announcing the 0% Vat charges from April 2022.

Solar Panels typically reduce your electricity bills by approx. 70%, you can save every year’s more money on your energy bills.

There are a few things to consider when you are thinking of the best solar panels for your home or business-

  • Size of the panels– The bigger the panel, the more expensive it will be.
  • Type of panels– There are two main types of solar panels, Mono-crystalline and polycrystalline. Mono-crystalline panels are more expensive, but they are also more efficient.
  • Solar panel prices– Solar panels cost very important for your saving money. You can choose the best company to check the price of solar panels UK.

Generally, the number of panels you will need will depend on what is the average energy usage of your household. A standard system for UK households is a 4kW solar panel system, which has the following features:

  • Around 10-12 panels, Hybrid Inverter and Battery storage.
  • Covering 29m² of roof space.
  • Produces around 3,800kwh per year.
  • Average cost around £10,000.

As a reference, a standard household will consume around 3,100KWh per year. You might also opt for smaller systems, especially if you don’t want the power to be stored in a battery.

However, a larger solar system will ensure that your home can run on this type of energy even after a few overcast days.

Overall, solar panels are a great investment. They’ll save you money on your energy bills, and they’ll help to reduce your carbon footprint. So, if you’re thinking about going solar, it’s definitely worth doing your research and finding out how much they would cost for your home.

Besides, the solar panel systems will often include full setup and a warranty (usually a warranty of 20 to 25 years, but it can be more).

Solar Panels Installation cost in the UK

The cost of solar panels installation in the UK can range between £9,000 – £14,000, depending on the size of the system, your location and other factors.

A pink piggy bank on a solar panel

The cost of solar systems is often included in the quote you receive from your supplier. Overall, for a 4kW solar panel system, you can expect the cost of solar panels and battery in the UK between £9,500 -£14,000, depending on the equipment and the complexity of the installation process.

Solar system costs can vary, depending on a number of challenging factors that might require you to have an even more extensive installation system, including the following ones:

  • If your property does not benefit from proper insulation, you will need a more extensive system that can supply enough energy for it.
  • Roofs receive the most energy if they are south-facing. If they are west or east-facing, you might need a backup or a more extensive system.
  • If something is casting a shadow over your roof (such as a tree or other building), you might not be able to install your panels. This is because the electricity you can get from your panels relates to the amount of energy they receive from the sun.

The installations cost is a significant investment, but it is important to remember that the panels will last for many years and will save money on energy bills in the long run.

Solar Installation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment, so it is definitely worth considering if you are looking for ways to save money and be more environmentally friendly.

What are the Labour Costs for Solar Panel Installation in the UK?

Solar panel installers often bill for labour in one of two ways: either by the worker for each day of installation or by billing a set price per watt as per industry standards. For example:

  • Solar Companies may charge average £400 per labourer for a single day or they may charge an amount per kW that is in line with industry standards.
  • Bear in mind that UK installers often include labour charges in their Quotations.
  • The size of the panels and the state of the roof are two factors that may affect overall labour costs or how long it takes to install.
  • Also, the roof’s condition matters when solar panels install because a roof that is distorted cannot support PV panels.

Factors Affecting Solar Panel Installation Cost in the UK?

Installing cost of solar panels might vary depending on a multitude of distinct factors.. Basically, the more electricity your solar panels must generate in order to meet your household’s energy needs, the more expensive your system will be overall. Several factors affecting the cost include:

  • The ideal solar panel size is contingent on the size of the house and the person’s electricity usage.
  • The three most common types of solar panels employed in residential applications are thin-film, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline.
  • Solar panel installation can be done manually or with the help of an expert solar panel installer. Although it is viable to install solar system on your own, you will still need to hire a professional to certify your solar panel system.
  • The additional components are a significant factor in the solar cost. If you want to put in additional components in addition to the solar panels, the cost of the equipment will increase, but the costs may decrease.
  • Other crucial aspects are location and employee expenses.
A man in a hard hat using a drill to install solar panels

What is the Average Price for a 4kW Solar System?

It is difficult to specify a precise value because the sun’s rays that your 4kW solar system will gather will change seasonally depending on the weather. Points to remember:

  • A family of three or four can have their energy demands met by a 4kW solar system.
  • By installing such a system, you will improve environmental sustainability.
  • A 4kW solar system typically costs between £10,500 and £15,000, including the battery storage & other equipment’s.
  • Your choice of panel type, contractor, and technician will all play a role in this.
  • Prior to making a purchase, it is advised to always choose a certified company.
  • Many solar experts advise having your home assessed before receiving a final quote.

By completing our simple contact form, you can receive up to 3 Free, non-binding Quotes from our solar panel contractors. You can compare pricing and choose the installation that has the best solution for your residence by getting numerous quotations from various installers.

What are the Cost of Repair and Maintenance of Solar Systems in the UK?

Solar panels on a roof

A typical solar system doesn’t require a lot of maintenance overall. The annual service will wind up costing you about £100 every five years, plus any charges for the cleaning supplies you’ll require every five to ten years. These expenses are negligible, and the savings you’ll see from solar panels over time will make it an investment that’s beneficial.

  • You can install automatic cleaners that function like sprinkler systems if maintaining your panels is not an option for you.
  • Do not install solar panels yourself. Hiring a qualified installer reduces the possibility of any unfavourable issues.
  • You already know that solar panels prefer sunny locations if you’ve done any research on them.
  • Although we are aware that solar panel repairs can be expensive, try not to perform any quick fixes.
  • Long-term savings are probably greater if you invest more in a new inverter as opposed to keeping fixing the old one.

When you have solar system installed by a trusted company, this cost is typically very manageable. Keep in mind that the panels need to be cleaned and maintained regularly to remain safe and effective for decades to come.

Do Solar Batteries Affect the Solar Installation Costs?

A white rectangular box with orange cables

A solar system installation cost might be impacted by solar batteries in multiple manners. The dimension of the battery system is the most important component. The cost of the battery will decrease as it gets smaller. Also, if your solar panel system is smaller, you might need to invest in a large battery to preserve enough energy to run your house.

  • An important amount of the overall cost of a modest solar installation may be made up of batteries.
  • In most cases, solar batteries can significantly reduce your installation expenses.
  • The cost of your installation will vary depending on the size, style, and position of your solar battery.
  • The kind of battery you select for your solar batteries might also affect how much it will cost to install them.
  • Lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries are the two most common types of batteries on the market.
  • Despite being cheaper than lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries are less effective and last for a shorter period of time.
  • Although lithium-ion batteries are more costly, they are also more effective and last longer.
  • Your installation fees may vary depending on where you locate your solar battery.
  •  A modest battery can help you save money if you reside in an area where the sun’s rays fall directly but solar batteries have short lifetimes.
  • You might need to get a bigger, more expensive battery if you reside somewhere with less sunlight.

Benefits of Choosing Solar Panels Installation for Home

A house with solar panels

We all are cognizant that the sun’s rays are used to produce solar energy. We are also aware that the Sun is a potent supplier of energy and that solar energy system can effectively convert it. In order to use solar energy in our homes, we transform it into electricity.

  • When electricity is produced or other forms of energy are utilised, some pollution occurs, which harms the environment.
  • On the other side, the source of solar energy is not a problematic solution to it at all.
  • The development of solar energy and its growing popularity has reduced the demand for other energy sources, which is excellent news for the environment and ecology.
  • Solar energy systems don’t need a lot of maintenance.
  • It only requires cleaning twice a year, however, maintenance should always be carried out by professionals who are knowledgeable in this field.
  • Whether used for operation or maintenance and repair, solar electricity is more secure than traditional power sources.
  • Actually, one of the sources of renewable energy is solar energy. It is ubiquitous and accessible everywhere in the world and is thus always available to everyone.

You won’t have to worry about paying hefty electricity rates because solar energy will meet your energy demands. Your requirements will determine how much you might save on your bill.

Breaking Even on Your Investment

Even the most eco-conscious homeowners will have a question in mind when investing over £12,000 in their solar panels: when will you break even on your investment? There is not an easy answer to this question, especially because factors such as energy consumption and type of solar panel system can influence the estimation.

Nonetheless, it has been seen that you can start getting a return on investment during your first year and break-even around the 10th to 15th year of your solar panels. However, because these systems are becoming increasingly more efficient, some types allow you to cover your investment in less than ten years.

A light bulb next to a stack of coins

FAQ

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top