Will solar panels pay for themselves?

Answer three quick questions to see what solar panels could save you each year, and how long until they've paid for themselves. Uses today's electricity price for your region.

How big is your home?

Is someone usually at home in the daytime?

See export rates compared.

Advanced options

Costs are estimates based on the Energy Saving Trust's £7,600 for a 4.5 kW system. Use your installer's quote if you have one. Output per kW is a typical figure for a south-facing roof in your region; east or west roofs make roughly 15–20% less.

Your panels would pay for themselves in about

–

Paying off the cost Profit

Saved each year–
From using it yourself–
From export payments–
Profit over 25 years–

Getting paid for your solar power

Already have panels? Check you're getting everything you're owed.

Smart Export GuaranteeGet paid for the solar power you don't use. Rates compared.Feed-in Tariff paymentsPanels fitted before 2019? You could be owed money.Are solar panels worth it?Typical cost, yearly savings and payback time.Is a battery worth it?How much more you save, and how long it takes to pay off.

Thinking about getting solar?

Costs, rules and what to expect, in plain English.

Solar panel costsWhat a typical system costs to install in 2026.How much they generateBy region and system size, summer and winter.How many panels?A simple guide by home size and electricity use.Solar panels in winterWhat to expect from December to February.Plug-in solarLegal since August 2026. Great for renters and flats.Planning permissionUsually not for a house. The exceptions explained.0% VAT on solarNo VAT until 31 March 2027. What it covers.Warm Homes PlanLow-cost loans and grants for solar. What we know.

Common questions

How accurate is this calculator?

It gives a good estimate using typical UK figures: system costs from the Energy Saving Trust, regional sunshine, and today's electricity price for your region. Your real savings depend on your roof, shading, how you use electricity and future energy prices. An MCS-certified installer can give you a figure for your home.

Why does using the electricity myself save more than exporting it?

Each unit you use yourself saves you the full price of buying it, about 26.32p today. Each unit you export usually earns 3p to 16p. So the more you use in the daytime, the faster panels pay back.

What isn't included?

Future price rises, replacing the inverter (usually needed once during the panels' life), and any maintenance. The 25-year profit assumes today's electricity price and that panels lose about 0.5% of their output each year.

Do I need planning permission?

For most houses in England, no. See when you might.