Typical costs
The Energy Saving Trust estimates a 4.5 kW system costs around £7,600 to install. The figures below scale that by size as a rough guide; bigger systems usually cost a little less per kW.
| System size | Roughly suits | Typical cost (estimate) | Electricity made a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW (7 to 8 panels) | Small home, 1 to 2 bedrooms | £5,500 to £6,000 | 2,850 kWh |
| 4.5 kW (10 to 11 panels) | Typical 3-bedroom home | about £7,600 | 4,275 kWh |
| 6 kW (14 panels) | Larger home, high use | £9,000 to £10,000 | 5,700 kWh |
Government figures from MCS installations show prices have been falling as more installers compete. Always get at least three quotes.
What's usually included
- Panels, mounting rails and fittings
- Inverter
- Scaffolding (some quotes list this separately)
- Installation, wiring and registration with your network operator
- An MCS certificate, which you need for export payments
Extras
- Battery: typically from about £2,500 to £4,000 or more. See is a battery worth it?
- Bird protection mesh to stop pigeons nesting under panels.
- Optimisers if part of your roof is shaded.
Ways to pay less
- No VAT on solar panels until 31 March 2027. See the details.
- Government-backed loans are coming through the Warm Homes Plan.
- Use an MCS-certified installer so you can get paid for exports.
Sources: Energy Saving Trust figures via Which?, Reonic regional yield table, Octopus Energy tariff data.