The short answer: a typical 4 kW solar panel system for a three-bedroom home costs between £6,000 and £8,000 fully installed. Government data puts the median price at £1,595 per kW for systems up to 4 kW in 2025/26, which is about £6,400 for a 4 kW system. MCS reports that the average certified home installation cost just over £7,000 in 2025. That price includes the panels, inverter, scaffolding, labour and certification, and there is currently no VAT to pay.
Prices on this page were checked in November 2026. We review them regularly and show our sources at the bottom.
Solar cost calculator UK edition
What would solar cost, and what would it be worth to you?
Six questions. No email address, no phone number. You get a size, a price range, a yearly figure and a payback range, with every assumption shown underneath.
Question 1 of 6
Your estimate
This is an estimate for general information, not a quote. It was correct at the time of publication and uses the assumptions shown. The performance of solar PV systems is impossible to predict with certainty, because sunlight varies from place to place and year to year. Only a survey by a certified installer can give you an accurate design and price. This is not financial advice.
Your answers go with you in this browser tab only, so the quote form does not ask again.
How we worked this out
This version uses a typical UK generation figure for every postcode. Homes in the south of England are likely to generate more than shown, and homes in Scotland less.
Every figure this calculator uses, with its source. Last updated .
- import Rate
- 26.32Ofgem price cap, Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026
- export Rate Default
- 15Widely available fixed export tariffs, Which?, April 2026
- Low
- 3Low, typical and high export tariffs, as supplied
- Typical
- 15Low, typical and high export tariffs, as supplied
- High
- 25Low, typical and high export tariffs, as supplied
- yield Per Kw South
- 850Typical UK figure: a 4 kW system generating 3,400 kWh. Interim national assumption
- panel Watts
- 400Typical panel size
- min Kwp
- 2Editorial choice in supplied brief
- max Kwp
- 8Editorial choice in supplied brief
- ev Miles Per Kwh
- 3.5Typical electric car efficiency
- ev Miles Default
- 7400Average UK annual mileage
- heat Pump Kwh
- 3200Our estimate: 9,500 kWh of gas heating at an efficiency of 3, rounded to 3,200
- battery Cycles Per Year
- 250Our assumption. Interim until MCS battery lookup data is supplied
- South
- 1Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- South-east
- 0.95Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- South-west
- 0.95Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- East
- 0.82Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- West
- 0.82Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- North-east
- 0.67Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- North-west
- 0.67Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- North
- 0.55Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- Flat roof
- 0.9Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- Not sure
- 0.82Published UK output tables. Interim direction factor, as supplied
- No shade
- 1Our simplification. MCS installers measure shade on site
- Some shade
- 0.9Our simplification. MCS installers measure shade on site
- Heavy shade
- 0.75Our simplification. MCS installers measure shade on site
- self Consumption · generation Band Kwh
- 300Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- self Consumption · usage Reference
- 3500MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · usage Min
- 1500Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- self Consumption · usage Max
- 6000Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- self Consumption · cap Fraction
- 0.95Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- self Consumption · rows · 0 · generation Min
- 0MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 0 · home All Day
- 143MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 0 · home Half Day
- 127MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 0 · out All Day
- 98MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 1 · generation Min
- 300MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 1 · home All Day
- 347MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 1 · home Half Day
- 288MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 1 · out All Day
- 219MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 2 · generation Min
- 600MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 2 · home All Day
- 499MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 2 · home Half Day
- 427MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 2 · out All Day
- 327MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 3 · generation Min
- 900MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 3 · home All Day
- 616MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 3 · home Half Day
- 506MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 3 · out All Day
- 379MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 4 · generation Min
- 1200MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 4 · home All Day
- 715MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 4 · home Half Day
- 580MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 4 · out All Day
- 424MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 5 · generation Min
- 1500MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 5 · home All Day
- 794MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 5 · home Half Day
- 644MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 5 · out All Day
- 459MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 6 · generation Min
- 1800MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 6 · home All Day
- 859MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 6 · home Half Day
- 697MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 6 · out All Day
- 488MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 7 · generation Min
- 2100MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 7 · home All Day
- 916MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 7 · home Half Day
- 742MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 7 · out All Day
- 512MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 8 · generation Min
- 2400MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 8 · home All Day
- 968MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 8 · home Half Day
- 782MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 8 · out All Day
- 534MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 9 · generation Min
- 2700MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 9 · home All Day
- 1016MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 9 · home Half Day
- 814MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 9 · out All Day
- 554MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 10 · generation Min
- 3000MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 10 · home All Day
- 1063MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 10 · home Half Day
- 844MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 10 · out All Day
- 573MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 11 · generation Min
- 3300MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 11 · home All Day
- 1103MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 11 · home Half Day
- 874MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 11 · out All Day
- 592MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 12 · generation Min
- 3600MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 12 · home All Day
- 1140MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 12 · home Half Day
- 905MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 12 · out All Day
- 611MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 13 · generation Min
- 3900MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 13 · home All Day
- 1174MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 13 · home Half Day
- 934MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 13 · out All Day
- 624MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 14 · generation Min
- 4200MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 14 · home All Day
- 1205MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 14 · home Half Day
- 957MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 14 · out All Day
- 634MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 15 · generation Min
- 4500MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 15 · home All Day
- 1234MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 15 · home Half Day
- 979MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 15 · out All Day
- 640MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 16 · generation Min
- 4800MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 16 · home All Day
- 1261MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 16 · home Half Day
- 1002MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 16 · out All Day
- 647MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 17 · generation Min
- 5100MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 17 · home All Day
- 1291MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 17 · home Half Day
- 1024MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 17 · out All Day
- 654MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 18 · generation Min
- 5400MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 18 · home All Day
- 1318MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 18 · home Half Day
- 1046MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 18 · out All Day
- 659MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 19 · generation Min
- 5700MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 19 · home All Day
- 1344MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 19 · home Half Day
- 1067MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- self Consumption · rows · 19 · out All Day
- 661MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025, Table 3, as supplied
- 3 kW solar installed cost
- 5000 to 6000Published UK price guides, checked against government median £1,595 per kW for systems up to 4 kW in 2025/26 and MCS average just over £7,000 in 2025
- 4 kW solar installed cost
- 6000 to 8000Published UK price guides, checked against government median £1,595 per kW for systems up to 4 kW in 2025/26 and MCS average just over £7,000 in 2025
- 5 kW solar installed cost
- 7000 to 9000Published UK price guides, checked against government median £1,595 per kW for systems up to 4 kW in 2025/26 and MCS average just over £7,000 in 2025
- 6 kW solar installed cost
- 8000 to 11000Published UK price guides, checked against government median £1,595 per kW for systems up to 4 kW in 2025/26 and MCS average just over £7,000 in 2025
- extra Kw Cost · low
- 1000Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- extra Kw Cost · high
- 1500Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- None
- 0No battery chosen
- None battery installed cost
- 0 to 0No battery chosen
- 5 kWh
- 5Published UK price guides, fitted with panels
- 5 kWh battery installed cost
- 2500 to 5000Published UK price guides, fitted with panels
- 10 kWh
- 10Published UK price guides, fitted with panels
- 10 kWh battery installed cost
- 4500 to 8000Published UK price guides, fitted with panels
- usage · min
- 1000Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- usage · max
- 12000Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- usage · default
- 2500Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- Low
- 1800Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- Medium
- 2500Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- High
- 4000Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- controls · system Step
- 0.5Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- controls · custom Export Min
- 0Non-negative export rate; no maximum specified
- controls · ev Miles Min
- 0Non-negative annual mileage; no maximum specified
- display · kwp Increment
- 0.1System-size display precision; numerical formatting, not a yield assumption
- display · headline Money Increment
- 10Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- display · breakdown Money Increment
- 1Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- display · max Payback Years
- 25Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- display · percentage Increment
- 1Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- display · rounding Mode
- half-upRevised calculator brief, section 8: standard round-half-up for display only; yearly benefit is rounded from the unrounded total
- warnings · long Payback Years
- 20Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- warnings · low Export Rate
- 3Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- units · watts Per Kw
- 1000Unit conversion
- units · pence Per Pound
- 100Unit conversion
- units · percent
- 100Percentage conversion
- data Files · pitched Roof Degrees
- 35Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- data Files · flat Roof Degrees
- 10Supplied UK calculator brief, 12 November 2026
- storage · max Events
- 200Local event buffer capacity; technical limit, not a calculation assumption
- storage · quote Ttl Minutes
- 30Temporary handoff lifetime; technical limit, not a calculation assumption
The full method, step by step, is on our methodology page.
Solar panel installation cost by system size
| System size | Number of panels | Suits | Installed cost | With a 5 kWh battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | 7 to 8 | 1 to 2 bedrooms, low electricity use | £5,000 to £6,000 | £8,000 to £10,000 |
| 4 kW | 10 to 12 | 3-bedroom semi | £6,000 to £8,000 | £9,000 to £12,500 |
| 5 kW | 12 to 14 | 3 to 4 bedrooms, higher use | £7,000 to £9,000 | £10,000 to £13,500 |
| 6 kW | 14 to 16 | 4 bedrooms, electric car or heat pump | £8,000 to £11,000 | £11,500 to £15,000 |
These are ranges, because no two roofs are the same. If a quote for a standard roof falls well outside them, ask the installer why.
What you are paying for
On a typical installation, the money is split roughly like this:
- Panels: about 45%
- Labour: about 20 to 25%
- Inverter: about 10%
- Scaffolding, certification and paperwork: about 10%
- Mounting kit and wiring: the remainder
The panels are less than half the bill. That is why adding a few extra panels costs far less than the first few: the scaffolding, the inverter and the installer's day on site are already paid for.
What makes the price go up or down
System size. Smaller systems cost more per kilowatt. Government data for 2025/26 puts the median for systems up to 4 kW at £1,595 per kW, and larger systems cost less per kW.
Your roof. Slate tiles, flat roofs, three-storey homes and panels split across several roof faces all add labour and scaffolding.
Where you live. Prices in London and the South East tend to be higher than in the Midlands and the North.
The equipment. Premium panels, microinverters and optimisers cost more. They can be worth it on a partly shaded roof.
Adding a battery. A 5 kWh battery adds roughly £2,500 to £5,000 when fitted at the same time as the panels. A 10 kWh battery adds roughly £4,500 to £8,000. Fitting one later usually costs more. See solar and battery costs.
VAT: the 0% rate ends on 31 March 2027
Solar panels, batteries and installation are currently zero-rated for VAT. The zero rate ends on 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027 the rate reverts to 5%, which would add £350 to a £7,000 system. See VAT on solar panels.
Help with the cost
There is no universal grant for buying solar panels, but there is help:
- Warm Homes Loan Scheme: government-backed loans of up to £15,000 for solar at a reduced interest rate, open to homeowners across the UK since October 2026. How the loan works.
- Warm Homes: Local Grant: fully funded solar for lower-income households in England in less efficient homes. Check who qualifies.
- Smart Export Guarantee: payments from your energy supplier for electricity you send to the grid. Compare export rates.
All of them require an MCS-certified installer.
How long until the panels pay for themselves?
On a good export tariff, around 10 to 12 years. On a poor one it can take twice as long. Panels typically last 25 years or more.
Here is a worked example for a 4 kW system costing £6,700 and generating 3,400 kWh a year, with electricity at 26.32p per kWh:
| Household | Solar used at home | Export rate | Yearly benefit | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out during the day, good export tariff | 17% | 15p | £577 | About 11.5 years |
| Home during the day, good export tariff | 32% | 15p | £635 | About 10.5 years |
| Out during the day, poor export tariff | 17% | 5p | £296 | About 22.5 years |
The share of solar power used at home follows the MCS standard method for a home using 3,500 kWh a year, with no battery.
A poor export tariff roughly doubles the payback time, and switching tariff costs nothing. Budget for one inverter replacement over the life of the system.
Is solar worth it for your home?
How to make sure you pay a fair price
- Get three quotes and compare them on price per kilowatt, not just the total.
- Check the installer is MCS certified on the MCS register, and a member of RECC or HIES.
- Ask for a named kit list: the panel, inverter and battery models.
- Ask for the generation estimate for your roof, including shading.
- Never pay in full upfront. A deposit of up to 25% is normal.
How to choose an installer and how to avoid rogue installers.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost for a 3-bedroom house?
Most three-bedroom homes suit a 4 kW system, which costs £6,000 to £8,000 installed.
Is installation included in the price?
Yes. The prices on this page are for a complete installation, including scaffolding, electrical work and certification.
Can I install solar panels myself to save money?
You can, but you would lose access to export payments and government-backed loans, which need a certified installation. See installing solar panels yourself. For a small do-it-yourself option, see plug-in solar.
How long does installation take?
Usually one to two days on site. See how long installation takes.
Do solar panels add value to a house?
UK studies suggest an uplift of around 1 to 3%. See do solar panels add value.
How we worked this out
Cost ranges combine government and MCS data with published price guides. Payback figures are our own calculations using the Ofgem price cap rate for October to December 2026. Read our methodology and how we make money.
Sources
Correct at the time of publication, 12 November 2026.
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, solar PV cost data (from the MCS installation database): https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/solar-pv-cost-data
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, plug-in solar analytical annex, which quotes the 2025/26 median cost per kW: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a301067d95ffddb05d4b08c/plug-in-solar-consultation-analytical-annex.pdf
- MCS, solar panels: costs and considerations: https://mcscertified.com/consumers/technologies/solar-photovoltaic-pv/
- Ofgem, energy price cap unit rates: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/your-energy-supply/your-energy-bill/energy-price-cap-unit-rates-and-standing-charges
- HMRC, VAT Notice 708/6, energy-saving materials: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-on-energy-saving-materials-and-heating-equipment-notice-7086
- GOV.UK, Warm Homes Loan Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/warm-homes-loan-scheme
- GOV.UK, Warm Homes: Local Grant: https://www.gov.uk/apply-warm-homes-local-grant
- GOV.UK, Smart Export Guarantee: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-export-guarantee-seg-earn-money-for-exporting-the-renewable-electricity-you-have-generated
- RECC, deposit limits: https://www.recc.org.uk/consumers/customer-journey/
- MCS 032, Solar PV Self-Consumption, 2025: https://mcscertified.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MCS-032-2025-V1.0.pdf
- Price ranges by system size and battery prices are drawn from published UK price guides, including The Eco Experts (https://www.theecoexperts.co.uk/solar-panels/cost) and OVO (https://solar-and-heating.ovo.com/blog/solar-panel-and-battery-cost-uk). Payback figures are our own calculations.