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How much do solar panels cost in the UK? (2026)
A typical 4.5 kWp home system costs about £7,600 installed, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Government data for 2025/26 puts the median at about £1,546 per kW for 4–10 kW systems. Here is what that means for your home.
Solar panel prices by system size
The table below uses two independent sources. The first is the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) median installed cost per kW for April 2025 to March 2026 (published 28 May 2026), based on MCS-registered installations: £1,595 per kW for systems up to 4 kW and £1,546 per kW for 4–10 kW. The second scales the Energy Saving Trust's typical £7,600 for 4.5 kWp to other sizes. Neither is a quote, but together they give a realistic range.
| System | Panels (450 W) | DESNZ median | EST typical, pro rata | Yearly output (south-west, south-facing) | Payback* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kWp | 7 | £4,785 | £5,067 | 3,000 kWh | 8.7 years |
| 4 kWp | 9 | £6,380 | £6,756 | 4,000 kWh | 8.7 years |
| 5 kWp | 11 | £7,730 | £8,444 | 5,000 kWh | 8.6 years |
| 6 kWp | 13 | £9,276 | £10,133 | 6,000 kWh | 8.6 years |
| 8 kWp | 18 | £12,368 | £13,511 | 8,000 kWh | 8.6 years |
*Payback uses the midpoint of the two costs, 50% self-use, the 26.32p/kWh price cap electricity rate and a 12p export rate, in south-west England. Output is about 14% lower in north-west England and up to 24% lower in northern Scotland, which lengthens payback. Try your own figures in our solar payback calculator.
Why the averages hide a wide range
The same government data shows the mean cost is higher than the median (about £1,808 per kW for small systems), because some jobs are much more expensive. The things that push a quote up are:
- Scaffolding and access. Three-storey houses, steep roofs and difficult access add hundreds of pounds. If you already have scaffolding up for roof work, ask about fitting panels at the same time.
- Panel type. All-black panels, higher-efficiency panels and in-roof (integrated) systems cost more than standard on-roof panels.
- Inverter and extras. A hybrid inverter (ready for a battery), optimisers for shaded roofs, bird protection and a solar diverter for hot water all add cost.
- Batteries. A battery typically adds several thousand pounds. See whether it pays in our solar and battery calculator.
- Roof type. Slate, flat roofs and ground-mounted arrays usually cost more than a pitched tiled roof.
VAT on solar panels
Solar panels and batteries supplied and installed in homes in Great Britain are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027, after which the rate is due to return to 5%. On a £7,600 system, 5% VAT would add £380. Check HMRC Notice 708/6 if your installation will be after that date.
Is the cost worth it?
At today's prices, a 4 kWp south-facing system costing £7,000 in Devon saves or earns about £766 a year and pays back in roughly 9 years. Panels typically carry 25-year performance warranties, so most well-sited systems pay for themselves well within their lifetime. Read our full guide, is solar worth it in 2026?, and work out the right size with our how many solar panels calculator.
How to get a fair price
- Get at least three written quotes from installers listed on the MCS installer search. MCS certification is usually needed to get paid for exported electricity under the Smart Export Guarantee.
- Compare quotes on cost per kWp and on the yearly generation each installer predicts, not just the headline price.
- Check what's included: scaffolding, monitoring app, workmanship warranty, and who registers the system with your network operator.
- Be wary of high-pressure doorstep sales and quotes that promise very short paybacks.
FAQs
How much does a 4kW solar system cost in the UK?
Using the 2025/26 government median of £1,595 per kW, a 4 kWp system costs about £6,380. Scaling the Energy Saving Trust's typical figure gives about £6,756. Real quotes vary with access, panel type and roof.
How much do solar panels cost per panel?
Installed systems are priced per job rather than per panel, but at around £1,550–£1,700 per kW, each 450 W panel works out at roughly £700–£760 installed, including its share of the inverter, scaffolding and labour.
Is there VAT on solar panels?
Not in Great Britain until 31 March 2027. Domestic solar panels and batteries are zero-rated for VAT until then.
Are solar panels getting cheaper?
Government MCS data shows the median cost per kW for systems up to 4 kW fell from about £1,910 in 2023/24 to about £1,595 in 2025/26.
Do I need planning permission?
Most roof-mounted panels on houses in England are permitted development, but listed buildings and conservation areas have extra rules. Check the Planning Portal or your council.
Related calculators
Solar payback calculator
How many solar panels do I need?
Is solar worth it?
Solar + battery calculator
Sources
- DESNZ – Solar photovoltaic (PV) cost data, 2025/26
- Energy Saving Trust – Solar panels: costs, savings and benefits
- Ofgem – Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (1 Oct–31 Dec 2026)
- European Commission JRC – PVGIS solar irradiance tool
- HMRC – VAT on energy-saving materials and heating equipment (Notice 708/6)
- MCS – Find a certified installer
- Planning Portal – Solar panels
Estimates only, not financial advice. Results use average UK figures and the assumptions shown. Your real costs depend on your home, tariff, region and installer quotes. Always get several quotes from certified installers and check current tariff rates before deciding. Don't rely on these results alone: see our disclaimer.