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What Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK?

How Much Does a Solar Panel System Cost per kW?

The price of a single solar panel can range from £350 to £500, depending on the size and type of installation. A 4kW solar panel system, which costs about £6,000 and will cover about 29 square metres of your roof, is one of the most popular home sizes.

System of 3kw

Around  £5000 – £6000 is the estimated costs for installation of 3kW Solar Panel system is 

System of 4kw

Around  £6000 – £8000. is the estimated costs for installation of 4kW Solar Panel system is 

System of 5kw

Around  £7000 – £9000 is the estimated costs for installation of 5kW Solar Panel system is 

System of 6kw

Around  £8000 – £10,000. is the estimated costs for installation of 6kW Solar Panel system is 

The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly over the past several years because to developments in solar energy technology. The split of solar panel average prices, the amount of roof space needed, the typical electricity bill savings, and the savings you may anticipate after 20 years are shown in the table below.

Cost of Solar Panels per kW System in the UK 
System Size Estimated Costs Number of Panels Roof Space Annual Electricity Bill Savings Savings after 25 Years with SEG
3kW panel system £5,000 – £6,000 12 22 m² £160 £5,993
4kW panel system £6,000 – £8,000 16 29 m² £270 £9,240
5kW panel system £7,000 – £9,000 20 32 m² £320 £11,088
6kW panel system £8,000 – £10,000 24 43 m² £430 £14,533

*The data in this table was computed using 250W solar panels and the national average for household energy use. According to the size, kind, and quality of the solar panel system, as well as export duties, figures in the table represent a wide approximation.

In general, the initial installation cost would be higher the more electricity your system can produce. Long-term savings, nevertheless, will also be greater. For instance, installing a 3kW solar panel system will be less expensive, but over the course of 25 years, you won’t be able to make as much as you could with a 6kW system. The VAT on energy-efficient solutions will be eliminated beginning in April 2022, according to the UK government.

Read Our Guide to Learn More

> How Much Does Labor Cost?
> Factors Affecting UK Solar Panel Prices
> How Much Money Do Solar Panels Save You?
> What Impact Do Solar Batteries Have on Installation Prices?

How Much Does Labor Cost?

Labor costs are normally covered when you receive a quote for your solar panel system. In the UK, there are two typical methods for estimating the labour expenses associated with installing solar panels.

Are Solar Panel Grants Available in the UK?

Through a variety of solar panel funding options, you can profit from your solar panels in the UK. The Smart Export Guarantee and the Feed-in Tariff are both in effect at the moment (which is closed for new registrations).

The Feed-in Tariff (FIT), a government payment programme for solar panels, promoted the adoption of renewable energy sources in the UK, including solar PV. It was implemented in 2010 and provided homeowners that produced and exported renewable energy with a tariff (a payment).

The government ended this programme in 2019. No new applications are accepted, although those who are still registered under the FIT continue to receive payments in accordance with their agreements.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) has taken the place of the FIT as of January 1st, 2020. The SEG allows UK homeowners to make money by returning excess energy to the grid.

According to the SEG, all energy providers with more than 150,000 clients are required to provide a tariff for electricity sold to the grid. The tariff can be set up however the individual energy suppliers see fit, but it must be higher than zero. A reasonable export rate is 4-6p/kWh.

What options are available for financing solar panels?

The new VAT decrease on energy-saving products is another alternative for financing solar panels. You qualify for a discount on your solar panels if you are over 60 or receiving income- or disability assistance. The government’s website lists particular eligibility requirements, which you can read.

Funding choices and governmental initiatives are typically revealed or alter from month to month. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so we can keep you informed of any relevant changes in the future.

Costs of Labor for Solar Panels, Per Person, Per Day

One method is to estimate £300 to £500 per person, per day. Final installation costs are often between £600 and £1000 because it typically takes two workers to install the system. Larger systems may require more than one day to install, and the cost will correspondingly increase.

Charge 20 pence per watt as an alternative method of calculating the installation cost. In other words, for a 4 kW system, you would pay 20 pence for 4000 watts, or £800.

Factors Affecting UK Solar Panel Prices

Depending on the system you select, you may normally anticipate paying the solar panel costs listed in the chart. The price of installing solar panels for your particular home will be influenced by the following things:

2.System Size 

The best size for a solar panel will depend on the size of the residence and the individual’s electricity needs. Solar panels are available in a variety of sizes. Simply put, the cost of installation increases with the size of the solar panel system. Installing a 4kW system typically costs around £6,000. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that the better the system’s effectiveness, the quicker you will be able to recoup costs.

2. Panel Types

The three most popular types of solar panels used in homes are listed below. These include thin-film, monocrystalline, and polycrystalline solar panels. Although monocrystalline panels are recognised to be the most effective, they are also the most expensive, therefore they are not the most accessible. Polycrystalline can be the best choice for you if you want to go with cheap. Both are reasonably priced and operate at an efficient 13–16 percent.

3. The Setup Procedure

The simplicity of installation has an impact on solar panel costs as well. Although it is possible to perform the installation yourself, it might be challenging to do so correctly, so it is best to leave it to experts. The quantity of panels, the angle at which the panels are installed, and the durability of the roof must all be considered. The cost increases with the amount of work required to install the panels. A qualified installer and the manufacturer of your choice for solar panels can assess this.

4. Additional System Components

The cost of equipment will go up if you want to install extra parts together with the solar panels, but the installation expenses can go down. It is ideal to include any additional features, such as pigeon proofing your panels or installing a solar battery storage system, with the installation of the panels to reduce installation costs.

5. The Cost of Labor and the Location

Labor costs are typically included in the cost of installing solar panels, however this might vary depending on where you are and how much labour costs per hour there. Depending on where you are in the UK, the price for one person per day might range from £300 to £500.

How Much Money Do Solar Panels Save You?

Solar panel utilisation will result in lower electricity costs for you. Your annual savings from using electricity generated by your solar panels might range from £160 to £430. Of course, in order to estimate accurately, the specifics of individual family are required.

Costs and savings of solar panels

Overall, a few variables will determine how much you can save using solar panels:

    • Your household’s use of electricity
    • How effective is your type of solar panel 
    • If you use your appliances during the day when your panels are operating?
    • If you receive money via solar panel financing plans

Utilizing your appliances during the day, when your solar panels are active, will help you save even more money on your monthly costs. These little adjustments can save a lot of money on your energy bill.

The amount you can save will also depend on how effective your solar panels are. While polycrystalline panels are less efficient, monocrystalline panels are more effective (albeit also more expensive) (but cheaper). The more electricity your system can produce in a given period of time depends on how effective it is.

SEG Payments Can Lower the Cost of Solar Panels

Use solar panel grants like the Smart Export Guarantee to further lower your solar panel prices in the UK (SEG). You can get paid for sending extra solar energy that your panels have produced back to the grid through the SEG.

Export Tariff SEG

The prices for solar energy that is exported can vary depending on the supplier, but a good price is around 4-6p/kWh.

SEG generators looking for more information can read this advice on the Ofgem website.

If you install a 3kW system, the SEG will pay you £75 annually. You can anticipate to make £100 per year with a 4kW system and £120 per year with a 5kW system.

The Feed in Tariff (FIT) was the primary solar panel grant offered prior to the implementation of the SEG. The FIT expired in 2019 and no new applications are being accepted, however those who were already registered under it can continue to receive payments.

How long before solar panels are profitable?

Your solar panels may be paid off after 15 to 25 years, depending on their size and the export tariff. Although a larger system costs more up front, it can produce more electricity over time, which will enable you to save more money.

While a 3kW system may require 21–25 years to break even, a 5kW system can do so in as little as 15-20 years.

Make sure you follow solar panel maintenance and cleaning guidelines at all times to extend the longevity of your panels.

Do Solar Batteries Impact the Cost of Installation?

The overall cost of your solar panel investment will unavoidably go up if you add a solar battery storage system, but you may be able to get even more use out of your solar panels by using the stored electricity after the sun has set.

Batteries can cost anywhere from £1,200 and £6,000 on average, depending on the kind, longevity, and quality of the battery. Therefore, be ready to pay more up front if you want to add a storage solution.

FAQ Regarding Solar Panel Installation Cost

How long before solar panels are profitable?

Typically, it takes solar cells 16 to 22 years to pay for itself. However, this is subject to alter depending on a range of elements, including grants and programs, the effectiveness of your panels, the typical cost of a system, and more.

Installing solar panels: Is it worthwhile?

Many people wonder if solar panels are worth the investment. The cost of solar panels can be high initially, but the money you save can justify the high initial cost in the long run. Additionally, you can use solar panels to increase the overall market value of your property. What’s more, you can even earn extra energy from modules by enrolling in a funding program like SEG. While installation costs may seem a little high, the savings you get from your reduced electricity bills and the carbon footprint of your home’s energy make it worth the investment.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost to Maintain?

The best thing about installing this renewable technology is that it is relatively low maintenance. Solar panels require little maintenance, but to maximize the efficiency of your panels, it is recommended that you clean your panels once a year. You can clean the panels yourself or have them done for £5 to £15 per panel.

Are there any incentives for solar panel installation in 2022?

Indeed, funding for solar cells are accessible for UK households looking to switch to renewable energy:

  • Smart Export Guarantee: The program enables you to get payment for returning excess energy to the grid. The plan was initiated in January 2020.
  • ECO4 Scheme: The program, which will run from April 2022 to 2026, will take the place of ECO3. Because of LA Flex eligibility, this will make it possible for more people to be eligible for funds.
  • Zero VAT: The UK recently stated that energy-efficient products including solar panels, insulation, and heat pumps will not be subject to VAT. The former 5 percent VAT that was imposed on renewables is fully eliminated by this. The program will go into effect in April 2022 and last through April 2027.

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