Solar Panels UK Homes

What pushes the price up

• ❌ Complex or flat roof
• ❌ Premium panel brands
• ❌ Adding battery storage
• ❌ Remote location
• ❌ Roof repairs needed first

What brings the price down

• ✅ 0% VAT until 31 March 2027
• ✅ Simple pitched roof
• ✅ ECO4 grant (if eligible)
• ✅ Getting multiple quotes
• ✅ South-facing roof

Qualifying energy-saving-material installations, including solar panels, are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027, after which the rate reverts. No application needed — any reputable installer applies it automatically. This saves between £1,000 and £3,000 on a typical installation.

Expires: 31 March 2027

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme can cover the full cost of solar panel installation for qualifying households. Eligibility typically requires receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or certain other benefits. Solar panels through ECO4 are worth £5,000–£10,000.

Expires: December 2026 · Applies to: England, Scotland & Wales

Running from April 2025 to 2028, this scheme offers grants up to £30,000 for home energy improvements including solar installations for eligible lower-income households.

Runs until: 2028 · Applies to: England

Scottish homeowners can access interest-free loans of up to £7,500 specifically for solar PV installations, plus additional grant funding depending on household income.

Applies to: Scotland only

Not a grant but an ongoing income stream — you're paid for every unit of electricity you export to the grid. Rates currently range from 11p to 25p per kWh depending on your supplier. Shop around for the best rate.

Ongoing · Requires MCS-certified installation

Monocrystalline

Made from single-crystal silicon. Most efficient and longest lasting. Slightly more expensive but best long-term value.

Polycrystalline

Made from multiple silicon fragments. Slightly less efficient but more affordable. Good for larger roof spaces.

Thin Film

Lightweight and flexible. Works better in low light but needs more roof space. Less common in UK homes.

If you rent, live in a flat, or don't have a suitable roof, balcony solar panels are a plug-in alternative. A DNO notification is still required before connecting, and current rules limit you to one certified 800W device per household. They typically generate 300–800W and can meaningfully cut your electricity bills without any structural work.

How much do solar panels cost for a 3-bedroom house?

A typical 3-bed home suits a 4kW system, costing £6,000–£8,000 installed before any grants, with 0% VAT applying to qualifying installations until 31 March 2027. Annual savings are usually £550–£700.

Are solar panels worth it in 2026?

For most homes with a suitable roof, yes — high electricity prices, 0% VAT and SEG export payments mean typical payback of 7–12 years against a 25-year panel lifespan. It's less compelling with heavy shading, a north-facing roof, or if you plan to move house soon.

How many solar panels do I need?

Most UK homes use 10–14 standard 400W panels for a 4kW system, which suits a typical 2–3 bed house. Larger or higher-usage homes may need 15–20+ panels for a 6kW+ system. Your installer will size this to your roof and household usage during the survey.

Can I get solar panels if my roof faces east or west?

Yes — south-facing roofs generate the most, but east and west-facing roofs still produce a useful amount, typically 15–20% less than south-facing for the same system size. North-facing roofs generate the least and are rarely worthwhile.

Is it better to get solar panels alone or solar plus battery?

Solar alone has a faster payback since it costs less upfront. Adding a battery costs £3,000–£6,000 more but lets you use stored solar power in the evenings instead of exporting it cheaply — worth it if you're on a time-of-use tariff, work from home, or have an EV. See our Battery Storage Guide for a full breakdown.

Can I charge an EV from solar panels?

Yes — a solar-diverting EV charger like the Myenergi Zappi automatically routes surplus solar generation to your car instead of exporting it, bringing your per-mile driving cost down to around 1–2p. See our Best EV Charger UK guide for details.

Can I get solar panels if I live in a flat or rent?

Traditional rooftop solar requires landlord permission and roof access, which is often impractical for flats. Plug-in balcony solar became legal to self-install from 27 August 2026 and requires no roof access — see our Balcony Solar Guide for what it can realistically deliver.

What happens to excess solar electricity I don't use?

Any surplus is automatically exported to the grid, and you're paid for it through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — currently 11–25p per kWh depending on your supplier. A battery lets you store that surplus for evening use instead of exporting it, which is usually worth more than the SEG rate.

Do I need planning permission?

In most cases, no. Solar panels on domestic roofs fall under permitted development rights in England, Scotland and Wales. Exceptions include listed buildings, some conservation areas, and panels that protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface. Your installer will confirm before proceeding.