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Solar Panels Cost in the UK: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2025
Thinking about making your home greener and saving on your energy bills? With over a million UK homes already making the switch, solar panels are quickly becoming a go-to for folks looking to cut costs and shrink their carbon footprint.
They keep working even when the weather isn’t bright, which is honestly useful given how often the UK skies are grey.
A lot of people worry about the price tag, but solar panels are actually more affordable than you might think these days. New grants and funding options mean you’ve got more ways to make solar work for your budget.
If you’re considering solar, there are a few things you’ll want to weigh up before diving in.
Key Takeaways
Solar panels are more affordable and accessible than before
Choosing and installing solar panels involves several key factors
Government grants and savings can help reduce your costs
Solar panels are more affordable than ever, but how much do they actually cost? If you’re considering solar power for your home, you likely want to know the average cost of solar panels in the UK and what influences the price. In this friendly guide, we’ll break down the cost of solar panels for a 3 bedroom house (as well as smaller and larger homes), explain what factors affect the price, and share tips to save money on your installation.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how much for solar panels for a house like yours and how to make the most of your solar investment.
How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
The short answer: it depends on your home and needs. The cost of installing solar panels can range from around £4,000 to £10,000 or more, depending on the system size.
Key factors include the size of your solar array (number of panels), your household’s electricity usage, whether you add a battery, and even your roof characteristics.
For example, the cost of solar panels for a 3 bedroom house in the UK is about £7,000 on average. Smaller homes might spend around £4,000, while a larger house could pay closer to £9,000–£10,000.
When will your solar panels pay for themselves?
One big reason people install solar is the long-term savings on electricity bills. On average, a solar PV system pays for itself in about 15–16 years.
For instance:
A 3-bedroom home could save £450 per year, leading to about £4,300 net profit over 25 years.
A 4-bedroom home could save £636 per year, reaching about £6,000 net profit over 25 years.
Tip: SeeAre Solar Panels Worth It? for a full breakdown.
The bottom line: solar panels can reduce your electricity bill by up to 50% or more, leading to long-term savings.
Solar panel cost by system size and house type
How much for solar panels for a house your size?
| Property size | System size | Number of panels | Average installation cost | Annual savings | Breakeven | 25-year net profit |
| 1-2 bedroom house | 2.1 kW | 6 panels | £4,216 | £273 | ~15.5 years | £3,030 |
| 3 bedroom house | 3.5 kW | 10 panels | £7,026 | £454 | ~15.5 years | £4,335 |
| 4+ bedroom house | 4.9 kW | 14 panels | £9,837 | £636 | ~15.5 years | £6,069 |
Note: Costs based on standard installations without batteries.
Even with slight differences in house size, the payback period remains around 15–16 years, after which you enjoy free electricity!
Government push for cheaper solar
The UK government supports a “rooftop revolution”, aiming to make new homes solar-ready and push down the average price of solar panels UK homeowners pay.
Get free solar panel quotes
Answer a few quick questions, and our trusted installers will send you bespoke solar panel quotes – for free.
Get a free quoteSolar panels and your property value
Buying a solar home? You get immediate savings but check the system’s maintenance history.
Selling your solar home? Solar panels can increase your property's value and make it more appealing to buyers.
Learn more:
Buying a Home with Solar Panels
Do Solar Panels Increase Home Value?
Factors that impact solar panel costs
Several things can impact house solar panels price:
Type of solar panels: Monocrystalline panels are pricier but more efficient.
Solar panel efficiency: Higher efficiency means fewer panels needed but higher cost.
Number of panels (system size): More panels = higher total cost.
Tip: Read more aboutSolar Panel Efficiency andHow Many Solar Panels Do I Need?.
Breakdown of solar panel installation costs
| Cost Component | % of Total | What's included |
| Equipment (panels, inverter, wiring) | 40-50% | Panels, inverter, mounting system
|
| Installer overhead | 30-40% | Surveys, insurance, scaffolding |
| Labour | 10-20% | Installation crew, electrical connection |
Always compare multiple quotes:
Get free solar panel quotes
Answer a few quick questions, and our trusted installers will send you bespoke solar panel quotes – for free.
Get a free quoteHow to reduce solar panel costs
Several schemes and strategies can reduce the cost of solar panels installation UK:
ECO4 scheme: Free or subsidised solar for low-income households.
Solar Together: Group-buying to save up to 35%.
Home Energy Scotland Loan: Interest-free loans for Scots.
Warm Homes Fund (previous grants): Helped low-income homes with green upgrades.
More details here: Solar Panel Grants
Also, consider solar panels on finance for easy monthly payments.
Solar panel maintenance costs
Solar panel maintenance is minimal but includes:
Inverter replacement
Lifespan: ~10 years
Replacement cost: £500–£1,000
Maintenance and repairs
Minor repairs: £80–£200
Major repairs: Up to £1,500 (rare)
Read more: Bird Proofing Your Solar Panels
Cleaning
Rain does most cleaning.
Professional cleaning costs: £50–£150.
How much do solar batteries cost?
Adding a battery increases self-consumption but raises costs:
| Property Size | Panels Installed | Battery Size | Total Cost |
| 1-2 bedrooms | 6 panels (~2.1 kW) | 4 kWh |
≈ £6,700
|
|
3 bedrooms
|
10 panels (~3.5 kW) |
8 kWh
|
≈ £11,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
14 panels (~4.9 kW)
|
9.5 kWh
|
≈ £17,800 |
Want more info? Best Solar Batteries for Homes
Six things to consider before buying solar panels
Is your roof suitable? (Direction, angle, shading)
Does your roof need a check? (Older roofs may need inspection)
What size system do you need? (Based on yearly energy use)
Do you want a solar battery? (Yes = higher savings, higher upfront cost)
Will you sell excess energy? (Smart Export Guarantee scheme)
Have you compared quotes? (Always get multiple estimates)
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
Finding a reliable solar installer
When choosing an installer:
Look for quality equipment, not just low prices.
Ensure they’re MCS-certified.
Read customer reviews.
Ask about warranties (20–25 years on panels is good).
Get free solar panel quotes
Answer a few quick questions, and our trusted installers will send you bespoke solar panel quotes – for free.
Get a free quoteHow long does a solar installation take?
Small to medium systems: 1–2 days
Larger or complex systems: Up to 3–4 days
Minimal disruption to daily life
Next steps
You're now ready to confidently explore installing solar panels!
Start by gathering a few quotes:Request Solar Panel Quotes
Take your time, compare carefully, and soon you’ll enjoy clean, green, money-saving solar power at home!
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