A typical home solar system costs about £7,600 to install
That's the Energy Saving Trust's figure for a 4.5kWp system of around 12 panels, paying for itself in 9 to 12 years with export payments. Compare quotes from local installers.
Source: Energy Saving Trust and DESNZ (below)
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When solar panels might suit
- Roof direction: an unshaded, south-facing roof is ideal. East or west roofs still work but tend to get around 15 to 20% less energy. North-facing roofs aren't recommended (Energy Saving Trust[1]).
- Space: a typical 4.5kWp system uses around 12 panels and 20 to 30m² of roof[1].
- Shade: trees, chimneys or nearby buildings can cut output. A survey checks this.
- Permission: panels on houses are usually permitted development, with exceptions for listed buildings, conservation areas and national parks. Your installer registers the system with the local network operator[1].
If the roof needs work soon, it's usually cheaper to do that first, while the scaffolding is up.
Costs and payback
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Typical 4.5kWp home system | around £7,600 installed [1] |
| Median cost per kW, 4 to 10kW systems, 2025/26 | £1,546 per kW [2] |
| Battery storage, if added | around £5,000 to £8,000 [1] |
| Payback with export payments | 9 to 12 years, depending on location [1] |
Savings depend on how much of the electricity you use yourself. Exported units typically earn around 12p each through the Smart Export Guarantee, while you'd usually pay more than twice that to buy a unit, so using it at home is worth more[1]. Panels should last 25 years or more; the inverter usually needs replacing after around 12 years[1].
Ballpark figures only; your price depends on system size, roof access and whether you add a battery. Sources: [1] Energy Saving Trust, solar panels (payback based on July 2026 fuel prices, England, Scotland and Wales); [2] Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Solar PV cost data, 2025/26 release (total installed capacity basis, from the MCS Installation Database). Checked 14 October 2026.
What a quote involves
- On our partner's quote service, you answer a few short questions about the home, the roof and your electricity use.
- Local installers may contact you to confirm the details or arrange a survey of the roof, shading and fuse board.
- You get prices to compare. Compare what's in each price: the panel and inverter warranties, whether scaffolding is included, and whether a battery is quoted separately.
- You're under no obligation to accept any quote. Check the installer is MCS certified before agreeing to anything.
You'll leave ClearBeacon for a partner quote form. We earn a commission if you request a quote. For UK property owners, 18+.
Want prices for your home?
The partner form asks a few short questions about the home and roof. Installers get back to you from there.
Compare free quotes →You'll leave ClearBeacon for a partner quote form. We earn a commission if you request a quote. For UK property owners, 18+.