How much do solar panels cost?
A typical 3-bed home's solar system (about 4 kWp) costs £5,000–£8,000 fitted. Adding a battery adds £2,500–£5,000.
Typical prices
| Job | Typical cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 kWp system, 2–3 bed | £5,000–£7,500 | 1–2 days |
| 5–6 kWp system, 4 bed | £7,000–£10,000 | 1–2 days |
| Battery, 5 kWh | £2,500–£4,500 | Half a day |
| Solar and battery together | £8,000–£12,000 | 2 days |
Typical UK prices for 2025–26, including VAT. Estimates only: your quotes will vary by home, location and the work involved.
What affects the price
- System size and number of panels
- Roof type, pitch and access
- Scaffolding
- Battery size, if you add one
- Inverter and panel brand
What's usually included
- Panels, inverter and mounting
- Scaffolding for the install
- Connection and notifying your network operator
- MCS certificate, so you can earn from exports
Ways to bring the cost down
- Get at least 3 quotes for the same system size
- Ask if fitting a battery now is cheaper than adding one later
- Check export tariffs before you choose: they vary a lot
- 0% VAT applies to solar panels and batteries on homes in Great Britain
Questions people ask
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Usually not. Most rooftop panels on houses count as permitted development. Listed buildings, and some homes in conservation areas, need permission first. Your installer will check.
Do solar panels work in winter?
Yes. They work on daylight, not heat, so they still generate on cold, bright days. They make less in winter because the days are shorter, and most of your yearly power comes from spring to autumn.
What does MCS certified mean?
MCS is the scheme that certifies small-scale renewable installers in the UK. An MCS-certified install is what most energy suppliers ask for before they'll pay you for the power you export.