How much do solar panels cost in the UK in 2026?

A typical 4 kW solar panel system costs between £5,500 and £9,000 fully installed in the UK as of 2026. Prices vary by region, roof type, and installer. Battery storage adds a further £3,000 to £7,000.

Are there government grants for solar panels?

There is no direct government grant for solar panels in England in 2026, but you pay 0% VAT on residential installations. In Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland scheme offers grants and loans up to £7,500. The ECO4 scheme can fund solar as part of a wider package for eligible low-income households.

How long do solar panels take to pay back their cost?

Most UK homeowners see a payback period of 6 to 10 years through lower energy bills and Smart Export Guarantee payments for surplus electricity. Properties with higher energy use or south-facing roofs typically achieve payback at the shorter end of that range.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight. On overcast days output is reduced by roughly 25 to 50% compared to a clear day, but panels continue generating throughout the year. The UK receives enough annual sunshine to make solar viable in all regions.

Solar panels

Solar Panels in the UK — Costs, Grants and Local Data

A 4 kW solar panel system costs between £5,500 and £9,000 installed in the UK as of April 2026. There is no direct government grant for solar in England, but you pay 0% VAT on residential installations and earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee for surplus electricity. Most homeowners see payback within 6 to 10 years through lower energy bills.

0% VAT on installationsSmart Export Guarantee paymentsECO4 for eligible households

Last reviewed: April 2026By Eco Home Check Editorial Team

Local data

Solar panel costs by area

Installation costs and sunshine hours vary across the UK. Select your nearest city for local installer data, average costs, and area-specific guidance.

Highest installer density

Solar in London

£6,000–£9,500

Annual sunshine: 1,500 hrs/yr
Local installers: ~4,800 MCS installers

View local data

Strong grant uptake

Solar in Manchester

£5,500–£8,500

Annual sunshine: 1,350 hrs/yr
Local installers: ~1,200 MCS installers

View local data

Competitive pricing

Solar in Birmingham

£5,500–£8,000

Annual sunshine: 1,400 hrs/yr
Local installers: ~1,600 MCS installers

View local data

Guides

Solar panel guides

In-depth guides on solar panel costs, comparisons and decision-making for UK homeowners.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK?

Typical costs for 3–6 kW systems, battery add-ons, payback times, and factors that affect your quote.

Read guide

Solar Panels vs Heat Pumps: Which Should You Install First?

A side-by-side comparison of costs, grants, running savings, and which upgrade delivers better value for your home.

Read guide

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How much do solar panels cost in the UK in 2026?: A typical 4 kW solar panel system costs between £5,500 and £9,000 fully installed in the UK as of 2026. Prices vary by region, roof type, and installer. Battery storage adds a further £3,000 to £7,000.
Are there government grants for solar panels?: There is no direct government grant for solar panels in England in 2026, but you pay 0% VAT on residential installations. In Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland scheme offers grants and loans up to £7,500. The ECO4 scheme can fund solar as part of a wider package for eligible low-income households.
How long do solar panels take to pay back their cost?: Most UK homeowners see a payback period of 6 to 10 years through lower energy bills and Smart Export Guarantee payments for surplus electricity. Properties with higher energy use or south-facing roofs typically achieve payback at the shorter end of that range.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?: Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight. On overcast days output is reduced by roughly 25 to 50% compared to a clear day, but panels continue generating throughout the year. The UK receives enough annual sunshine to make solar viable in all regions.

Check your eligibility for solar grants

Answer a few quick questions about your home. Our checker cross-references all active government schemes and finds what you qualify for.

Check your eligibility

100% freeTakes 2 minutesNo obligation

Solar panels

Solar Panels in the UK — Costs, Grants and Local Data

0% VAT on installationsSmart Export Guarantee paymentsECO4 for eligible households

Last reviewed: April 2026By Eco Home Check Editorial Team

Local data

Solar panel costs by area

Installation costs and sunshine hours vary across the UK. Select your nearest city for local installer data, average costs, and area-specific guidance.

Highest installer density

Solar in London

£6,000–£9,500

Annual sunshine: 1,500 hrs/yr
Local installers: ~4,800 MCS installers

View local data

Strong grant uptake

Solar in Manchester

£5,500–£8,500

Annual sunshine: 1,350 hrs/yr
Local installers: ~1,200 MCS installers

View local data

Competitive pricing

Solar in Birmingham

£5,500–£8,000

Annual sunshine: 1,400 hrs/yr
Local installers: ~1,600 MCS installers

View local data

Guides

Solar panel guides

In-depth guides on solar panel costs, comparisons and decision-making for UK homeowners.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK?

Typical costs for 3–6 kW systems, battery add-ons, payback times, and factors that affect your quote.

Read guide

Solar Panels vs Heat Pumps: Which Should You Install First?

A side-by-side comparison of costs, grants, running savings, and which upgrade delivers better value for your home.

Read guide

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How much do solar panels cost in the UK in 2026?: A typical 4 kW solar panel system costs between £5,500 and £9,000 fully installed in the UK as of 2026. Prices vary by region, roof type, and installer. Battery storage adds a further £3,000 to £7,000.
Are there government grants for solar panels?: There is no direct government grant for solar panels in England in 2026, but you pay 0% VAT on residential installations. In Scotland, the Home Energy Scotland scheme offers grants and loans up to £7,500. The ECO4 scheme can fund solar as part of a wider package for eligible low-income households.
How long do solar panels take to pay back their cost?: Most UK homeowners see a payback period of 6 to 10 years through lower energy bills and Smart Export Guarantee payments for surplus electricity. Properties with higher energy use or south-facing roofs typically achieve payback at the shorter end of that range.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?: Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight. On overcast days output is reduced by roughly 25 to 50% compared to a clear day, but panels continue generating throughout the year. The UK receives enough annual sunshine to make solar viable in all regions.

Check your eligibility for solar grants

Answer a few quick questions about your home. Our checker cross-references all active government schemes and finds what you qualify for.

Check your eligibility

100% freeTakes 2 minutesNo obligation