Solar Panel Cost in the UK: Installed Prices by System Size
A 4kWp solar panel system costs between £5,500 and £7,500 installed in the UK, including scaffolding and 0% VAT. Smaller 3kWp systems for 2-bedroom homes start around £4,500, and 6kWp systems for larger households run to about £9,500. The table below shows typical market prices alongside the output and yearly saving for each size.
| System size | Panels (430W) | Roof area needed | Installed price | Yearly generation | Estimated yearly saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kWp | 7 | 14 m² | £4,500–£6,000 | 2,550 kWh | £420–£560 |
| 4kWp | 9–10 | 19 m² | £5,500–£7,500 | 3,400 kWh | £540–£720 |
| 5kWp | 12 | 23 m² | £6,500–£8,500 | 4,250 kWh | £650–£880 |
| 6kWp | 14 | 27 m² | £7,500–£9,500 | 5,100 kWh | £760–£1,030 |
Generation assumes 850 kWh per kWp, a south-facing roof and no shading. Savings assume an illustrative 25p/kWh import rate, 15p/kWh export rate and 40–50% self-consumption.
What Adds to the Cost of Solar Panels?
Five items move a solar panel quote above the base price, and a fair quote lists each one separately rather than inside a single total.
| Extra | Why it's needed | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Bird protection mesh | Stops pigeons nesting under the array | £300–£600 |
| Panel optimisers | Recovers output lost to shading | £40–£60 per panel |
| Consumer unit upgrade | Old fuse boards can't take a new circuit | £400–£700 |
| Extra scaffolding elevation | Rear or side roofs with no front access | £250–£500 |
| G99 application | Systems above 3.68kW per phase | Usually free to apply, adds 4–8 weeks |
How Long Do Solar Panels Take to Pay Back?
Solar panels in the UK pay back their cost in 8 to 12 years for most households, against a panel lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Payback shortens when you use more of the electricity yourself, because each self-used unit saves the full import rate while each exported unit earns only the lower export rate.
Worked Example: 4kWp System
- System
- 4kWp at £6,500
- Generation
- 3,400 kWh a year
- Used at home (45%)
- 1,530 kWh × 25p = £383
- Exported (55%)
- 1,870 kWh × 15p = £281
- Yearly saving
- £664
- Payback
- 9.8 years
Adding a battery raises self-consumption to 60–80%, which lifts the yearly saving but adds £3,000–£6,000 to the system price.
What Solar Panels UK Charges
Solar Panels UK installations start from £3,999, including all solar panels and full electrical installation. Your quote confirms the price for your roof.
Get a Price for Your Roof
An accurate price needs your roof size, direction and electricity use. The quote form takes under 60 seconds, and homes outside the Solar Panels UK installation area receive up to three quotes from local MCS-certified installers instead.