This guide explains how much solar panels cost in the UK in 2026, using Energy Saving Trust averages, and how the price changes with system size, a battery and the details of your roof. It also covers the 0% VAT rate and what that means for payback.
Quick answer: The Energy Saving Trust puts the average UK home solar system at around £7,600 for about 4.5 kWp, roughly £1,690 per kWp. Adding a battery typically costs £5,000 to £8,000 more. Installations in homes carry 0% VAT until 31 March 2027.
Average solar panel costs in 2026
Using the Energy Saving Trust’s average of about £1,690 per kWp. Real quotes vary with your roof, location and installer, and smaller systems usually cost more per kWp because fixed costs such as scaffolding are spread over fewer panels.
| System size | Typical panels | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kWp | 7 | about £5,000 to £5,500 |
| 4 kWp | 9 to 10 | about £6,800 |
| 4.5 kWp | 10 to 11 | about £7,600 |
| 6 kWp | 14 | about £9,500 to £10,000 |
What affects the price?
- Scaffolding and access, especially on tall or awkward buildings.
- Panel and inverter brands, and whether you choose optimisers or microinverters.
- Roof type, such as slate, flat roofs or in-roof systems.
- Electrical work, such as a consumer unit upgrade or a long cable run.
- Battery storage, often the single biggest optional extra.
How much does a solar battery add?
The Energy Saving Trust gives a range of about £5,000 to £8,000 for adding a battery to a solar system, with smaller batteries cheaper. Fitting the battery at the same time as the panels can save on installation costs.
VAT on solar panels
Solar panels and batteries installed in homes in Great Britain are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. After that, the rate is due to return to 5% unless the rules change. Our solar panel VAT guide has the details.
How long do solar panels take to pay back?
Payback depends on how much of the output you use and your tariff. As a rough example, a £7,600 system producing 4,275 kWh a year, with half used at home at 26.32p and half exported at 12p, saves and earns about £819 a year, a simple payback of around 9 years.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Get at least three quotes from MCS certified installers.
- Compare the price per kWp, not just the total.
- Ask whether scaffolding, monitoring and warranties are included.
- Check whether a local group-buying scheme operates in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 4 kW solar system cost in the UK?
Around £6,800 at the Energy Saving Trust’s average price per kWp, before any battery.
Is there VAT on solar panels in 2026?
No, home installations are zero-rated until 31 March 2027.
How much does a solar battery cost?
Typically £5,000 to £8,000 added to a solar installation, depending on size.
Are solar panels cheaper than they used to be?
Prices have fallen a lot over the past decade, though they vary year to year.
Checked November 2026 by the Solaxyra Editorial Team. Sources: Energy Saving Trust: Solar panels, GOV.UK: VAT on energy-saving materials, MCS: Find an installer.