Solar panel cost calculator (UK)
Pick a system size, tell us about your roof, and add a battery if you want one. You get an installed price range based on 2026 UK market costs — not a sales pitch.
Figures checked October 2026 Estimate
Includes 0% VAT (residential solar is zero-rated until 31 March 2027), panels, inverter, mounting, installation and MCS certification.
What solar panels cost in the UK in 2026
Solar install prices are quoted per kilowatt-peak (kWp) — the system’s output under standard test conditions. MCS-based market data for 2026 puts typical installed costs at roughly £1,565–£1,686 per kW, which is why a standard 4kW system lands at an estimated £6,000–£8,000 and smaller systems cost more per kW (the fixed costs — scaffolding, inverter, labour — are spread over fewer panels). This calculator uses that per-kW range, adjusts for roof complexity, and adds battery storage at current market rates.
Three things move a real quote away from the midpoint. First, roof work: a straightforward south-facing pitched roof is the cheapest install there is, while dormers, fragile tiles or multiple small roof faces add labour. Second, the inverter: a basic string inverter is included in these prices, but panel-level optimisers or a hybrid inverter (needed for most batteries) cost more. Third, battery size — storage roughly doubles the value you get from each panel if you’re out at work all day, but it adds £3,000–£4,500 per 5kWh.
Costs to budget for afterwards
Solar is close to maintenance-free, but not entirely cost-free. The inverter typically needs replacing once at around 10–15 years (budget an estimated £800–£1,500). Panels themselves usually carry a 25-year performance warranty, and panel cleaning is rarely needed in the UK — rain does the job on any reasonably pitched roof. None of that changes the headline: the panels will almost certainly outlast everything else on the invoice.
How to use this number
Get at least three MCS-certified quotes and compare them against this range. A quote far below it may be cutting corners on mounting or certification (you need the MCS certificate for Smart Export Guarantee payments); a quote far above it needs a specific reason. Then run the winning quote through the payback calculator to see when it pays for itself.
Solar cost questions
Why is there a range instead of one price?
Because honest pricing is a range. Panel brand, inverter type, roof condition and region all shift a real quote by 10–20%. Anyone giving you an exact price without seeing your roof is guessing.
Does the price include the 0% VAT rate?
Yes. Residential solar and battery installs are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. If your install is booked after that date, expect standard VAT treatment unless the rules change — worth confirming with your installer.
Is a battery worth the extra cost?
It depends on when you’re home. If the house is empty all day, a battery can lift self-consumption from ~40% to ~70%, which is where it earns its keep. The battery calculator sizes one for your usage pattern.
Ready for real prices?
Calculators give you the ballpark. Get free, no-obligation quotes from MCS-certified UK installers and compare them against these numbers.