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Solar panels harness energy from the sun, converting it into free renewable electricity. While the best solar panels come with a high upfront cost, systems installed in 2024 could pay for themselves in less than 10 years, even faster if you install a solar battery.
To save on energy bills and limit their reliance on fossil fuels, more and more homeowners are switching to solar power: in 2023, there were 229,618 solar panel installations in the UK, compared to just 172,020 in 2022[1]. In this guide, we’ll outline how solar panels work, the types of solar panels available, whether they make sense for you and, importantly, how much you can expect to save on your energy bills.
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For a three-bedroom house in the UK, the average cost of a solar panel system is £9,600 with a solar battery and around £7,100 without.
Yes. If you can afford to add solar panels to your property, they are a worthwhile investment in the long run. As well as lowering your carbon footprint, they can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Just ask our Independent readers. According to a recent survey we conducted*, more than three quarters (77.20 per cent) of readers are happy with how much they’ve saved with their solar panels, and 77.66 per cent are satisfied with how much they spent to install them.
Yes, solar panels are highly efficient in the UK and produce electricity even on cloudy days and throughout the winter.
For a three-bedroom house with a 4.5kW system, the average payback period for solar panels in Great Britain is 11.7 years if you install a solar battery and take advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The exact length of time will depend on the initial cost, the size of the system and your location. For example, since SEG isn’t available in Northern Ireland, your solar panels may take longer to pay back in that region.
Yes, as long as the system is powerful enough to cover your household’s energy usage.
That depends on the size of your roof and the system you want to install. Keep reading to learn how to determine the size of solar panel system you need for your household and how much space you will require to install it.
Most small-scale domestic solar panel systems in the UK qualify for permitted development rights, so you won’t have to apply for planning permission. However, some homes – such as World Heritage Sites, listed buildings and those in conservation areas – do require planning permission. If you live in such a property, you should check any such requirements before committing to purchasing solar panels.
A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) panel, is made up of solar cells that convert daylight into usable electricity or heat. The type of solar panel you choose will determine how your system generates and uses energy.
Monocrystalline cells: You’ll need fewer of these panels to meet your energy needs, as they tend to be more energy efficient than polycrystalline panels. Thanks to their simple construction, solar panels with monocrystalline cells have a sleek design, making them popular with consumers concerned about aesthetics. As the name suggests, the cells of these panels are made from a single silicon crystal sheet.
Polycrystalline cells: These panels are often around 13 to 16 per cent less efficient than monocrystalline panels, but they are more cost-effective. However, they also have a shorter lifespan than monocrystalline cells, and because they have more panels, they take up more roof space. The cells of these panels are made of multiple silicon crystals, which are melted (rather than cut) into squares that connect to form a solar panel.
Thin-film cells: The least energy-efficient of the three types (at around 7 per cent), thin-film solar panels are also the cheapest, as they need less material to make. Because of their lower efficiency and the fact that they degrade quicker than crystalline cells, they’re usually used in commercial or industrial solar developments rather than domestic setups.
Grid-connected. This kind of solar panel system is connected to the national grid, which you can tap into if your panels don’t produce enough electricity for your needs, so you’ll never be without power. If your system generates more electricity than your home needs, you can also make a profit by exporting any excess power back to the grid via your energy supplier. To do this, you’ll need to register for the SEG scheme, which you can only do if your solar installation is Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified.
Stand-alone. These solar panel systems are not connected to the national grid, and they are most commonly found in remote areas where a grid connection is not possible. During daylight hours, stand-alone PV panels generate electricity to power your home, storing any excess electricity in solar batteries to use at a later date. Due to the cost of solar batteries, stand-alone systems have higher upfront costs than grid-connected systems.
Solar battery storage systems store any excess energy generated by your solar panels, allowing you to tap into this surplus energy whenever your panels are not generating any electricity, such as at night or in cloudy or low-light conditions.
Interestingly, we found the main reason Independent readers installed solar batteries was to take advantage of time-of-use rates, whereby you pay less for energy if you use it at non-peak times. With a solar battery, you can store excess energy when electricity rates are at their cheapest and use it when rates are at their most expensive.
Run your most energy-draining appliances when your solar panels are generating the most power to maximise the benefits from your solar system. This could mean running high-power appliances, such as washing machines or dishwashers in the middle of the day. If you’re not home during these hours, apps and smart home systems can help you schedule certain appliances to run while you’re out.
A solar panel diverter redirects excess energy from solar panels to other appliances – most commonly an immersion heater. By taking the pressure off your boiler, you can save even more money on your energy bills (up to an average of £630 per year). A PV diverter will usually need to be replaced after about 12 years.
Cost is a major factor for most homeowners considering investing in solar panels. Below are important aspects to keep in mind as you make your decision.
Your solar panels’ efficiency, including how much electricity they will produce, is affected by the angle of your roof. The geographical location of your home also plays an important role.
Between 30 and 40 degrees is the optimal angle for capturing maximum sunlight. Solar panels installed at these angles maximise sunlight exposure, allowing them to generate more electricity. Orientation is another important consideration; in the UK, south-facing solar panels generate the most energy, saving you more money on your energy bills.
The table below shows the likely efficiency of solar panels according to the orientation and roof tilt of the property. The numbers represent the efficiency (in percentages) you can expect from your panels in these situations.
Once you have worked out your roof’s angle and orientation, you’ll need to assess how many hours a day (and at what times) your roof is in the shade.
Ideally, your roof should not be shaded during peak sunlight hours, which in the UK are between 10am and 4pm. If your roof is significantly shaded during this time, you may not generate enough electricity to make the investment in solar panels worthwhile.
Your roof must have enough space for the number of panels your household needs to justify the investment in solar panels. Our experts found that the average UK household needs a 4kW system, which requires around 29m2 of free roof space.
Unsurprisingly, solar panels add a significant amount of extra weight to your roof. Before you make any big decisions, check out product specification sheets on panel manufacturers’ websites to find a panel’s weight.
To give you a rough idea, we’ve calculated that the average solar panel system could weigh up to 280kg – based on a typical UK household requiring a 4kW system made up of 12 panels.
Deciding which solar panels are right for you will depend on your energy consumption, budget, installation requirements, and more. That said, the best solar panels on the market have efficiency ratings of over 20 per cent and a solid power output of at least 420W.
During our research into 13 top solar panel manufacturers, we considered factors such as efficiency, reliability and power output to determine the highest-quality options out there. In the end, we chose the SunPower Maxeon 6AC 445W as the best on the market.
The following factors are important to understand and consider when it comes to choosing solar panels…
The average three-bedroom household in the UK requires a 4.5kW system to meet its energy needs, which equates to around 12 solar panels. The exact amount required, though, will depend on household size, energy consumption and available roof space.
Adopting solar energy not only means you’ll be minimising your carbon footprint, it can also result in complete energy independence. Relying solely on solar energy to power your home means you won’t be affected by rises in non-renewable energy prices, or by local power cuts.
One of the ways to increase your energy independence is by installing a solar battery alongside your solar panels, so you can store any surplus solar energy you’re not using immediately. This energy can be sold back to the National Grid in the form of SEG payments, or you can save it to use it later.
Estimated battery size required for an average three-bedroom house to achieve energy independence in the UK
While they come at a high upfront cost, domestic solar panels tend to last about 25 years, and some premium models have an even longer lifespan. This means that you should break even on your initial investment long before you need to think about replacing your system.
As well as saving on your energy bills, you can earn money by selling your unused solar energy back to the National Grid through the SEG scheme. By offloading your excess power to the grid, you can recoup your initial investment even faster.
Remember to weigh up the pros and cons of solar panels before making such a long-term investment. In terms of benefits, solar panels can:
When the new Labour government was elected on 5 July 2024, the energy secretary, Ed Miliband, promised to triple the amount of solar power in the UK by 2030 and approved the construction of three solar farms that had previously been blocked by Conservative ministers. Plans also include re-examining solar panel restrictions for listed buildings and bringing in solar standards for new builds.
Miliband said, “I want to unleash a UK solar rooftop revolution. We will encourage builders and homeowners in whatever way we can to deliver this win-win technology to millions of addresses in the UK so people can provide their own electricity, cut their bills and, at the same time, help fight climate change.”
Despite the country’s reputation for being cloudy and rainy, solar panels do work in the UK. While sunlight availability affects solar panel efficiency, panels aren’t dependent on direct sunshine; they can produce electricity under cloudy conditions through diffuse sunlight.
In fact, 45.43 per cent of Independent readers surveyed said their solar panels cover up to 75 per cent of their energy consumption.
What’s more, the UK’s solar capacity has grown significantly over the years, from just 1,288MW in 2000 to 1.2 million MW in 2022. Modern solar panels are designed to be effective in various conditions, with many systems including technologies that maximise efficiency regardless of weather.
Additionally, solar panels tend to operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, when compared with hotter climates, so the less intense sun exposure of the UK can actually be an advantage for solar energy generation.
The UK is seeing a rapid increase in the adoption of solar panels[3], with over 1.7 million homes now equipped with them. But where are the best places to harness solar energy?
The team at Independent Advisor Solar Panels has uncovered the UK solar hotspots[4], scoring each region out of 10 based on:
Although solar power can be generated even in cloudy conditions, sunnier areas are better placed to exploit it.
“We went for eight panels on the roof and a battery system. We thought there might be a possibility of getting an electric boiler in the future and car charging if we get a hybrid or electric car. The rise in energy prices has given us a big kick, and solar power gives us some sense of control.
“[Our app shows us that, right now,] the house is using 162W. We’re getting 331W off the roof, and the inverter is sending it to the house and charging the battery. A fully charged battery will easily last us a day, allowing us to do a laundry cycle, a dishwash, use the kettle and do some cooking, even on a cloudy day.”
For a typical UK family living in a three-bedroom semi-detached house and using around 3,350kW of energy a year, a 4.5kW solar system should be suitable. Without adding a battery, a system this size would cost about £7,100; with a battery, the total goes up to £9,600.
Bear in mind, though, that the cost of solar panels will vary depending on your region, energy consumption, house size, the installer and manufacturer you choose and whether you decide to add on a solar battery (which increases your upfront costs but can save you as much as 90 per cent on your energy bills) or a diverter.
Thinking about switching to solar but unsure how many solar panels you’ll need to power your home? Our short video gives you a simple formula to help you work out your solar needs.
Installing solar panels is a long-term investment for your home, as they typically take about 10-13 years to pay back. However, there’s a lot to gain from generating your own electricity; aside from reducing your carbon footprint and your reliance on the grid, solar panels can also make you a healthy profit over time.
Introduced by the government, the SEG scheme allows UK homeowners with a solar panel system to sell their unused solar energy back to the National Grid. Many homeowners with solar panels opt in to SEG payments, enabling them to earn money from their excess solar energy and allowing them to make significant savings on their energy bills.
The table below is based on a 3.5kW system and shows what you could save on your energy bills. These figures are from the Energy Savings Trust and are based on electricity prices as of May 2024.
While there are many benefits to installing solar panels, there’s no denying they come with a costly initial investment. It will take a while to recoup your investment, but once your system is installed, you’ll quickly see savings on your energy bill.
Adding a storage battery to your system will increase your initial investment and can help you break even faster. With a solar battery, you can store electricity for future use, including for times when sunlight is unavailable. Our research shows that around 90 per cent of homeowners opt to add a solar battery to their system.
Several other factors affect how quickly you recover the cost of your solar panels, including:
Break-even point based on system size and cost
Data based on average savings across Great Britain (SEG isn’t available in Northern Ireland), with someone being at home for half of the day.
The time it takes your solar panels to recover costs will depend on the near-constant effect of continually fluctuating energy prices in the UK. When prices are high, your system will pay for itself more quickly. However, lower energy prices and lower SEG tariffs will have the opposite effect.
Plenty of solar panel grants and schemes are available to help lower the cost of this major investment. Eligible homes can get free solar panels through government grants, such as the Energy Company Obligation initiative, as well as other available schemes and funding options. However, these government-backed initiatives are usually aimed at households that already receive certain benefits.
Almost four out of five (78 per cent) of the solar panel adopters we surveyed said government incentives mattered to them when they first considered installing solar panels.
Step 1: The scaffolding goes up
A day or two before the installation begins, a team will erect scaffolding around your house. This is legally required for safe access to your roof. Check that the cost of the scaffolding is included in your installation company’s initial quote to avoid any unexpected fees.
Step 2: The roof team arrives
Once the scaffolding is secure, your roof team will arrive with your solar panels. To ensure they have brought the correct panels, you can check the sticker on the back of the packaging for the model number, make and output.
Step 3: The anchors are attached
Before fixing the solar panels to your roof, your installers will need to attach anchors. The installation team will mount your panels on the rails that are held in place by the anchors. To do so, they will remove a roof tile and then screw the anchor brackets into the rafters. They can then slot the tiles and rest them on the long arms of the anchors.
Step 4: The solar panel rails are installed
Your solar panel system includes frames made of lightweight aluminium rails. Your installer will customise the rails to fit the size of your roof and cut them on-site. The installation team will fix the rails to each anchor bracket and secure them with two bolts that run vertically and horizontally across the roof, forming a frame that your panels will sit on.
Step 5: The solar panels are installed
After your roof is fully prepared, The installation team can install your solar panels. They can mount and secure each unit with a clamp once they are certain it is in the correct position and at optimal angle.
Step 6: The electrics are set up
For this last step, a certified electrician will connect your pre-wired panels to your solar inverter. The inverter converts the direct current electricity generated by your solar panels into the useable alternating current electricity that can power your home.
Once you know what the process involves, it’s time to seek out an installer.
The MCS is an accreditation that assures the quality of renewable technology products and installers. In 2018, the MCS became independent of the government and has certified more than 4,000 contractors in the UK to date. It isn’t necessary that you choose an MCS-accredited installer, but doing so will ensure they have the essential experience to do a professional job.
Furthermore, if you plan to use your solar system to benefit from SEG payments (the scheme that allows you to sell excess energy back to the grid), it is essential you work with an MCS-accredited installer.
The contractor must register the new solar panel installation in the MCS Installations Database no later than 10 working days after the work has been commissioned.
MCS accreditation isn’t the only consideration. The top five most important factors to keep in mind when choosing a solar panel installer, according to Independent readers, are listed below:
It takes up to six weeks from the first inquiry to energy generation. Including connection, an installation typically takes four to five hours. Once the installation is finished, your panels can start generating energy immediately, as long as there’s enough light left.
As with any new investment or purchase, the most difficult part can be knowing where to look or which manufacturers you can trust.
Take advantage of the hundreds of hours our team of experts has spent researching different companies, manufacturers and solar panels. Learn which brands can be trusted – and which ones are most worthy of your investment – with our lists of the best regional solar panel installers and the best national solar panel installers in the UK.
Solar PV panels are often the most popular solar option for powering homes, but you could also choose to install solar thermal panels instead – or alongside your solar PV panels. Obviously, both methods harness the sun’s power, but while a PV panel converts that power into electricity, a thermal panel uses it to heat a fluid – usually water – in an immersion heater, space heater or water tank.
In the summer, solar thermal panels can provide up to 90 per cent of your home’s hot water requirements. They can also save you between £135 and £255 on your energy bill and prevent up to 930kgs of greenhouse gas emissions every year. In the table below, we break down the main differences between thermal and PV solar panels.
* Independent Advisor survey of 1,544 solar panel owners, June 2024.
[1] MCS, 2023: A record-breaking year for MCS and small-scale renewables, 8 January 2024.
[2] Energy Saving Trust, Solar panels.
[3] Statista, Cumulative installed solar PV capacity worldwide from 2000 to 2022, 11 October 2023.
[4] By using the MCS’s Data Dashboard, we discovered the areas in the UK that have the most and fewest solar installations. To find the solar capacity in different UK areas and regions, we used ONS data on Regional Renewable Statistics. We then used the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery (LAD) and Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) data to source solar panel installations to the end of December 2023 as a percentage of total homes upgraded for all scheme applications. We also used Met Office Data to find the average annual sunshine hours in UK areas over 30 years (1991-2020).
[5] Solar Tech Advisor, Solar PV vs Solar Thermal: What’s the Difference?, February 2022.
[6] Ibid, 2.
[7] Solar Guide, Solar PV vs Solar Thermal.
[8] Ibid, 2.
[9] Spirit Energy, Solar Thermal vs Solar PV.
[10] Ibid, 2.
How long do solar panels last?
This will depend on your specific home insurance policy, but you will need to tell your insurance provider if you have solar panels – either when you take out the policy or when you have the panels fitted. Solar panel installation may affect your premium, as they are considered an asset and installing them will likely affect the cost to rebuild your home if required.
It’s important to regularly keep up with solar panel cleaning and maintenance throughout your system’s lifespan. Luckily, solar panels are fairly low-maintenance and you only need to check on them around once a year. Maintenance best practice includes removing old leaves and tree branches, hosing them down to remove debris, and getting them checked regularly by a certified service provider.
A solar panel system can power an entire household, so long as the amount of energy it generates is enough to meet the household’s consumption. Adding a solar battery can help, as you can store excess energy produced during the day for times when the panels aren’t generating electricity (for example at night).
Homes with solar panels need a good amount of direct sunlight to operate at maximum efficiency. However, solar panels do work during the winter months, as well as on cloudy days, and if your panels aren’t generating enough electricity to power your home, you can turn to the National Grid.
Living off-grid means that instead of relying on public utility services for things such as water and electricity, you generate all your required power independently. One step towards living off-grid is to install a solar panel system large enough to cover your household’s energy needs. You can also install small wind turbines and use non-centralised water sources.
Off-grid living is certainly a way to live more sustainably, as well as being unaffected by issues like power cuts and rising energy bills. However, it’s an expensive option that requires time, energy and space; enough roof space to install the right amount of solar panels, for instance. Additionally, if you wanted to sell your unused energy back to the National Grid and increase your savings this way, this would prevent your household from being truly off-grid.
Yes, you do need to notify your electricity supplier if you plan on installing solar panels. Usually, your installer will register your system with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) at the time of installation, but you should check who this responsibility lies with before the installation goes ahead.
Simply put, no. As well as being less efficient, cheaper solar panels tend to have a shorter lifespan than premium models, meaning you’ll have to replace them much sooner. Also, your panels probably won’t generate enough electricity to meet your home’s needs.
As well as driving down your energy bills and earning you money through SEG payments, solar panels can also increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it. Research conducted by FirstPort in 2023 found that potential buyers are seeking eco-friendly features, and they’re willing to pay an average of £2,038 more for a home with solar panels already installed.
