How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?Solar Panel Prices at Glow GreenWhat Affects the Cost of Solar Panels?How Much Money Can You Save with Solar Panels?Are There Maintenance Costs for Solar Panels?Can I Get a Grant to Help Pay for Solar Panels?What Is the Payback Period for Solar Panels?Are Solar Panels Worth It?Solar Panel Cost CalculatorSolar Panel Prices FAQs
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?Solar Panel Prices at Glow GreenWhat Affects the Cost of Solar Panels?How Much Money Can You Save with Solar Panels?Are There Maintenance Costs for Solar Panels?Can I Get a Grant to Help Pay for Solar Panels?What Is the Payback Period for Solar Panels?Are Solar Panels Worth It?Solar Panel Cost CalculatorSolar Panel Prices FAQs
There are many aspects to weigh when considering solar panel installation but one of the most significant is cost. Fortunately, solar panels have become increasingly affordable in recent years, making them a viable investment for more UK homeowners in 2025.
At Glow Green, the cost of solar panel installation typically falls within the range of £4,000 to £7,000. This price varies based on several factors including the size of your home (such as the number of bedrooms) and the specific brand of solar panels chosen. While these upfront costs may seem steep, the potential long-term savings are substantial - annual savings could range from £761 to £1,901 depending on current energy usage, the capacity of the system and the initial costs.
Also, with government incentives and financing options available, the financial impact can be more manageable. Solar panels also offer a return on investment with domestic solar panels typically having a payback period of around 5 to 7 years. By understanding these costs and benefits, you can make an informed decision about transitioning to renewable energy.
Ready to discover the cost of your solar panel installation? Simply fill out the form below to receive a free, instant solar panel quote in under 30 seconds:
According to The Renewable Energy Hub, the cost of installing a 4kW solar panel system typically ranges from £4,000 to £7,000. Though, it's important to remember that prices can vary depending on several factors such as the type and quality of solar panels, installation complexity and additional equipment like batteries or inverters.
Larger systems for homes with higher energy needs will naturally incur higher costs. Location also plays a role - areas with more sunlight may require fewer panels to meet energy demands, while regions with less sun could need more panels, increasing the overall expense.
Despite these variables, solar panels remain a worthwhile investment due to their potential savings on electricity bills and long-term benefits.
At Glow Green, the cost of solar panel installation typically falls within the range of £4,000 to £7,000. This price varies based on several factors including the size of your home (such as the number of bedrooms) and the specific brand of solar panels chosen. Also, opting for solar battery storage can increase the overall cost.
To help you estimate your expenses, the table below outlines pricing based on the number of bedrooms in a semi-detached house, the number of panels required, the chosen panel brand (DMEGC or Perlight) and the cost including battery storage:
| Number of Bedrooms (semi-detached house) | Number of Panels | DMEGC (cost of solar panels) | DMEGC (cost of solar panels & battery) | Perlight (cost of solar panels) | Perlight (cost of solar panels & battery) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | 6 | £4,660.00 | £6,630.00 | £5,190.00 | £7,230.00 |
| 2 Bed | 7 | £4,890.00 | £6,720.00 | £5,280.00 | £7,330.00 |
| 3 Bed | 8 | £4,990.00 | £6,810.00 | £5,370.00 | £7,420.00 |
| 4 Bed | 10 | £5,160.00 | £6,990.00 | £5,630.00 | £7,640.00 |
| 5 Bed | 12 | £5,470.00 | £7,220.00 | £6,000.00 | £8,020.00 |
| 6 Bed | 13 | £5,550.00 | £7,380.00 | £6,160.00 | £8,180.00 |
Please note that prices are subject to change so it's important to confirm with us for the most current pricing information.
When it comes to the cost of solar panels, several factors can influence the overall price you’ll pay. Understanding these elements can help you plan your investment effectively. Here are the key factors to consider:
Solar Panel Types: Different types of panels, such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline or thin-film, vary in efficiency and quality, which impacts their cost. Higher efficiency panels often come with a higher price tag.
System Size: The larger the system you need, the more panels are required, increasing the overall cost. Smaller systems are typically more affordable but may not meet higher energy demands.
Solar Batteries: Adding battery storage allows you to store excess energy for later use but it adds to the upfront cost of your system.
Installation Complexity: If your roof is difficult to access or requires additional structural work, installation costs can rise due to increased labour and time requirements.
Location: Your geographical location can affect costs based on local labour rates and the amount of sunlight your area receives which influences system design.
Solar Grants and Incentives: Government schemes or incentives can reduce costs significantly.
Additional Components: Items like inverters, monitoring systems or mounting equipment contribute to the total cost of your solar panel setup.
The amount of money you can save with solar panels varies significantly based on several key factors. For instance, the size of your solar panel system plays a crucial role - larger systems generate more electricity which can lead to greater savings by reducing your reliance on the grid.
Your energy consumption habits are also important. If your household uses a lot of electricity, solar panels can help offset these costs more effectively. Factors like electricity rates and whether you choose to add solar battery storage can also impact your overall savings.
To get a precise estimate of how much money you could save, consider using the Energy Saving Trust’s Solar Panel Calculator which can provide personalised estimates.
Solar panels require very little maintenance which make them a hassle-free investment for your home. Most of the time, all they need is occasional cleaning to remove dirt or debris, which you can easily do yourself with a hose or soft brush.
With a typical lifespan of 25 to 30 years, solar panels are built to last, so you won’t need to worry about frequent repairs or replacements. The only component you may need to replace during this time is the inverter which usually lasts around 10 to 15 years. This could cost you around £500 to £1,500.
There are several grants and schemes available in the UK to help reduce costs. Here’s an overview of the main options:
The ECO4 Scheme is a government initiative aimed at improving energy efficiency for low-income households. It covers the full cost of solar panel installation for eligible homeowners or tenants, along with other energy-saving measures like insulation and heat pumps.
To qualify, your home must have a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating (D, E, F or G) and you must receive certain benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. This scheme is designed to lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions which makes it a great option for those who meet the criteria.
The UK government has temporarily removed VAT on solar panels and solar batteries for residential installations until April 2027. This means you won’t pay any VAT on the purchase or installation of solar panels, significantly reducing upfront costs. However, this benefit applies only if both supply and installation are handled by the same provider.
The Smart Export Guarantee allows you to earn money by selling excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the grid. Under this scheme, energy suppliers pay you for every unit of renewable electricity you export. To qualify, your system must meet specific requirements including having a certified installer, such as Glow Green, and a smart meter capable of recording export readings.
Solar Together is a group-buying program that helps homeowners access discounted rates on solar panels through bulk purchasing. By joining this scheme, you can benefit from lower prices while ensuring high-quality installations. This initiative is ideal for those looking to save money without compromising on quality.
The payback period for solar panels refers to the time it takes for your savings on energy bills to offset the initial cost of installation. For residential systems in the UK, this is typically around 5 to 7 years, while commercial systems often have a shorter payback period, with many businesses recouping their investment in just 1 to 3 years on average.
However, it’s important to note that the actual payback period can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include:
System Size: Larger systems may generate more savings but also come with higher upfront costs.
Energy Consumption: The more energy you use, the greater your potential savings.
Electricity Rates: Higher energy prices can shorten the payback period by increasing your savings.
Solar Panel Efficiency: More efficient panels produce more energy, improving your return on investment.
Government Incentives: Grants can reduce upfront costs and shorten the payback time.
Location: Areas with more direct sunlight will generate more energy, speeding up cost recovery.
Whether solar panels are worth it ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. They can be a great investment, offering significant savings on energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. For a typical UK home, solar panels can save hundreds of pounds annually and potentially pay for themselves within 5 to 7 years, depending on factors like system size, energy consumption and electricity rates.
Over their lifespan, the savings can far outweigh the initial costs. However, the benefits you experience will also depend on your location, roof suitability and whether you take advantage of grants or incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee.
If you're unsure, feel free to reach out to our solar experts for a complimentary quote. We can provide personalised guidance to help you decide if solar panels are the best fit for your needs.
Our solar installation cost calculator is an easy-to-use tool designed to simplify the process of understanding your installation costs.
By entering basic details like the number of panels and your location, you'll receive an estimate of total costs and projected energy output. Whether you're interested in reducing utility bills or embracing sustainable practices, our calculator offers straightforward insights to help you make informed decisions about solar installation.
*Please note that the Solar Panel Cost Calculator is intended for estimation purposes only. While the calculator uses reasonable assumptions and adjustment factors, it may not reflect the exact cost or output of a real-world solar panel installation. It is important to understand that the calculator's results are estimates and should not be used as the sole basis for making financial decisions.
The cost of solar panels in the UK can vary depending on the system size, type of panels and installation complexity. On average, the cost of installing a 4kW solar panel system typically ranges from £4,000 to £7,000.
For residential systems in the UK, the payback period is typically 5 to 7 years. Commercial systems often have a shorter payback period of 1 to 3 years due to higher energy usage.
Savings depend on your energy consumption, electricity rates and location. To get a more precise estimate of how much money you could save, consider using the Energy Saving Trust’s Solar Panel Calculator which can provide personalised estimates.
Yes, schemes like the ECO4 Scheme, 0% VAT on installations, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and group-buying programs like Solar Together can help reduce costs.
In most cases, you don’t need planning permission for rooftop solar panels as they fall under permitted development rights. However, exceptions apply for listed buildings or homes in conservation areas.
