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Our solar panel guide walks you through everything from initial research to installation. We cover potential savings and maintenance, answering all your questions about solar panels for your home in the UK.
The best solar panels can slash your electricity bills by over £1,000 annually, significantly lower your carbon footprint, boost your property’s value, and help you achieve energy independence. In the UK, 1.4 million homes are already collecting free energy from the sun via their solar panels1.
Our solar energy experts have compiled all the information you need to make your transition to free, renewable energy as simple as possible.
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The Federation of Master Builders’ experts have extensive experience in the solar energy industry, keeping up with the latest advancements and trends. We also conducted a survey of over 2,000 solar adopters* to gain insights into their experiences. Whether you need advice on costs, installation, or maintenance, we are committed to providing accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions about solar panels.
Solar panels convert daylight into electricity. They are composed of cells that, when exposed to daylight, generate an electric current through the photovoltaic (PV) effect.
Solar panels can be used to power homes and businesses, and they can be integrated to power portable devices and vehicles. They are particularly useful in areas where consumers have no access to the grid.
Solar panels are activated by any visible light, meaning they can still function well on overcast or cloudy days. They perform best under bright sunlight, but as long as there’s enough light to see the panels, they can generate energy.
| Type of panel | Cost per watt | Efficiency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline solar panels | £1.00 – £1.50 | 16% upwards | Made from a single piece of silicon, making it easier for electricity to flow through them Typically black in colour 40-year lifespan if properly maintained |
| Polycrystalline solar panels | £0.90 – £1.00 | 15 – 17% | Made from multiple fragments of silicon crystals that are melted together to form cells Bluish hue Shorter life expectancy compared to monocrystalline panels |
| Thin-film solar panels | £0.40 – £0.80 | 10 – 13% | Made by attaching very thin silicon layers to a flexible but robust film. Less popular for residential properties due to their low efficiency rates |
Coloured solar panels are growing in popularity across Europe and the UK is catching on.
Coloured solar panels are more expensive than standard black or blue ones, with prices varying by colour. Complex designs, such as bright marbled patterns, will also increase the cost.
It’s also worth noting dyes and coatings can reduce efficiency by up to 45%, delaying your return on investment. Innovations such as a lithography technology from the Netherlands are aiming to create more efficient coloured panels.
For a typical 3-bedroom property in the UK, it costs on average £9,100 to install a rooftop solar system, including a battery.
| Property size | System size | Number of panels | Average system cost, including installation and battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| One bedroom | 1.5 kW | 4 | £6,200 |
| Three bedrooms | 4.5 kW | 12 | £9,600 |
| Four bedrooms | 6 kW | 16 | £12,000 |
Several factors affect solar panel costs, but they roughly break down in the following way:
By installing solar panels, you can make significant savings on your energy bills. The exact amount will depend on various factors including your system size, energy consumption and electricity rates. With the potential for high annual savings and long-term benefits accumulating over the system’s lifespan, solar panels can be a financially wise investment.
Average annual savings with solar panels for a UK property
| Property size | System size | Number of panels | Average system cost, including installation and battery costs | Annual savings including SEG payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One bedroom | 1.5 kW | 4 | £6,200 | £324 |
| Three bedroom | 4.5 kW | 12 | £9,600 | £871 |
| Four bedroom | 6 kW | 16 | £12,000 | £1,099 |
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme allows you to export surplus energy to the national grid and receive payment from energy companies. Currently, there are no caps on how much energy you can feed into the grid; the more you have to spare, the more you earn.
Each energy supplier sets its own tariff. There is no fixed minimum rate, but suppliers must offer a rate above zero. Rates can be fixed, remaining the same throughout your contract period, or variable, meaning they may fluctuate based on market conditions. To ensure you’re getting a competitive rate, regularly compare the offers available to you.
| Supplier | Tariff | Fixed or variable | Average payment per kWh (pence) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy (own customers) | Intelligent Octopus Flux | Variable | 30.28 |
| Octopus Energy (own customers) | Octopus Flux | Variable | 27.16 |
| OVO Energy (own customers with battery) | OVO SEG tariff | Fixed for 12 months | 20.0 |
| So Energy (panels and battery installed by company) | So Bright | Variable | 20.0 |
| E.ON Next (own customers) | Next Export Exclusive | Fixed for 12 months | 21.0 |
The upfront cost of solar panels is still relatively high and, although homeowners will start saving on their energy bills quickly, it’s important to know the point at which you will break even. The number of years is calculated by subtracting your energy bill savings and any SEG payments from the initial panel cost.
Adding a battery to your system can significantly reduce the breakeven point by allowing you to store home-generated electricity to use whenever you need it, for example at night or on cloudier days. This reduces your reliance on grid-supplied energy and increases your savings.
Approximate breakeven points including a battery
| Property size | Average system cost, including installation and battery | Annual savings (including SEG payments) | Breakeven point |
|---|---|---|---|
| One bedroom | £6,200 | £324 | 19.2 years |
| Three bedrooms | £9,600 | £871 | 11.0 years |
| Four bedrooms | £12,000 | £1,099 | 10.9 years |
Approximate breakeven points without a battery
| Property size | Average system cost including installation | Annual savings (including SEG payments) | Breakeven point |
|---|---|---|---|
| One bedroom | £5,200 | £221 | 23.5 years |
| Three bedrooms | £7,100 | £563 | 12.6 years |
| Four bedrooms | £8,000 | £731 | 10.9 years |
Investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings over their lifespan. For the average 4.5kW system, the breakeven point occurs within 11 years. After this period, the savings continue to accumulate, providing a considerable return on your initial investment.
Expected profits from different solar panel system sizes over 25 years
| Property size | Average system cost, including installation and battery | Annual savings including SEG payments | Savings over 25 years including SEG payments | Profits after 25 years, including the replacement cost for a battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One bedroom | £6,200 | £324 | £8,100 | £900 |
| Three bedroom | £9,600 | £871 | £21,775 | £9,675 |
| Four bedroom | £12,000 | £1,099 | £27,475 | £11,475 |
The UK offers several solar panel grants and funding programmes to encourage the adoption of renewable energy, making it more accessible and affordable. One of the primary schemes is ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation), which focuses on improving energy efficiency for low-income and vulnerable households.
Under ECO4, eligible homeowners can receive financial assistance for installing a range of energy-efficient home upgrades, including solar panels and double glazing. Eligibility is typically based on factors such as income level, receipt of certain benefits, and your home’s energy efficiency rating. Depending on your circumstances, you could receive free solar panels.
Additionally, the UK government introduced a zero VAT rate on new solar panels until March 2027, reducing their cost by 5 per cent – this translates to savings of £355 on the average 4.5kW system.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has pledged to triple the UK’s solar capacity by 2030. He emphasised the government’s commitment to encouraging both builders and homeowners to embrace solar technology, enabling millions to generate their own electricity, reduce their carbon footprint, and slash energy bills.
This intensified focus on renewable energy will likely result in more available grants or extensions of existing funding schemes, making solar power adoption more accessible for households across the country.
There are several ways to fund your investment in solar panels:
Community buying schemes for solar panels allow groups of homeowners to purchase panels collectively at a reduced cost thanks to bulk buying discounts. This approach not only lowers individual expenses but also fosters community involvement and support for renewable energy initiatives. Solar Together, the largest such scheme in the UK, is available through participating local authorities.
In a recent survey of solar panel owners run by the FMB*, 28 per cent of respondents reported they took advantage of discounts from community buying schemes for their solar installation.
There are a number of things to consider when thinking about installing a solar system.
Before investing in solar panels, evaluate your home’s suitability for them. Consider factors like roof orientation, shading, and structural integrity to ensure optimal energy production.
It’s important to keep in mind that:
To adequately capture sunlight, flat roofs typically require their solar panels to be mounted on angled frames. This sometimes requires planning permission, for example when the panels extend more than 0.6 metres above the roof slope, exceeding the limits set by permitted development guidelines.
Shading significantly affects solar panel efficiency, as even partial shade can reduce energy output. It’s crucial to evaluate potential shading from trees, buildings, and other obstructions throughout the day and across seasons.
If shading is unavoidable, a power optimiser can be included in your system. Optimisers ensure each panel works at maximum efficiency, meaning that the total system output is only marginally affected by any shaded panels.
If your solar panels can’t be installed under ideal conditions (for example, on a south-facing roof in an area free from shading), there are several things you can add to your system to ensure it generates energy efficiently:
The type of house you live in can significantly influence the feasibility, cost and efficiency of installing solar panels.
| House type | Impact |
|---|---|
| Flat | Limited roof space, potential structural limitations and shared ownership/management issues |
| Bungalow | Possible shading from surrounding structures |
| Terrace | Limited roof space and potential shading from neighbouring houses; shared walls might also cause access issues |
| Semi-detached | Moderate roof space and potential shading from neighbouring houses but easier access compared to terraced houses |
| Detached | Ample roof space and easy access for installation and maintenance |
As solar panels can generally be installed under permitted development rights, most homeowners don’t need to apply for planning permission. In 2023, the UK Government updated these guidelines to make it easier to install solar panels on flat roofs. However, the following conditions must be met:
If you’re uncertain about meeting these conditions, make sure to consult your local planning authority for guidance. If you don’t, you may require consent or planning permission.
If you’re planning to install solar panels on a listed building, you will need to get planning permission. Getting listed building consent ensures the installation respects the building’s character while meeting its energy needs.
According to Historic England2 solar installations can often be designed to preserve a building’s historical integrity. For example, panels can be positioned on less visible roof areas or detached structures to minimise visual impact or integrated panels can be used.
The consent process involves consultations with the local planning authority, which may impose specific requirements, such as placing the panels in a less visible location or using non-reflective materials. By working closely with conservation officers and understanding the guidelines, you can ensure that your solar installation maintains the listed building’s integrity.
Local planning authorities have measures in place to minimise the visual impact of new installations on the character of a conservation area. If your property is located in such an area, you will usually have to apply for full planning permission – however, some planning authorities may permit a solar energy system as long as it’s not visible from any roads.
To increase your chances of approval, it’s crucial to consult your local planning authority as early in the process as possible. They can provide specific guidelines around the choice of solar panel material and their positioning and to better blend in with the surrounding architecture. Adopting non-intrusive strategies – such as installing rooftop panels that are not visible from the street or ground mounted arrays shielded by natural barriers – can increase your likelihood of obtaining permission.
Ground-mounted solar panels are a versatile and efficient alternative to rooftop systems for properties with large gardens or less-than-ideal roof conditions.
In these systems, panels are mounted on a frame fixed directly to the ground and angled to capture the most light possible. Because of their proximity to the ground, the panels tend to stay cooler, which can make them more efficient than rooftop installations. They are also more accessible for cleaning, inspection and repairs.
Unfortunately, ground-mounted systems tend to be more expensive to install than their rooftop counterparts because of the need for additional mounting structures and the extra time required for site preparation.
While it might be tempting to buy solar panels from Amazon at a lower upfront cost, this approach could lead to improper installation, lack of customer support and potential safety hazards.
When you buy solar panels from a reputable installer, you get professional expertise, quality assurance, compliance with regulations, post-installation support and access to financial incentives.
To ensure a smooth and efficient installation process, it’s crucial to find the right installer.
There are several ways to do this:
“Installers typically arrive the day before roof-top solar panel installation to set up scaffolding, which takes about a day. Fitting the panels may take a couple of days, depending on the home’s size and number of panels. Installers then connect the battery system and demonstrate how to monitor it via an app.”
John Gilham, Group Technical Director and Co-Founder of Green Building Renewables
Opting for a national or local solar panel installer comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value extensive experience and a well-established track record, a national installer might be the way to go. They generally offer comprehensive warranties and have the infrastructure to support widespread service demands.
If you’re more interested in a personalised service and local expertise, then a regional installer could be a better choice. These smaller companies typically have a deeper understanding of local regulations and incentives and may provide more tailored and responsive customer service.
It’s important that your chosen installer has an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation, as this ensures they are skilled and compliant with industry regulations, enhances customer confidence, and enables access to government incentives such as the SEG scheme.
Although this is technically possible, the DIY approach is generally not recommended unless you have the technical skills and experience required. Solar panel installation involves complex electrical work and safety considerations to be successful, not to mention the knowledge needed to maximise your system’s efficiency.
Here are a few other reasons why DIY installations might not be the best idea:
The time it takes from choosing an installer to having the panels operational on your roof can be as little as a month, but this can vary widely based on your system’s complexity and the installer’s schedule. The following timeline should give you some idea of what to expect:
This initial step can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It involves researching different companies, comparing quotes and deciding on the installer that best fits your needs.
Your installer must conduct a site assessment to evaluate your home’s roof structure, sun exposure and any potential shading issues. They will also discuss your energy needs and goals. This stage can take 1 to 2 weeks, including the time needed to design the system.
The installer will handle the permits and paperwork required by the relevant authorities and utility companies. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on local regulations and the efficiency of the permit process in your area.
The good news is that the actual installation time is relatively short, with most residential solar installations completed within one to three days depending on the size and complexity of the system.
After installation, the system must be checked by local building inspectors and utility representatives to ensure everything is up to code and safely installed. This could take anywhere from a few days up to a week. Following approval, your system will be connected to the grid.
Finally, once all inspections are passed and the system is connected to the national grid, your installer will activate your solar panel system. This is often done instantly by flipping a switch.
Most solar panel installers have preferred models they recommend based on their expert knowledge and experience. However, it’s important that you also know what to look for in a panel.
When shopping around, look for models that offer at least 20 per cent efficiency and deliver a power output of over 420 W. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient than polycrystalline models.
Other factors to consider:
After assessing the top panels in the UK, our experts recommend the SunPower Maxeon 6AC 445W as our overall best solar panel. It has a power output of 445W, an efficiency rate of 23 per cent and comes with a 40-year warranty.
| Property type | Estimated annual energy consumption | Estimated system size | Roof space required | Number of panels (based on 375W panels) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two bedrooms | 2,900 kWh | 3.0 kWp | 12 m² | 8 |
| Three bedrooms | 3,350 kWh | 4.5 kWp | 16 m² | 12 |
| Four bedrooms | 4,000 kWh | 6.0 kWp | 22 m² | 16 |
Determining the number of solar panels you need for your home depends on several factors, including your energy consumption and the size and efficiency of the panels.
Power output is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), and a typical panel’s output is between 300 and 400 W (or 0.30 kW and 0.40 kW). Generally, the higher the power output, the fewer panels you’ll need; however, it’s worth noting that highly efficient panels tend to cost more.
Solar panels are typically connected in a parallel line, known as a string, which forms the basis of a solar system.
Properly mounting your solar panels is crucial for maximising sun exposure and, thus, electricity production. The mounting hardware includes the racks and fixtures to secure panels to the roof or ground.
To be usable in your home, the DC electricity produced by solar panels needs to be converted to AC, which most household appliances use. This is done by an inverter.
You can use a battery system to maximise the benefits of solar panels. Batteries store any excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours so you can use it when solar production is low (for example at night, or on cloudy days) or when energy demand is high. According to our research, around 90 per cent of solar systems in the UK include a battery, allowing homeowners to minimise their reliance on the grid.
Solar batteries are usually compact – about the size of a small microwave oven – and can be placed in a garage, utility room or loft; some models can even be secured outside your home. The downside is that batteries will typically need replacing every 10 years.
We asked over 2,000 solar panel owners about batteries*: 52% of respondents said they had installed one with their panels, while a further 20% said they were considering adding one to their system.
When it comes to energy efficiency and sustainability, integrating solar panels into your home can be a game-changer. By combining solar panels with technologies like electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps and smart home systems, you can maximise energy savings, reduce your carbon footprint and achieve greater energy independence.
Integrating your solar panels to charge your EV is a cost-effective way of maximising your renewable energy use.
Adding a home EV charger and connecting it to your solar system allows your EV to draw power from the energy your system generates. This means you can charge your vehicle during the day, or at night if you have a storage battery.
With nearly 30% of new car sales in August 2024 being fully electric or plug-in hybrids, pairing an EV with solar panels is an increasingly popular and environmentally-friendly choice.
A heat pump is a low-carbon heating system that’s powered by electricity. Using a solar panel system to power your heat pump can significantly reduce your electricity and heating bills. Air source heat pumps are the most popular type, costing around £14,000 to install.
Unlike photovoltaic (PV) panels that directly generate electricity, solar thermal collectors directly harness daylight to provide hot water for your home. By opting for solar thermal panels, you can significantly cut down on energy bills, as they reduce reliance on conventional heating sources for showers, central heating, or even swimming pools. These systems are eco-friendly, efficient, and can work alongside solar PV panels, offering a well-rounded, energy efficient solution for your household.
If you work away from home during the day, you’ll be unable to take advantage of the energy generated by your panels during peak daylight hours. Unless you have added a battery to your system, any unused energy will be wasted or fed to the national grid. Setting timers for energy-hungry appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines to run during peak production periods is one way to save money.
It’s important to note that you’ll be charged 28p per unit to buy your electricity from the national grid, while under the SEG scheme, energy companies pay around 12p for every unit of electricity sent to the grid. For this reason, it makes sense to store any excess energy in a battery so you can use the energy yourself and keep your bills down.
“We have 8 panels in total with a battery system. My partner and I work from home and we use a lot of electricity throughout the day. At the end of the work day, we relax and watch TV, but we also use the washing machine and microwave which use a lot of electricity, so we thought it more beneficial to have a battery. Our energy bills are basically zero, and we’re also getting that extra income from all of the energy we’ve generated.”
The UK is ideally placed to take advantage of the free energy generated by solar panels. The FMB’s recent survey results showed that 43 per cent of respondents’ systems cover up to 75 per cent of their household’s energy consumption*, proving that solar panels really are worth installing in the UK.
As solar panels generate energy from daylight rather than sunlight, solar panels do work well in the UK. Naturally, some areas receive more sunlight than others, making them better for solar energy production. For example, thanks to their higher sun exposure, southern regions generally see better performance, while solar panels in northern areas may experience slightly lower efficiency rates.
According to government data, 88 per cent of solar panel adopters in the UK are in England – with the majority in the South (39 per cent), compared to 21 per cent in the North. Wales has an uptake of 5 per cent, and Scotland of 6 per cent.
The best solar panels can minimise your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint, among other things.
Solar panels offer numerous environmental benefits, including:
Government studies and independent research consistently show that solar panels have a positive impact on the environment. According to the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, solar panels significantly reduce carbon emissions by generating clean, renewable energy. A 2021 study by the UK Government indicated that solar energy systems could reduce a typical household’s carbon footprint by approximately 1.5 to 2 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Professor Jim Watson, Director of the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources, states that ‘Solar panels offer a substantial environmental benefit by displacing fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While the manufacturing process does have some environmental impact, the net positive effect of solar energy over its lifespan is clear and significant.’
However, the production of solar panels involves energy-intensive processes and the use of materials that can negatively impact the environment. Despite this, the overall lifecycle emissions of solar panels are much lower than those of conventional energy sources. Of course, the recycling of solar panels is a critical element of their environmental impact.
Recycling technologies are currently improving, and the UK is developing better infrastructure to handle end-of-life solar panels. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, up to 96 per cent of the materials used to make solar panels can be recovered and reused, reducing the long-term environmental footprint of solar technology.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your solar panels operate efficiently and last their full lifespan: Green Journal suggests that dust-covered panels can lose up to 3 per cent of their efficiency.
We recommend having a professional service your system every 5 to 10 years to ensure your panels are generating enough power to save on your energy bills. The average cost of a service is around £150.
Additionally, we recommend inspecting your system twice a year from ground level to check for dirt buildup, loose mounting bolts, or any signs of damage. Remove any overhanging branches and keep nearby trees pruned, and check for birds nesting around the edges of your panels, which can damage wiring. Pest deterrent mesh can be installed if necessary.
Look out for sudden drops in your system’s energy output, which could indicate underlying issues that need attention. If this happens, check your inverter lights are flashing green, which shows it is working properly.
Clean solar panels every 6 months, or more frequently in coastal areas where salt buildup occurs, to remove dust, debris, and bird droppings, ideally at the end of spring and autumn. A professional panel cleaning company will typically charge an average of £9.50 per panel.
However, you can do this yourself by following a few simple tips:
Keeping a maintenance logbook of all cleaning, repairs, and inspections will aid in diagnosing issues and maintaining the overall health of your solar energy system.
Considering the benefits they offer, solar panels are a good investment for most homeowners. They can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills, especially if you include a battery, as you can also sell any surplus electricity back to the national grid or store and use it at a later date.
What’s more, solar installations can increase a property’s value, which could be beneficial if you decide to move home in the future. Beyond the financial benefits, choosing solar energy significantly reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, making your home more sustainable.
Living off-grid with solar power is possible, but it requires a large enough system and batteries to make up for nighttime and cloudy days. This is appealing in remote locations where grid power is costly, but without grid backup, you risk power shortages if your solar panels fail or don’t produce enough energy.
A solar installation is unlikely to damage your roof if it is undertaken by a reputable company; professional installers can drill holes for mounting rails without causing leaks or lasting damage. In fact, solar panels can also protect your roof from harsh weather, like strong wind and rain.
It is legal to install your own solar panels, but you must comply with building and electrical safety regulations. You will have to notify your local building control office before starting the installation, and have a qualified electrician handle electrical connections. To qualify for the SEG scheme, the installation must be certified by an MCS-accredited installer.
Covering your entire roof with solar panels will require approval from a structural engineer to ensure it can support the weight. Alternatively, you can replace old roof tiles with solar tiles, which are aesthetically pleasing but more expensive and less efficient than panels.
Solar systems can integrate with smart home systems for enhanced energy efficiency and better management. Homeowners can monitor and control solar output, adjust their consumption, and optimise energy use based on real-time data. For example, programming your appliances and heating systems to run during peak solar production maximises solar energy use and reduces your reliance on the grid.
*Survey of 2,004 solar panel owners conducted by the Federation of Master Builders, June 2024.
