How much do solar panels cost in the UK in 2026?

The short answer

Expect roughly £1,700 per kW installed in 2026, so a classic 4kW system runs about£6,800. Because residential solar is zero-rated for VATuntil 2027, that relief (worth £1,000-£3,000) is already baked into the price your installer quotes, there's no separate discount to claim.

Typical cost by system size

What's included in the price

• Panels, usually 8-16 modules for a domestic system, depending on size and panel wattage.
• Inverter, converts DC to AC; a hybrid inverter (battery-ready) costs a little more.
• Mounting & wiring, roof hooks, rails, DC/AC cabling, and isolators.
• Scaffolding & labour, a significant share of a UK quote, given roof-access rules.
• MCS certification & DNO paperwork, required to claim the SEG and stay compliant.

What a battery adds

Storage is the biggest optional extra, a typical 5kWh battery adds roughly £3,000-£5,000, often close to doubling a small system's price. It can be worth it, especially on a time-of-use tariff, but it's a separate decision from the panels. See when a battery pays off.

How to keep the cost sensible

• Get three MCS-certified quotes. Prices for the same system vary widely.
• Don't over-spec panels. Premium modules rarely change the payback much.
• Weigh the battery separately from the panels rather than accepting it as a bundle.
• Check the SEG tariff you'll move to, it affects lifetime returns as much as the upfront price. Compare rates.