Typical prices
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) publishes costs for solar systems registered with MCS in Great Britain (Northern Ireland isn't included). Its figures include panels and equipment, installation, grid connection and any VAT, but not batteries, extended warranties or other work.
Median prices for 2025/26 (published 28 May 2026):
- Up to 4 kW: £1,595 per kW
- 4–10 kW: £1,546 per kW
- 10–50 kW: £1,204 per kW
As a rough illustration, 4 kWp at the 0–4 kW median comes to about £6,380, and 6 kWp at the 4–10 kW median to about £9,276. These are illustrations, not quotes.
The Energy Saving Trust says home systems are generally around 4.5 kWp and cost around £7,600.
Prices have been falling. After allowing for inflation, 2025/26 median costs were 7% lower than the year before for systems up to 4 kW, and 9% lower for 4–10 kW systems. The 2025/26 figures cover 264,742 installations — a record.
Where you live and the kind of home
DESNZ's average (mean) prices for 2025/26 for systems up to 4 kW ranged from £1,760 per kW in the North East to £2,101 per kW in London. Fitting panels to a new-build home cost less per kW on average than adding them to an existing home.
What changes the price
The Energy Saving Trust lists:
- the size of the system
- how easy it is to get at the roof
- panels or solar tiles
- panels fitted in the roof (integrated) or on top of it
- whether the roof needs re-covering
Existing scaffolding, or a new build, can bring the cost down. Ground-mounted panels are harder to price because of the frame and the distance to the house.
Batteries
The Energy Saving Trust says home batteries cost between £1,500 and £10,000, with a 5 kWh battery around £4,600, and that fitting one at the same time as panels can save money. See batteries.
VAT
Installed solar panels and batteries in homes are zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. Check that your quote shows the correct VAT rate. See VAT on solar.
Getting a fair price
- Get written quotes from at least three MCS-certified installers.
- Be wary of quotes that are unusually cheap, or of pressure to sign quickly.
- Don't pay more than 25% as a deposit, and ask how it is protected.
Our quotes checklist covers what a quote should include.
Sources
- DESNZ: Solar PV cost data
- Energy Saving Trust: Solar panels
- Energy Saving Trust: Battery storage
- HMRC VAT Notice 708/6: Energy-saving materials and heating equipment
- Citizens Advice: Find an installer for energy efficiency home improvements
- RECC: Consumer advice
This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules and prices change, and some differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check the sources for your situation.