How much do solar panels cost in the UK in 2026?
A typical 4 kW solar system costs around £6,000–£8,000 installed in the UK in 2026 (with 0% VAT). Smaller 3 kW systems run about £4,500–£6,500; larger 6 kW systems around £8,000–£10,500. Prices vary by roof complexity, panel brand and region.
Cost breakdown
- Solar panels — ~10–14% of total cost. The panels themselves are relatively cheap; it's the labour and balance-of-system that add up.
- Inverter — ~10% of cost. String inverters are cheaper; microinverters cost more but perform better in shade.
- Installation + scaffolding — ~50–60% of cost. Labour, mounting, electrical work, scaffolding.
- Battery storage — ~£4,000 for 5 kWh, ~£8,000 for 10 kWh (LiFePO4).
How we calculate
total cost = system size (kW) × £1,600/kW + battery cost
cost per watt = total cost ÷ (system size × 1000)
without 0% VAT = total cost × 1.05 (standard 5% VAT on energy materials)
£1,600/kW is the UK mid-range installed price (Energy Saving Trust + Solar Energy UK, 2026). Costs vary by region, roof complexity and equipment tier.
What about the 0% VAT?
Until 31 March 2027, residential solar PV and battery installations in Great Britain qualify for 0% VAT (down from the standard 5% reduced rate for energy-saving materials). This saves roughly £250–£400 on a typical 4 kW system. Northern Ireland also applies 0% VAT from 1 May 2023 under the Windsor Framework — confirm the current position with your installer and HMRC if in NI.
Cost by system size
- 2 kW (5–6 panels) — ~£3,200. Suitable for 1-bed flats or low-usage homes.
- 4 kW (10 panels) — ~£6,400. The most common UK residential size; covers most of a 3-bed home's daytime use.
- 6 kW (15 panels) — ~£9,600. For larger homes, heat pumps or EV charging.
- 8 kW+ — ~£12,800+. Large properties or off-grid / commercial.
Where the data comes from
- System cost — ~£1,600/kW installed (Energy Saving Trust + Solar Energy UK).
- 0% VAT — HMRC / GOV.UK, residential solar & storage in Great Britain until 31 March 2027.
- Battery cost — ~£800/kWh for LiFePO4 (installer data, 2026).
- Panel wattage — 400 W standard residential (2026).