Solar Panel Installation — Compare Free UK Quotes
Get up to 3 free quotes from MCS-certified local installers. 0% VAT applies to all domestic solar installations. Typical payback in 7–12 years.
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RECC Why Solar Panels in 2026?
The UK's Ofgem electricity unit rate stands at 27.69p per kWh as of Q1 2026. Every kilowatt-hour your solar panels generate and you use directly in your home avoids this charge — making self-consumption the most powerful financial lever in any solar calculation.
A standard 4kWp south-facing system in the South East generates approximately 3,450–3,550 kWh per year using the MCS MIS 3002 methodology (kWp × Kk × Shading Factor). At a 38% self-consumption rate without a battery, that's £363 saved on imports plus £318 earned via Smart Export Guarantee — a Year 1 benefit of around £681.
Add a 5–7kWh battery and self-consumption climbs to 78%, transforming Year 1 benefit to approximately £970. Systems in the South West, with the UK's highest irradiance at 1,060+ kWh/m²/year, reach payback in as little as 6–7 years for well-optimised setups.
What's Included in a Solar Installation?
- Monocrystalline silicon panels (19–24% efficiency) — typically 400–450W per panel
- Hybrid or string inverter for DC-to-AC conversion (95–98% efficient)
- All mounting hardware, roof fixings, and cabling
- Scaffolding, installation labour, and commissioning
- MCS certification documentation (required for SEG payments)
- G98 or G99 application to your distribution network operator
- Smart Export Guarantee setup assistance
- Free site survey and system design before any commitment
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Solar Payback Calculator
Calculate your estimated savings using the official MCS methodology. Adjust for your region, system size, and whether you're adding battery storage.
Solar Payback Calculator
Based on MCS methodology & Ofgem Q1 2026 rates
Solar irradiance: 1015 kWh/kWp/year
Typical range: £5,000 – £8,000
Your Estimated Results
Methodology: MCS MIS 3002 formula (kWp × Kk × SF × PR)
Grid rate: 27.69p/kWh (Ofgem Q1 2026) + 3.5%/year inflation
Export rate: 15p/kWh (standard switchable SEG)
Degradation: 1.5% Year 1, then 0.5%/year linear
Inverter replacement: £1,000 at Year 12
Install Solar at 0% VAT
Solar System Costs in 2026
| System Size | Panels | Roof Space | Installed Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kWp | 7–8 | 15–18 m² | £4,000–£7,500 | 1–2 bed homes, terraces |
| 4 kWp | 9–11 | 20–24 m² | £5,000–£8,000 | 3-bed semi-detached (UK average) |
| 5 kWp | 11–13 | 25–28 m² | £6,500–£10,500 | 4-bed detached, EV households |
| 6 kWp | 14–16 | 30–35 m² | £8,000–£13,500 | High-use homes with heat pumps |
All costs are fully installed including labour, scaffolding, and certification. 0% VAT applies to all domestic solar installations in the UK.
Solar Homeowner Results
Every saving figure below is from the homeowner's own bills — not a marketing estimate.
"We were paying over £200 a month on electricity. After our 4kWp solar system went in last April, our last three bills have averaged £43. The whole process — from filling in the form to panels on the roof — took three weeks. No hard sell, just a local installer who knew what he was talking about."
"We were spending £3,200 a year on heating oil. The heat pump cost us £4,100 after the BUS grant. First winter running costs came to £820. I wish we'd done it five years ago. The matched installer knew exactly how to deal with our 1970s farmhouse layout."
"We added a GivEnergy battery to our existing solar at the same time. The whole system now covers about 85% of our electricity use. The installer who came knew Brighton roofs — he'd done dozens on our street. The form took four minutes and I had three quotes within a day."
Solar Panel Questions Answered
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