Solar Panel Prices And Costs
Find out the solar panel prices, installation fees and other costs in the UK. Then find the best solar panel deal with our comparison tool.
Solar panel prices and costs in 2024
If you’re thinking about harnessing the sun's power, you’ll be pleased to know that there are different types of solar panels to suit every home. But how much do solar panels cost in the UK? We can provide you with a solar panel comparison in seconds.
Considering solar panel prices can be the first step to narrowing down your choices and finding what’s suitable for your energy needs and budget. It’s a great way to compare different features and styles, helping you purchase the best solar panels for your lifestyle and home. What’s more, you’re only a few clicks away from comparing solar panel suppliers.
Ready to explore your options? Here’s everything you need to know about solar panel prices in the UK.
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Average solar panel costs in the UK
At SpotDif, we understand that solar panels aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. With this in mind, we don’t want to leave you with an umbrella price range. We get it — that’s not useful for anyone!
Instead, let’s break down the different types of solar panel systems and their average price range in the UK as of 2024 to give you a better idea of what to look for in your solar panel quote.
Smaller solar panel setups
Size: 1-3kW
Best for: Small one-to-two-bedroom homes or flats with minimal energy needs.
Average 2024 cost: £2,365 per kW
These setups usually consist of 4-12 solar panels. They are suitable for homes with limited roof space and lower electricity consumption — and this is reflected in their average price. Small solar panel setups are ideal if you’re looking to reduce a chunk of your energy bills or you’re just getting started with solar energy.
Medium solar panel setups
Size: 4-6kW
Best for: Medium-sized three-to-four-bedroom homes with moderate energy demands and multiple appliances or electronics.
Average 2024 cost: £2,500 per kW
These setups generally include 12-20 solar panels. They are suitable for households with higher energy consumption, supporting multiple appliances and electronics. This size of solar panel system brings about great cost savings and significant energy savings at the same time.
Large solar panel setups
Size: 7-10 kW or more
Best for: Large five or more bedroom homes or small businesses with high energy needs.
Average 2024 cost: £2,800 per kW
These setups can go up to a whopping 20-30+ solar panels, depending on your property’s needs. They are designed for properties or workplaces with substantial energy consumption and plenty of roof space. Ideal if you want to significantly reduce your electricity bills and reap all the benefits that solar energy has to offer.
Why is it good to consider solar panel costs before purchasing?
We know that trying to understand all this might seem overwhelming — especially if you’ve never, but that's where we come in!
We’re proud to offer a free service to help you compare solar panel prices easily. By comparing different suppliers and systems, you can find the best option that fits your budget and energy needs. There are also plenty of other benefits to comparing the costs of solar panels in the UK.
1. Better cost savings
By comparing different solar panel quotes, you can find the most cost-effective option for your solar panel installation. Prices can vary significantly between suppliers, and obtaining multiple quotes ensures you get the best deal.
For instance, a thorough comparison might reveal a supplier offering a significant discount or a special promotion, saving you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
2. More value for money
Different quotes can help you understand the value you’re getting for your money. It allows you to compare not just the prices but also the quality of the panels, warranties, and included services.
One quote might include a longer warranty or additional services like maintenance and monitoring, making it a better long-term investment even if the initial cost is slightly higher.
3. Identify hidden costs
Some quotes may include hidden fees for installation, permits, or additional equipment that others have already factored into their upfront price.
Obtaining multiple quotes helps you identify any hidden costs or additional charges that might not be so obvious at first. This ensures you are fully aware of the total cost of installation at all times — and you won’t have to deal with the shock of hidden costs.
4. More flexibility and customisation options
Different suppliers may offer varying levels of customisation and flexibility in their solar panel services. Comparing quotes allows you to find a solution that best fits your specific needs and preferences.
One supplier might offer more flexible financing options or the ability to tailor the system size and components to better suit your energy consumption and roof space. It would be a shame to miss out on that if these are priorities for you!
5. A chance to assess supplier reputation and reliability
Through the SpotDif quoting process, you can gather reviews and testimonials from previous customers, helping you choose a supplier with a proven track record of customer satisfaction and reliable service. Don’t worry — we only work with solar panel suppliers that we trust with an excellent track record.
Comparing quotes allows you to research and assess the reputation and reliability of our suppliers, resulting in a smoother installation process.
Which factors can affect solar panel costs in the UK?
Solar panel system costs vary hugely due to the variety of models on offer. Before you start comparing, it’s a good idea to be aware of the different factors that could affect your solar panel’s cost.
1. System size
Highest cost: Larger systems (e.g., 8-10 kW) can cost between £20,000 and £28,000.
Lowest cost: Smaller systems (e.g., 1-3 kW) typically range from £2,500 to £7,500.
This is one of the most significant factors affecting solar panel costs. Larger systems, which generate more electricity, require more panels and additional equipment, leading to higher overall costs.
Typically, the cost per kilowatt (kW) decreases slightly as the system size increases, but your total expense will be higher for larger installations.
2. Type of solar panels
Highest cost: Monocrystalline panels can cost between £1,200 and £1,500 per kW.
Lowest cost: Polycrystalline panels range from £1,000 to £1,200 per kW, while thin-film panels can be as low as £800 to £1,000 per kW.
Potential savings: Opting for polycrystalline or thin-film panels over monocrystalline can save up to £300-£700 per kW.
Monocrystalline panels are generally more efficient and have a longer lifespan, but they come at a higher price compared to polycrystalline panels. In our experience, thin-film panels are usually the least expensive but also less efficient, requiring more space to generate the same amount of electricity.
3. Solar panel installation complexity
Highest cost: Complex installations requiring structural modifications or specialised mounting can add £1,000 to £5,000 to the total cost.
Lowest cost: Standard installations on simple, accessible roofs typically add minimal extra cost, around £500 to £1,000.
Potential savings: Simple installations can save up to £4,000 compared to complex setups.
Did you know?
Factors such as roof type, angle, and orientation can make solar panel installation more challenging and time-consuming. It’s important to note that additional costs may arise if your roof requires structural modifications or if specialised mounting systems are needed.
4. Solar panel labour and permits
Highest cost: Labour and permitting fees in urban areas can add £2,000 to £4,000.
Lowest cost: In rural areas, these costs might be between £1,000 and £2,000.
Potential savings: Choosing a rural installation location for your solar panel installation can save up to £2,000 on labour and permitting.
Urban areas like cities with higher labour costs will generally see higher solar panel installation prices. Remember that you may need to obtain necessary permits and comply with local regulations. We recommend budgeting for this as it can add to the cost, especially in regions with strict requirements
5. Inverters and additional equipment for solar panels
Highest cost: High-quality inverters (e.g., microinverters or power optimisers) can cost £800 to £1,200 extra per kW. Adding a battery storage system can add £4,000 to £7,000.
Lowest cost: Basic string inverters typically add £500 to £800 per kW.
Potential savings: Opting for basic inverters and foregoing battery storage can save up to £7,700.
String inverters are usually less expensive but may not offer the same efficiency and flexibility as microinverters or power optimisers. Microinverters are installed on each panel, offering higher efficiency, especially in shaded conditions. Similarly, power optimisers work with string inverters to enhance performance.
Additional equipment like solar panel batteries for energy storage, which store excess energy for later use, monitoring systems that track the performance of your solar panels, and advanced mounting structures required for complex roof installations can further up your costs — so it’s important to keep this in mind.
6. Government incentives and grants for solar panels
Solar panel grants and incentives can cover up to 30% of the solar panel installation costs, potentially saving you up to £6,000 on a £20,000 system.
Did you know?
Government-run solar panel incentives and grants like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) could save you around £300 to £500 annually by paying for excess energy exported to the grid.
7. Market demand and solar panel material costs
Highest cost: High demand and rising material costs can increase overall prices by 10-20%, adding £2,000 to £5,000 to large installations.
Lowest cost: Technological advancements and reduced material costs can lower prices by 10-15%, saving £1,000 to £4,000 on large systems.
Potential savings: Timing the purchase during periods of lower demand or after technological improvements can result in significant savings. You can learn about the latest solar panel news in our Resources Hub.
SpotDif Advice
We’d recommend keeping an eye on fluctuations in solar panel market demand and the cost of raw materials needed to create, develop, and install solar panels. The value of silicon, aluminum, and copper can cause solar panel prices to increase or decrease for this reason.
Find the best solar panel system at the best price with SpotDif
Find the best solar panel system at the best price with SpotDif
With a massive array of models, technologies, and features available, choosing and investing in a solar panel system for your home can seem challenging at first.
At SpotDif, we aim to make finding your solar panel installation accessible and affordable. That's why we make it easier than ever to compare trusted UK solar panel suppliers and installers.
Just supply a few details, and we'll do the hard work for you by comparing deals on the latest solar panel prices in your area. Get started with SpotDif today.
Last updated on 23 Jul 2024