Costs & Savings
Solar Panels
- Overview
- How does it work?
- Is it right for me?
- Costs & Savings
- FAQs
- Get a Price
We aim to be as transparent about pricing as possible. As such, the figures on this page serve as a general reference. Your own quote may be lower depending on factors such as roof orientation and shading.
For a personalised, no-obligation quote down to the last nut and bolt, please get in touch.
For a typical 4kW, 10-panel system*:
Installation: £5,509
Annual Electricity Production: 3,892 kWh
Annual Savings: £874
Payback: 6 years
25-year return: £59,082
Our 4kW offer includes:
- 10 x 400W Tier-One Solar Panels
- 1 x Inverter
- All Mounting and Ancillary Components
- All Certifications (MCS, Electrical, DNO, Roof Structural)
- Full Installation and Commissioning
- 10-Year Workmanship Guarantee
- 25-Year Performance Warranty
- Scaffolding for one- and two-story properties*
1. Initial Cost
The cost of your solar panel installation will primarily depend on the size (number of panels) of your system, and any additional extras such as battery storage you may wish to have. The size of the solar panel system you need depends on several factors, including energy consumption, roof orientation, and shading. See if solar panels are right for you.
2. Ongoing Costs (Maintenance and Durability)
Solar panels require very little maintenance. We recommend an annual service to remove dust, debris and bird droppings (often a window cleaner will be able to provide this service). While the panels themselves often last for 25 years or more, the inverter may require replacement during this period, costing around £750.
3. Annual Returns
One of the primary advantages of solar panels lies in their ability to substantially reduce electricity costs. This is done by reducing the amount of electricity you have to buy from the grid, and by generating an income in the form of Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.
We have more information about the Smart Export Guarantee below.
4. Long-Term Benefits
Over a 25-year period, the financial benefits of installing solar panels become even more compelling. Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs and returns for different-sized systems*:
| System Size: | 4kw | 8kw | 10kw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of panels: | 10 | 20 | 25 |
| Cost: | £5,509 | £9,884 | £11,347 |
| VAT: | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Annual Electricity Savings: | £470 | £856 | £1,003 |
| Annual SEG Payments: | £404 | £845 | £1,084 |
| Total Annual Savings: | £874 | £1,700 | £2,087 |
| Payback: | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years |
| 25-Year Return: | £59,082 | £114,905 | £141,046 |
| Total Annual Return: | 17.6% | 17.4% | 19.8% |
What about battery storage?
There are even greater savings to be had if you choose to add battery storage to your solar panel system.
By investing in battery storage, you can store excess electricity and achieve massive cost savings, all while lowering your carbon footprint.
Discover Battery StorageThe Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Introduced in January 2020 to replace the Feed-in Tariff, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) offers homeowners the opportunity to earn money by exporting surplus electricity to the grid.
SEG Licensees (e.g., EON, EDF) compete to offer competitive rates and contract lengths for your exported electricity. You have the flexibility to choose the best option for your needs.
To qualify for SEG payments:
- You must have a smart meter.
- You must own the generation unit (solar panels).
- Your meter should record exported energy on a half-hourly basis.
- Your installation must be certified under the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme).
- You must not already receive SEG payments from another licensee.
How Much Can You Earn with SEG?
Earnings from SEG payments depend on your electricity supplier and contract terms. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a household with a 4kWp solar panel system, a grid electricity price of 18p/kWh, and an SEG rate of 5.4p/kWh could earn approximately £355 per year.
Current SEG Tariffs:
Social Energy (Smarter Export): 5.6p/kWh
Octopus Energy (Outgoing Fixed): 5.5p/kWh
E.ON (Fix & Export Exclusive): 5.5p/kWh
Bulb (Export Payments): 5.38p/kWh
Please note that rates may vary, so it’s essential to research and choose the most suitable option for your situation.
EPC Ratings
To be eligible for SEG payments, your home must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of D or above, issued within the last 10 years. EPCs provide information on your home’s energy efficiency and suggest measures to reduce energy usage and emissions.
EPCs assess your home’s energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions and carry ratings from ‘A’ (most efficient) to ‘G’.
How to Obtain Your EPC Certificate:
If you have had a survey with a ‘D’ or above rating in the last 10 years, we’ll require a copy for our records. If not, you will need to arrange for an EPC survey by an independent Domestic Energy Advisor (DEA). Please visit the government website for information.
*Price Assumptions
The prices quoted on this page are for guidance only based on current prices and the following assumptions:
- We use Easy Dec or Tower scaffolding which is suitable in 95% of installations; should your installation require dedicated scaffold from a scaffolding contractor it will typically cost an additional £300 – £400
- Smart Export Guarantee Payment of 15p p/kW.
- Electricity Savings of 35p p/kW.
- Being at home all day to use the free electricity.
- South facing roof with a 35-degree pitch and no shading.
- 25-year total benefit is based on 8% inflation.
- 8% inflation is based on an average over the last ten years from the “ONS Price Indices”.