Solar Panel Cost Calculator
Find out how much it costs to switch your home to solar energy in 2026. Calculate the price of panels, batteries, and see your estimated annual savings.
Solar PV Requirements
Cost Breakdown
At current 28p/kWh energy cap, this could save you roughly £952 a year if you consume all you generate (via a battery).
Guide to Buying Solar Panels in the UK
Since the global energy crisis drastically raised the Ofgem price cap, hundreds of thousands of UK homeowners have turned to Solar PV as a way to insulate themselves against erratic electricity bills. Furthermore, the 0% VAT initiative introduced by the government means there has never been a cheaper time to buy the hardware.
Why Battery Storage is NOW Essential
Five years ago, people bought solar panels without batteries because you could sell energy back to the grid for a high price. That is no longer true.
Today, maximum savings are achieved through 'Load Shifting'. The panels generate electricity while you are at work. If you have no battery, that energy goes to the grid and you get paid pennies. When you come home and turn the TV on, you have to buy the energy *back* from the grid at 28p/kWh. A battery acts like a sponge, absorbing your free daylight electricity so you can slowly discharge it during the dark evening, meaning your house technically stays entirely 'off the grid'.
How Many Panels Do You Need?
3 kW System (~8 modern panels)
Perfect for smaller terraces, bungalows, or households of 1-2 people who have relatively low electricity demands and limited unshaded roof space. Usually paired with a smaller 3-5kWh battery to cover the overnight baseload (fridge, router, tv).
4 kW System (~10 modern panels)
Historically, the most common residential installation. This fits perfectly across the rear elevation of a standard UK 3-bedroom semi-detached house. Will generate roughly 3,500 kWh of energy per year, heavily offsetting the average UK household consumption.
6 kW+ System (~15+ modern panels)
These highly powerful systems are becoming extremely popular for homeowners future-proofing their properties. If you intend to run an Electric Vehicle (EV) charger or a Heat Pump in the near future, your electricity demand will triple. Putting as many panels on the roof as possible now is far cheaper than upgrading a 4kW system later.