How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels in the UK?

The Cost of Solar Panels

The first thing you need to consider when thinking about installing a solar panel system is the cost of the panels themselves. The price can vary significantly depending on their size, efficiency, brand, and type. On average, you can expect to pay between £150 and £250 per panel for the actual solar panels in the UK, before fixings, cable and install costs.

However, remember that this is just for the panels themselves. There are other costs involved when you decide to install a solar panel system.

Installation Costs

The installation cost is a major factor that contributes to the overall price of a solar panel system. This includes labour costs and materials needed for installation such as fixings, solar kit and cables. Depending on your location and complexity of installation, these costs can range from £2,000 to £10,000.

It’s important to note that while it might be tempting to try and install a solar panel system yourself to save money on labour costs – it’s not recommended unless you have professional experience. Incorrect installation can lead to inefficiencies in your system or even damage your roof. Read our previous blog on this and see who can install solar panel systems.

Further Expenses

In addition to purchasing and installing your solar panels, there are other further expenses that you need to consider:

1) Inverter: This device converts direct current (DC) produced by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used in your home. The cost of an inverter can range from £800 to £2,000.

2) Battery storage: If you want to store excess energy produced by your solar panels for use when the sun isn’t shining, you’ll need a battery storage system. This can cost anywhere between £2,500 and £10,000 depending on the size and capacity. They can also cost a lot more for big commercial batteries needed for large storage.

3) Maintenance: While solar panels require minimal maintenance, it’s still a good idea to set aside some budget for potential repairs or cleaning services. This usually costs around £100-£200 per year.

The Return on Investment

While the initial cost to install a solar panel system might seem high, it’s important to consider the long-term savings. Solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills. The UK government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme (FIT), you can earn money back for every unit you send back to the grid. The old FIT scheme used to pay out a lot more than it does now, but with certain specialist export tariffs, such as Octopus Flux, you can get paid a lot more than the standard FIT tariff at certain points of the day. Mainly when demand on the grid is high.

On average, homeowners in the UK can expect to start seeing money back from their installation after about 3-6 years. After this point, all the electricity generated by your solar panels is essentially free and you can start making money.

High usage businesses can see their money back a lot faster than a home, because they can produce a lot more meaning they are making massive savings.

Conclusion

So how much does it cost to install solar panels in the UK?

While there is no definitive answer due to varying factors such as size and type of system chosen, location and additional expenses like access equipment (scaffolding) inverters and battery storage; on average homeowners should expect to pay between £6,000 and £15,000.

It’s crucial not just to focus on the upfront costs but also consider the long-term benefits and savings that come with installing a solar panel system. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint but also making significant savings on energy bills over time – making it an investment worth considering!