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Are solar panels worth it in the UK in 2026?

Short answer

For most owner-occupiers with a reasonably sunny roof, yes. The Energy Saving Trust puts a typical 4.5 kWp system at about 7,600 pounds and estimates payback of 9 to 12 years at July 2026 prices with export payments, against panel lives of 25 years or more. Using more of your own power shortens payback.

Last checked 24 September 2026 · 2 sources

In more detail

  • EST (updated 27 Aug 2026): average ~4.5 kWp system, ~12 panels, 20-30 m2 roof, ~GBP 7,600.
  • EST payback with export payments (fuel prices July 2026): London 9 years (home all day / half day / out all day); Manchester 10/10/11; Aberystwyth 9/9/10; Stirling 11/11/12. Northern Ireland not yet published.
  • MCS Data Dashboard: average certified domestic system in 2025 just over GBP 7,000, about GBP 500 less than 2024.
  • Payback shortens with high self-consumption (home in the day, EV, heat pump, diverter) and lengthens with shading, poor orientation or low export rates.
  • Budget for one inverter replacement (~GBP 800, EST) within the panel life.
  • 0% VAT on residential solar and batteries in GB is time-limited.

The facts, dated

  1. 01
    Typical domestic system ~4.5 kWp costs around GBP 7,600 (EST) — 7600 GBP

    market_data · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · Energy Saving Trust

  2. 02
    EST payback with export payments, London, fuel prices July 2026 — 9 years

    market_data · England · checked 24 September 2026 · Energy Saving Trust

  3. 03
    EST payback with export payments, Stirling, out all day — 12 years

    market_data · Scotland · checked 24 September 2026 · Energy Saving Trust

  4. 04
    Average installed cost of MCS-certified domestic solar in 2025 — ~7000 GBP

    market_data · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · MCS

What we saw in the field

[QA review 2026-09-24] H-8 AGREES; I-5 UNVERIFIABLE - do not publish 'cheaper than fence panels'. | Earlier notes: Homeowner's 2022 estimate of 7-10 years payback (5.6 kWp + 15 kWh battery for ~GBP 19,000) sits at the optimistic end of today's EST 9-12 years for panels alone; the homeowner's point that export rates have fallen while hardware got cheaper is consistent with MCS reporting ~GBP 500 lower average cost 2025 vs 2024. Installer claim that panels are 'cheaper than fence panels' is rhetorical and untested.

Sources

Last checked: 24 September 2026