How much does a solar panel system cost in the UK in 2026?
Short answer
Government statistics from MCS installations put the median at £1,595 per kW for systems up to 4 kW and £1,546 per kW for 4–10 kW (April 2025–March 2026). That excludes batteries. So a 4 kWp system is roughly £6,400 at the median. EST quotes about £7,600 for a typical 4.5 kWp system (August 2026).
Last checked 24 September 2026 · 3 sources
In more detail
- DESNZ TIC basis (Official Statistics in development); older DNC basis is 6-12% higher per kW - don't mix them.
- Retrofit on existing homes costs more per kW than new build (0-4 kW mean £2,109 vs £1,518/kW).
- Includes scaffolding, labour, connection and VAT; batteries excluded.
- Northern Ireland is not covered by the DESNZ figures.
The facts, dated
- 01DESNZ 0-4 kW median / mean 2025/26 (TIC) — 1,595 / 1,808 GBP/kW
market_data · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · GOV.UK
- 02DESNZ 4-10 kW median 2025/26 (TIC) — 1,546 GBP/kW
market_data · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · GOV.UK
- 03Record installations in 2025/26 analysis — 264,742 installations
market_data · GB · checked 24 September 2026 · GOV.UK
- 04EST typical 4.5 kWp system — 7,600 GBP
market_data · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · Energy Saving Trust
- 05MCS average certified home system 2025 — just over 7,000 GBP
market_data · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · MCS
What we saw in the field
[QA review 2026-09-24] H-3 AGREES (plausible at 2022/23 prices). | Earlier notes: Homeowner's ~£19,000 (late 2022, with 15 kWh battery): see payback entry. Plausible at 2022/23 prices.
Sources
- GOV.UK — assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a1709e4050971fbebf3bb3b/Solar_Costs_2025…
- Energy Saving Trust — energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels/
- MCS — mcscertified.com/consumers/technologies/solar-photovoltaic-pv/
Last checked: 24 September 2026