Pricing
What solar panels actually cost in 2026.
Straight answers. No tonight-only offers. No inflated prices slashed in half. Just what a properly installed, MCS-certified system costs in the UK right now.
The quick answer
Most residential systems cost between £5,500 and £14,000.
That range covers everything from a small 3 kW system on a terrace to an 8 kW system with battery storage on a large detached home. The price includes panels, inverter, mounting, scaffolding, electrical work, MCS certification, and commissioning.
Residential solar installations currently carry 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. That saves roughly £1,000 to £2,500 compared to the standard 20% rate.
The final cost depends on three things: system size, whether you add a battery, and the complexity of your roof. We break each one down below.
For a deeper technical breakdown, read our detailed solar panel cost guide.
By system size
Cost by system size.
Prices include installation, MCS certification, and 0% VAT. Ranges reflect panel brand and roof complexity.
3 kW
4 kW
5 kW
6 kW
8 kW
Price factors
What changes the price.
System size
A 3 kW system for a small terrace costs less than an 8 kW system for a five-bed detached. The size is matched to your electricity usage, not your roof area.
Panel brand
Entry-level panels cost less per watt than premium options. We install Aiko Neostar and DMEGC panels, both with 25-year product warranties.
Battery storage
Adding a battery typically adds £3,000 to £5,000 to the total. It lets you store daytime generation for evening use and can cut your grid dependence significantly.
Roof complexity
A simple south-facing roof with easy access is the cheapest to install on. Multiple roof planes, dormers, slate tiles, or three-storey properties add labour and materials.
Installer quality
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Check whether the company uses its own employed teams or subcontractors, and whether the warranty is backed by an insurance-backed guarantee.
Scaffolding and access
Most installs need scaffolding, which is included in our pricing. Properties with restricted access, conservation areas, or listed building constraints may cost more.
VAT relief
0% VAT until March 2027.
The UK government introduced 0% VAT on residential solar and battery installations in April 2022. The relief was originally set to end in 2027, and as of August 2026, the cut-off remains 31 March 2027.
On a £10,000 system, that saves you £2,000 compared to the standard 20% rate. The relief applies to panels, batteries, inverters, and installation labour for residential properties.
If you are considering solar, the VAT window is the single biggest financial incentive available right now. Once it closes, there is no guarantee it will be extended.
How we price
How Geko pricing works.
We do not inflate a price and then slash it to create urgency. There is no "tonight-only offer" or "manager discount". The price we quote is the price.
Your system is designed by a qualified engineer, not a salesperson. They size the system to your actual electricity usage, not to your maximum roof space. If a smaller system covers your needs, that is what they will recommend.
Every quote is itemised. You see the cost of panels, inverter, battery (if applicable), mounting, scaffolding, and labour as separate line items. Nothing is bundled to obscure the numbers.
We are MCS-certified and install with our own employed teams. The price includes MCS certification, DNO notification, and commissioning. There is nothing left to pay on install day.
FAQ
Common questions about solar panel costs.
How much does a 4 kW solar panel system cost in the UK?
A 4 kW solar-only system typically costs between £6,500 and £8,500 fully installed. With a battery, expect £9,500 to £12,000. These prices include panels, inverter, mounting, scaffolding, electrical work, MCS certification, and VAT at 0% (until March 2027).
How much do solar panels cost with a battery?
Adding battery storage to a solar installation typically adds £3,000 to £5,000 to the total cost, depending on the battery capacity. A 4 kW solar system with a battery usually falls between £9,500 and £12,000 installed.
Are solar panels VAT-free in the UK?
Yes. Until 31 March 2027, residential solar panel installations carry 0% VAT. This applies to panels, batteries, inverters, and the installation labour. After March 2027, the standard 20% rate is expected to return unless the government extends the relief.
Can I pay for solar panels monthly?
Many installers offer finance options, including interest-free credit over 12 to 24 months. At Geko, we can discuss finance during your consultation. We do not use high-pressure finance tactics or inflate prices to absorb the cost of lending.
Are there hidden costs with solar panel installation?
With a reputable installer, no. Our quotes are itemised and include everything: panels, inverter, mounting kit, scaffolding, electrical work, MCS certification, DNO notification, and commissioning. There is nothing to add on install day.
Is it cheaper to buy solar panels online and install them myself?
You can buy panels online for less, but a DIY installation will not be MCS-certified. Without MCS, you cannot register for the Smart Export Guarantee, your home insurance may be voided, and you lose any workmanship or insurance-backed guarantee. The savings rarely outweigh the risks.
What affects the price of solar panels the most?
System size is the biggest factor. A 3 kW system costs roughly half of an 8 kW system. After that, the panel brand, whether you add a battery, and the complexity of your roof have the most impact. Scaffolding is included in most quotes but can add cost on difficult-access properties.
Do solar panels pay for themselves?
For most UK homes with reasonable south, east, or west-facing roof space, solar panels reduce electricity bills significantly from year one. The exact savings depend on your usage pattern, tariff, whether you add a battery, and whether you register for the Smart Export Guarantee. We do not quote a fixed payback period because it varies by household.
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for your home.
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0% VAT on installs commissioned before 31 March 2027