Solar Panels — Generate Free Electricity From Your Roof

With electricity at nearly 25p per unit, generating your own power has never made more financial sense. Solar panels pay for themselves in 6 to 8 years and keep saving for decades.

Get Free Quotes Calculate Savings

£584

Average annual savings

Typical cost: £5,000 – £11,000

Electricity prices have risen sharply in recent years, with the current price cap setting rates at 24.67p/kWh. For the average UK household using around 2,700 kWh of electricity per year, that translates to a substantial annual bill. Solar panels allow you to generate free electricity during daylight hours, reducing your reliance on the grid and shielding you from future price rises. With the Smart Export Guarantee paying for surplus energy you export, solar is now one of the smartest long-term investments a homeowner can make.

£0

Average annual saving

£0k

Typical installation cost

0 years

Average payback period

Return on investment

What Is Solar?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity that you can use to power your home. A typical domestic system of 3.5 to 4 kWp (kilowatt peak) consists of 8 to 12 panels mounted on your roof. The panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, which an inverter converts to alternating current (AC) for use in your home. Any surplus electricity can be exported to the grid for payment under the Smart Export Guarantee, or stored in a home battery for use in the evening.

How It Works

Roof Assessment

An MCS-certified installer surveys your roof to assess orientation, pitch, shading, and structural suitability for solar panels.

System Design

A bespoke system is designed to maximise generation based on your roof space, energy usage, and budget. Battery storage options are discussed.

Installation

Panels are mounted on roof brackets, wired together, and connected to an inverter. The system is linked to your consumer unit and the grid. Installation typically takes one to two days.

Registration and Earning

Your system is registered with the MCS and your energy supplier for Smart Export Guarantee payments. You start generating free electricity immediately.

Is It Right for My Home?

Solar panels are suitable for most homes with a roof or flat roof area that receives reasonable sunlight. South-facing roofs deliver the best performance, though east- and west-facing roofs still generate substantial energy. The roof should be in good structural condition and relatively free from shading by trees or neighbouring buildings. Most residential installations do not require planning permission under permitted development rights, though listed buildings and conservation areas may have restrictions.

Key Benefits

Slash Electricity Bills

Generate free electricity during daylight hours and reduce your dependence on expensive grid electricity, saving an average of £584 per year.

Earn From Exports

The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for every unit of surplus electricity you send back to the grid, currently around 4 to 15p per kWh depending on your tariff.

Battery Storage

Add a home battery to store surplus daytime generation for use in the evening, maximising self-consumption and further reducing your bills.

Price Protection

Once installed, your solar generation is free regardless of future energy price rises, giving you long-term financial certainty.

Low Maintenance

Solar panels have no moving parts and require very little maintenance. Most systems come with 25-year performance warranties.

Reduce Carbon Emissions

A typical domestic solar system saves around 1.3 tonnes of CO2 per year, making a meaningful contribution to the UK's net zero targets.

Cost Breakdown

Our partner network means you'll typically pay less than these averages.

Property Type	Typical Cost	Annual Saving	Payback
3 kWp System (8 panels)	£5,000 – £6,500	£440	6–8 years
4 kWp System (10 panels)	£6,500 – £8,000	£584	6–8 years
5 kWp System (12 panels)	£8,000 – £9,500	£700	7–8 years
4 kWp + Battery	£9,000 – £11,000	£750	7–9 years

Government Grants Available

ECO4

Solar panels may be funded under ECO4 as a secondary measure alongside insulation for eligible low-income households.

Check Eligibility →

Warm Homes Plan

The Warm Homes Plan includes renewable energy measures such as solar PV for qualifying fuel-poor households.