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Getting a quote is the only way to know exactly what you'd pay as costs depend on your roof, your system size, and whether you want a battery included. But these are the realistic ranges for most UK homes in 2026, and this guide explains what affects your final price.
How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
Solar panel costs have come down significantly over the past decade. In 2026, a fully installed residential solar system costs between £5,000 and £9,000 for most UK homes, depending on system size. That price includes the panels, inverter, mounting hardware, wiring, scaffolding, MCS certification and installation.
The main driver of cost is system size, measured in kilowatt-peak (kWp). Larger systems generate more electricity but cost more upfront.
| System size | Typical home | Panels needed | Approx installed cost | Annual generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kWp | 1 to 2 bed flat or small house | 7 to 8 panels | £5,000 to £6,500 | ~2,550 kWh |
| 4kWp | 3 bed semi or terrace | 9 to 10 panels | £6,000 to £8,000 | ~3,400 kWh |
| 5kWp | 3 to 4 bed detached | 11 to 12 panels | £7,000 to £9,000 | ~4,250 kWh |
| 6kWp | 4 to 5 bed or high electricity use | 13 to 14 panels | £8,000 to £10,000 | ~5,100 kWh |
Panel counts based on 440W panels. Annual generation based on 850 kWh per kWp in a typical UK location. Costs include 0% VAT. Prices correct as of April 2026.
Two homes with identical systems can receive different quotes. Roof complexity, scaffolding requirements, and local labour rates all affect the final price. OVO's quote is fixed and covers everything from survey to switch-on — panels, inverter, mounting, wiring, scaffolding, and MCS certification.
How much does a solar battery cost in the UK?
Adding a battery lets you store electricity your panels generate during the day and use it in the evening, when your panels aren't generating. Around 94% of new solar installations in the UK now include a battery as it's become a standard part of most systems.
Battery cost depends primarily on capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Here are the typical installed prices for 2026:
| Battery size | Best for | Installed cost (with solar) | Typical evening coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kWh | Smaller homes, 1 to 2 people | £2,500 to £3,500 | 4 to 6 hours of typical evening use |
| 9.5kWh | Average 3 bed home, 3 to 4 people | £3,500 to £5,000 | Full evening and overnight for most homes |
| 10kWh | Larger homes or higher usage | £4,000 to £6,000 | Evening and overnight plus some buffer |
Battery costs shown are the add-on price when installed alongside solar panels. Retrofitting a battery to an existing system costs more due to separate labour and potential inverter changes. OVO offers GivEnergy and Fox ESS batteries from 2.6kWh to 10.36kWh.
Installing a battery at the same time as your panels is more cost-effective than adding one later. If you're already having solar installed, it's worth getting the combined quote so you share the installation visit and potentially the inverter.
How much does a solar panel and battery system cost in total?
| System | Who it suits | Approx total installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3kWp solar + 5kWh battery | 1 to 2 bed home, lower electricity use | £8,000 to £10,000 |
| 4kWp solar + 5kWh battery | 3 bed home, typical household | £9,000 to £11,500 |
| 4kWp solar + 9.5kWh battery | 3 bed home, higher evening use or WFH | £10,500 to £13,000 |
| 5kWp solar + 9.5kWh battery | 3 to 4 bed home, higher electricity use | £11,500 to £14,000 |
| 6kWp solar + 10kWh battery | Large home, EV charger or heat pump at home | £13,000 to £16,000 |
All prices include 0% VAT and standard installation. Costs correct as of April 2026, your OVO survey provides a fixed price for your specific home.
Get a free home survey and fixed-price quote from OVO. No commitment needed, just an honest answer on what solar and a battery would cost for your home.
VAT on solar panels and batteries
Solar panels, batteries, and installation all qualify for 0% VAT until at least 31 March 2027. On a £10,000 system that's a £2,000 saving compared to the standard rate. It's applied automatically — all OVO quotes already include it.
How much can you save, and when does it pay back?
The payback period for solar panels in the UK depends on your system size, how much electricity you use during the day, your energy tariff, and whether you have a battery. Most UK homeowners see payback in 6 to 10 years for solar panels alone, or 8 to 12 years for a combined solar and battery system.
Here are realistic annual savings for a typical 3-bedroom home:
EXAMPLE — 4KWP SOLAR + 9.5KWH BATTERY, 3-BED HOME
System cost: £12,000 | Annual generation: ~3,400 kWh
Annual saving on electricity bills (avoided grid cost): £700 to £900
SEG export income (OVO 20p rate for OVO install + energy customers): up to £136 per year
Total annual benefit: approximately £1,000 to £1,200 per year
Payback period: approximately 10 to 12 years
Savings calculated at 23p per kWh avoided grid cost (Ofgem April to June 2026 price cap). SEG export income based on 20% of annual generation exported at OVO's 20p/kWh rate — available to customers who buy both their solar installation and energy supply from OVO.
After the payback period, the electricity your panels generate is effectively free for the remaining life of the system. Solar panels carry 25 to 30-year performance warranties. Batteries typically last 10 to 12 years before needing replacement.
OVO's exclusive rates for solar and battery customers
When you get your solar and battery installed by OVO and supply your energy through OVO, you get an exclusive rate that strengthens the financial case. The Smart Export Guarantee pays 20p per kWh for any surplus electricity your panels export to the grid — five times the standard OVO SEG rate of 4p per kWh. That means you're earning more on every unit of electricity you don't use yourself.
OVO's 20p SEG rate is available to customers who have their solar and battery installed by OVO and also supply their energy through OVO. Standard OVO SEG rate for other customers is 4p per kWh. Terms and eligibility criteria apply.
Find out how much solar and a battery could save you. OVO's free home survey gives you a personalised cost and savings estimate.
How to pay for solar panels without a large upfront cost
OVO offers 0% interest finance on solar and battery installations, spread over 3 years. On a £12,000 system that's £333 per month. Longer-term plans are also available. Credit is subject to eligibility criteria.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost for an average UK home?
A 4kWp system — the most common size for a 3-bedroom UK home — costs between £6,000 and £8,000 installed in 2026. Adding a 9.5kWh battery brings the total to approximately £10,500 to £13,000. All prices include 0% VAT.
Is a battery worth adding to solar panels?
For most UK homes, yes. A battery means you use more of the electricity your panels generate rather than exporting it at lower rates. Around 94% of new solar installations in the UK now include a battery. The payback period is longer than for solar alone, but the total annual saving is higher.
How long do solar panels take to pay back?
Solar panels alone typically pay back in 6 to 10 years. Adding a battery extends that slightly but increases annual savings. After payback, the electricity your panels generate is effectively free for the remaining life of the system — 25 to 30 years for the panels and 10 to 12 years before the battery needs replacing.