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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.
This article was last reviewed on 1 July 2026. Energy rates and savings figures are updated in line with Ofgem's quarterly price cap reviews.
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 1 July 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.
You can also earn money on any surplus electricity you export to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee. OVO pays 20p per kWh exported.
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