Are solar panels worth it in the UK?
Jason Hawthorne, CEO at ESME
Rates checked October 2026 · 6 min read · Last updated 22 October 2026
In short
Usually yes, but it depends more on your roof and your tariff than on the panels. A typical 4.5kWp system costs about £6,100 to £7,600 and pays back in 9 to 12 years, according to the Energy Saving Trust. A south facing roof, a good export rate and using more of the power yourself all shorten that.
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Key facts
Typical system
4.5kWp, about 12 panels
Typical price
About £6,100 to £7,600 installed
Typical payback
9 to 12 years
What it makes
About 840 to 1,130 units per kWp a year, by region
VAT
None until 31 March 2027
How much power do solar panels make in the UK?
Each kWp of panels on a south facing roof makes about 1,130 units a year on the south coast, about 900 in central England and about 840 in the north of Scotland. East or west facing roofs make about 15 to 20% less. North facing roofs are not recommended.
How much do they save?
Solar saves money two ways. Every unit you use yourself replaces one you would have bought, at 26.32p on the price cap. Every unit you export earns your export rate, see what an export tariff is.
The sum, for 4.5kWp in central England
Made a year
4,050 units
Used at home, 40%
£426
Exported at 12p
£292
Total a year
£718
At £7,600 that is about 10.6 years to pay back. Using more of the power yourself, with a battery or by running appliances in the day, shortens it.
When are they not worth it?
- When the roof needs work in the next few years, because the panels have to come off. See is my roof right for solar.
- When the roof is shaded for much of the day, or only faces north.
- When you are on a low export rate and out all day, so most of the power earns little.
- When the quote is far above typical prices. See how to tell if a quote is fair.
Questions people also ask
Do solar panels work in winter?
Yes, but they make much less. Most of the year’s power comes from spring to autumn.
Do I need planning permission?
Usually not for panels on a house roof in England, with exceptions for listed buildings and some conservation areas.
Do solar panels add value to my house?
They can make it more appealing to buyers because of lower bills, but there is no set figure. Do not count on it to pay for them.
Sources
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Figures are for Great Britain and were checked on the date above. Prices change, so check the latest before you decide. This is general information, not financial advice.
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