How much does a Solar panel System cost in the UK
If you are new to solar panels, understanding solar panel pricing can be overwhelming. With a variety of solar panels and installation options to choose from, it is important that you know what you are getting installed and that you are getting the best value for your money. Whilst the initial solar panel installation cost may seem high, the lifetime savings and free green electricity makes it all worthwhile.
Cost of Solar PanelS in the UK
With the energy price cap rising by 54%, there is no time like the present to invest in solar panels. 900,000 homes across the UK are already benefiting from the advantages of solar energy, and with new technology advancements solar panel prices have fallen significantly by almost 70%.
When it comes down to the cost of a solar panel system, size matters. Generally, the more electricity your PV system can generate, the more money you can save, however, the higher the initial installation cost will be. Most households require a 4kW solar PV system to fulfil their energy requirements. However with more plug-in devices such as cars being added to the home, the larger the system the better. It is for this reason that 5kW Solar PV systems are the most popular size system here at Deege Solar
| System Size | Estimated Cost | Roof Space Required | Number of Solar Panels | Suitable For | Estimated Annual Energy Savings Including SEG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW Panel System | 5,000- 5,500 | 15m2 | 8 | Family of 3 | £450 |
| 4kW Panel System | 5,500-6,000 | 20.5 - 22.5m2 | 10-12 | Family of 4 | £600 |
| 5kW Panel System | 6,000- 6,500 | 25m2 | 13 | Family of 5 | £750 |
| 6kW Panel System | 6,500 - 7,000 | 28-30m2 | 15-16 | Family of 5+ | £900 |
Factors which affect the costs of Solar Panels in the UK
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1.Solar Panel System size
It’s a no brainer that the larger the solar panel system you choose, the higher the installation cost will be. But what factors impact the size of the solar panel system you require? Well, the right size PV system will depend on a couple of factors:
- The size of your property
- The available roof space, pitch and orientation of the roof
- If there are any shading factors
- The radiation levels of where in the UK you live.
- And how much energy you use and the amount of energy you want to generate.
It is important that the size of your solar panel system meets your energy requirements, in order to make the switch to solar energy worth while.
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2.Type of Solar Panel
The brand and type of solar panel you choose as part of your installation will also affect the total price. Whereas Polycrystalline solar panels are the more affordable type of panel, Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and desirable as they are black solar panels. Whilst the average cost to add another solar panel to a system is £250, industry-leading brands such as Hyundai, Panasonic and SolarEdge will cost more due to their technological advancements and reputation of being a Tier 1 solar brand.
For example, LG offers Bifacial solar panels, and SolarEdge’s Smart Modules have integrated DC power optimisers. These features allow for greater solar generation, and therefore a quicker return despite the larger upfront cost.
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3.Solar PV Accessories
When choosing to install solar panels there is a list of smart devices and PV accessories that you can choose to install with it. Although these additional components will impact cost and installation time, they can also help you optimise your PV system and save more money. So before talking to an energy advisor, it is worth considering the following questions:
1. Are you looking to charge your electric car with solar energy? Maybe not now but in the future? If so, a Solar Compatible EV charger could be a great investment for your home.
2. Do you want to heat your water with your Solar Panels too? If so an immersion diverter such as the myenergi Eddi is a no-brainer.
3. Do you use the majority of your energy during the evening? If so adding solar batteries to your solar panels would mean you would see a faster return on investment.
4. Do you live in an area with lots of birds? If so it’s likely best to pigeon proof your solar panels sooner rather than later.
The addition of any of these accessories will of course impact the cost of your solar panel installation. However, they will also add more value and functionality to your Solar PV System. Before talking to an energy advisor it is important to know the aims of your project, and what you exactly want to gain from your solar panel installation.
Head to our 5 Solar panel accessories you need to know about to find out more.
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4.The Installation Process
Another factor that affects the cost of solar panels is the ease of installation. When it comes down to installing solar panels, there is no one fits all solution.
Whilst some types of solar panel mounting systems are optional, such as integrated solar panels, some are essential depending on your existing roof. For example, if you have a flat roof, then your installation will require tubs and ballast which some solar companies may charge extra for. Installing Solar panels on slate roofs, are also more expensive as they will require a more labour-intensive process and additional fixtures.
Other extra costs that may need to be accounted for include fuse board upgrades and extra long cable runs. This is usually discussed at the point of the survey.
The costs of a solar panel installation
At Deege Solar we choose to be transparent about our prices. Check out our website for both our domestic and commercial solar package prices. The price you see online includes everything from your inverter to certificate, VAT and Nationwide Installation. As UK leading solar panel installers, we guarantee to find you the perfect solar solution for your home, in your price range.
Do Solar Batteries Affect the Installation Costs?
Adding a solar battery to your solar panel system will inevitably increase the overall price. That being said, a battery storage system will reduce your reliance on the grid further, and ensure you get the most out of your solar panels possible. By adding a battery storage system, you will be able to store your solar energy to use when the sun goes down, and store energy from the Grid during off-peak hours too.
The average prices for batteries can range between £1,200 and £6,000, depending on the battery type, capacity and brand. So, if you want to include a storage solution with your installation, be prepared to pay more up-front but save more in the long run.
Is it Worth Installing Solar Panels?
- Save money by reducing the amount of energy you need to buy from the National Grid.
- Can earn money from your surplus/unused energy through the Smart Export Tariff.
How Long Do Solar Panels Take to Pay for Themselves?
How long it takes for solar panels to pay for themselves depends on the size of your solar panel system, battery and export tariff. At Deege Solar, our in-house calculator which is validated by EPVS, on average estimates the payback time for solar with storage to be 8-10 years. However, in light of recent energy price inflations this have been reduced to 7.
If you would like more details into how much do solar panels costs in the UK and to get a bespoke solar panel system design contact our green team on 01322 479369. In doing so we will be able to calculate exactly how much you could save with solar panels, and how long your solar panel system will take to pay for itself.
