Find out if solar panels are worth it for YOUR home — calculate your exact savings and payback period in 60 seconds.
UK solar panels typically pay for themselves in 8–12 years and provide a 150–200% return on investment over 25 years. The average UK household saves £900–£1,400 per year with a 4–6kW system at current electricity rates (24.67p/kWh). Our Pro calculator often shows faster payback with location-specific data. Use our calculator below for your exact figures.
Using Met Office sunshine data, MCS installation standards, and current Ofgem electricity rates
Calculating your personalised results...
Based on current Ofgem rates and conservative assumptions
Using UK average sunshine data · Based on 30% self-consumption (typical daytime usage). Your home could pay back faster or slower depending on your postcode and usage pattern. Pro gives you postcode-accurate figures →
Built on Ofgem price cap data, real SEG tariff rates, and Met Office sunshine figures for your area.
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| UK Region | Average ROI | Payback Period | 25-Year Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| South England | 175% | 6-7 years | £28,000 |
| Midlands | 160% | 7-8 years | £26,000 |
| North England | 150% | 8-9 years | £24,000 |
| Scotland | 145% | 8-9 years | £23,000 |
| Wales | 155% | 7-8 years | £25,000 |
Stop guessing — get your actual numbers in 60 seconds. Based on current UK electricity rates (24.67p/kWh), most homes see 6–9 year payback periods. But YOUR property could be faster — or slower.
Calculate if solar is worth it for YOUR specific situation below. Enter your system details, roof orientation, and energy usage to see your personalised payback period and 25-year ROI.
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We use the current Ofgem price cap rate of 24.67p/kWh (Q2 2026). If you're on a smart tariff like Octopus Agile or have Economy 7, you can input your actual rate for more accurate calculations.
We use conservative estimates: 30% self-consumption (you export 70%), 0.5% annual panel degradation, inverter replacements at years 10 and 20 (£1,500 each), and average UK sunshine hours. Most users report actual savings 10–20% higher than our estimates.
Yes! With electricity at 24.67p/kWh in 2026, most UK homes see 6–9 year payback periods. After that, you're getting free electricity for 15+ years. The key is proper system sizing for your usage. Even with rising installation costs, the return on investment remains excellent due to high energy prices.
2026 typical costs: £5,000 for 3kW, £6,000 for 4kW, £8,500 for 6kW, £11,000 for 8kW, and £14,500 for 10kW systems. These prices include panels, inverter, installation, scaffolding, and MCS certification. Prices have stabilised after supply chain improvements in 2024–2025.
System size depends on your electricity usage and roof space. Typical sizes: 3kW for 1–2 bed homes (£5,000), 4kW for 2–3 beds (£6,000), 6kW for 3–4 beds (£8,500). Our Pro calculator recommends the optimal size based on your specific usage patterns and roof area.
Yes! Solar panels work on daylight, not just sunshine. The UK receives 60% of the solar radiation of the equator. Germany, with similar weather, has one of the world's largest solar industries. Even Scotland sees excellent returns with 8–9 year payback periods. Panels generate power even on overcast days.
Batteries enable 'time-shifting' — charging at cheap overnight rates (e.g., 7p on Octopus Go) and using that power during expensive peak times (24.67p). This can save £500–800 annually, separate from solar savings. They also store excess solar for evening use. Our Pro calculator shows exact battery ROI for your usage.
Minimal maintenance needed. Main cost is inverter replacement at years 10 and 20 (approximately £1,500 each time). Panels may need cleaning 1–2 times per year if in dusty areas (£50–100). Most systems have 25-year warranties and require no other significant maintenance. Budget £100–200 annually for optional checks.
Solar panels typically last 25–30+ years. Performance degrades slowly at about 0.5% per year. After 25 years, panels still produce 87–90% of original output. Most manufacturers offer 25-year performance warranties and 10–15 year product warranties. The inverter typically needs replacing after 10–12 years.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for electricity exported to the grid. Rates vary: Octopus offers up to 12p/kWh, while others pay 4–10p. We use 12p as a current market average. Higher export rates significantly improve your ROI — our Pro calculator optimises for different tariffs.
Most domestic solar installations are permitted development and don't need planning permission. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, flats, or if panels extend more than 200mm from the roof slope. In Scotland, different rules apply. Always check with your local authority to be sure.
While the Feed-in Tariff ended, you can earn through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Some local councils offer interest-free loans through schemes like the Home Upgrade Grant. The government's VAT reduction to 0% on solar installations for domestic properties (introduced 2022) provides significant savings. Scotland has additional schemes through Home Energy Scotland.