How Much Do Solar Panels Cost: A Guide to Solar Pricing

Solar is a very appealing solution for cutting down drastically high energy bills and reducing the carbon footprint of homes. But probably the most critical aspect of homeowners considering an upgrade to their home energy is how much it all costs.

What is the Average Cost of Solar Panels?

The cost of solar panels can depend on the size and needs of your property. However, based on a typical three-bedroom property in the UK, the average cost would be around £7,000 and nearly £10,000 with battery storage.

What is Solar Panel Cost By Bedroom?

Solar panel cost can change quite drastically depending on the number of bedrooms in your property:

• 1 Bedroom Property: The solar panels and inverter would cost £4,900 and with the addition of a battery being £1,000 more. Labour costs could range anywhere between £300 and £500 dependent on the complexity and size of the job, ringing in at a total of £5,200 to £5,400 excluding a battery.
• 2 Bedroom Property: For 2 bedrooms you will see a rise in costs of solar panels; £5,900 with an extra £2,000 for a battery. £300 to £500 would cover your labour costs, leaving you with a total of £6,200 to £6,400 without a battery.
• 3 Bedroom Property: This is where the solar systems begin to get bigger, with a cost of £6,500 for the panels and inverter being a typical price tag. Add a battery for £2,500 and consider the labour costs of £600 to £1,200. Total cost for 3 bedrooms would be £7,100 to £7,700 without a battery as part of the system.
• 4 Bedroom Property: 4 bedrooms can be a significant driver of costs with a solar system and you could see yourself paying £6,800 and £4,000 more to add a battery. A big chunk of money would go to labour costs and can sit anywhere between £1,300 to £3,000 due to the size of the system being installed. At the end, and without a battery, £8,100 to £9,800 being your final payout.

Breaking Down the Solar Costs

The average price of a solar panel in the UK can change depending on numerous factors like efficiency and the overall size of the system. The costs can be explained like this:

Cost per Watt

• Solar panel cost is usually measured in pounds per watt (£/W) with an average cost between £0.40 to £0.70 per watt.

Cost per Solar Panel

• Most solar panels that are installed on a residential home have a power output sitting somewhere between 300W to 400W. Based on the average cost per panel, a singular panel would likely cost somewhere between £120 and £280

Total Cost of a Solar System

• A 4kW solar panel system is commonplace for standard UK homes, which is normally made up of 10 to 14 panels in total. Including installation, this cost is around £5,000 to £7,000.

Other Factors that Influence Solar Panel Cost

• The efficiency of the panels: panels with a higher efficiency absorb more sunlight to convert into energy and naturally are more costly. Limited roof space may be a good cause for high-efficiency panels.
• The brand and quality: high-end brands come with high-end price tags but also offer better warranties and are constructed from durable materials.
• Installation difficulty: Depending on your roof’s, durability, shape, or structural modification; installation costs could be higher.

Solar Leases and Government Incentives

In the modern age of solar, there are several easy access routes to having an energy-saving panel system installed on your home’s roof.

At Energy Advice Helpline we are proud to offer affordable solar to everyone for as little as £50 a month. These solar lease packages offer flexible monthly payment options and certified installers with excellent customer service.

The UK government offer schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) where eligible applicants can receive solar panels, as well as a slew of modern energy upgrades, completely free!

In Summary

Solar is more accessible than ever thanks to available solar lease packages and government-backed incentives such as the ECO4 scheme. By understanding the pricing, installation costs, and factors that affect your investment, you can make an informed decision and start reaping the benefits of solar energy.