Small solar PV system
A small solar panel system may suit a smaller home, lower electricity use or limited roof space. The cost range is usually lower, but generation capacity is also smaller.
Solar panel cost calculator
Solar Panel Cost Calculator UK
Estimate the cost of installing solar panels on a UK home based on system size, property type, roof complexity, access, inverter setup, region and contingency. The calculator also gives a Solar Fit Summary to help you understand what kind of solar project you are pricing.
Solar panel cost or solar battery cost?
Solar panels generate electricity. A solar battery stores electricity for later use. This calculator estimates the cost of installing solar panels and the core solar PV system. If you want to store excess electricity, compare this estimate with the Solar Battery Cost Calculator.
| Project | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Installing panels only | Solar Panel Cost Calculator | Solar panels are priced around system size, roof layout, mounting, inverter setup and access. |
| Adding a battery to store electricity | Solar Battery Cost Calculator | Battery storage is priced around capacity, compatibility, inverter setup and electrical work. |
| Planning solar as part of EPC improvement | EPC Improvement Cost Calculator | Solar panels may be one part of a wider home energy upgrade. |
What size solar panel system are you pricing?
System size is the main starting point for a solar panel estimate. A larger system usually means more panels, more mounting equipment, more design work and a higher overall installation cost.
Medium solar PV system
A medium solar panel system is a common planning point for many UK homes. It can provide a useful balance between installation cost, roof space and generation potential.
Large solar PV system
A larger solar panel system can increase installation cost because more panels, mounting equipment and design checks may be needed.
Typical UK solar panel installation cost ranges
These are broad planning ranges. Use the calculator above for a more specific estimate based on system size, property type, roof complexity, access, inverter setup, region and contingency.
| Solar project | Typical planning range | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Small solar PV system | £4,500–£7,000+ | Smaller homes or limited roof space |
| Medium solar PV system | £6,500–£9,500+ | Common home solar estimate |
| Large solar PV system | £9,000–£14,000+ | Larger homes or higher electricity demand |
| Battery-ready solar setup | Solar cost plus hybrid setup | Users planning storage later |
| Solar panels with battery storage | Estimate separately | Use the Solar Battery Cost Calculator |
A solar survey is needed before a fixed quote can be confirmed.
What affects solar panel installation cost?
Solar panel cost is shaped by more than the number of panels. Roof type, access, inverter setup, electrical work and regional labour rates can all affect the final estimate.
System size
More panels usually mean higher material and labour cost, although larger systems may not rise in a perfectly linear way.
Roof type and layout
A simple pitched roof is usually easier to price than a flat, shaded or multi-section roof.
Access and scaffolding
Roof height, access, parking and working conditions can affect labour, scaffolding and installation time.
Inverter setup
Standard and hybrid inverter setups can have different costs, especially when battery storage may be added later.
Electrical work
Some homes may need extra electrical work before or during the installation.
Region
Installer labour rates, access costs and project availability can vary across the UK.
Why roof complexity matters
Solar panel cost is not only about the number of panels. Roof shape, orientation, shading, access, mounting type and available space can all affect the final quote. A simple pitched roof is usually easier to price than a flat roof, a shaded roof or a roof split across several sections.
If roof condition may affect the project, compare wider roof costs using the Roofing Cost hub.
Solar panels and battery storage
A solar battery is usually priced separately from the solar panel system because battery capacity, inverter compatibility and electrical work can change the estimate. If you are planning storage, calculate the solar panel estimate first, then compare it with the Solar Battery Cost Calculator.
I’m installing panels first
Use this Solar Panel Cost Calculator when the main project is the solar PV system, including panels, mounting, inverter setup and standard installation labour.
I want to store excess electricity
Use the Solar Battery Cost Calculator if battery storage is part of the project or may be added later.
Solar panels and EPC improvement planning
Solar panels may be part of an EPC improvement plan, but they are only one possible upgrade. Insulation, heating systems and home energy efficiency measures can also affect the overall result. If solar is part of a wider energy upgrade, compare this estimate with the EPC Improvement Cost Calculator, Insulation Cost Calculator and Heat Pump Cost Calculator.
What may be included in a solar panel installation estimate?
Solar panel quotes can vary depending on specification, access and whether storage or extra electrical work is included. Use this table to understand what may sit inside or outside a typical solar PV installation estimate.
| May be included | May be excluded |
|---|---|
| Solar panels | Solar battery storage |
| Mounting system | Major roof repairs |
| Standard inverter | Consumer unit upgrades |
| Standard installation labour | Structural roof work |
| Basic electrical connection | Planning or permission issues |
| Commissioning | Complex scaffolding |
| System handover | Bird protection or specialist extras |
When a solar installer needs to inspect the property
A survey is needed before a fixed quote because the installer has to check roof size, roof condition, orientation, shading, access, inverter location, electrical setup and whether battery storage is planned.
Roof size and layout
The installer needs to confirm how many panels can fit safely and efficiently on the available roof area.
Roof condition
Roof condition can affect whether the installation is straightforward or whether other work should be considered first.
Shading and orientation
Shade, orientation and roof angle can affect system design and panel placement.
Access and scaffolding
Working height, parking, scaffold requirements and safe access can affect labour and setup cost.
Inverter location
The inverter location can affect cable runs, installation time and future battery compatibility.
Electrical setup
The installer may need to check whether the existing electrical setup is suitable for the solar PV system.
How this solar panel estimate is calculated
The calculator starts with a base cost range for the selected solar panel system size, then adjusts the estimate using property type, roof complexity, access difficulty, inverter and electrical setup, region and contingency.
The Solar Fit Summary uses the same inputs to explain whether the project looks like a straightforward installation, a battery-ready setup, a roof-complexity project or a job where an installer survey is especially important.
This approach is designed for early planning. A fixed quote can change after a survey confirms roof condition, panel layout, access, inverter location, electrical requirements and whether battery storage is part of the project.
For more detail, read our methodology, pricing data and how costs are calculated.
Solar panel cost FAQs
How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
Solar panel installation in the UK can range from several thousand pounds for a smaller system to a higher amount for larger systems, complex roofs, difficult access, hybrid inverter setups or extra electrical work. Use the calculator for a project-specific planning range.
What affects solar panel installation cost?
The main cost drivers are solar system size, property type, roof complexity, access difficulty, inverter setup, electrical work, region and contingency.
Is battery storage included in this solar panel calculator?
No. This calculator estimates the solar panel installation cost. If you want to store excess electricity, use the Solar Battery Cost Calculator as a separate estimate.
Does roof type affect solar panel cost?
Yes. A simple pitched roof is usually easier to price than a flat roof, shaded roof or roof split across several sections. Roof access and mounting requirements can affect labour and installation cost.
Do solar panels need a new inverter?
Most solar panel systems include an inverter setup. A hybrid or battery-ready inverter can cost more than a standard setup because it is designed to support storage or a more flexible energy system.
Can solar panels improve an EPC rating?
Solar panels may help as part of an EPC improvement plan, but they are only one possible upgrade. Heating, insulation and other energy-efficiency measures may also matter. Use the EPC Improvement Cost Calculator for wider planning.
Is this calculator for solar savings or payback?
No. This calculator estimates installation cost. It does not model electricity tariffs, export payments, annual savings or payback periods.
Are CostIntel solar panel estimates fixed quotes?
No. CostIntel estimates are planning ranges based on typical UK solar panel installation cost drivers. A solar installer needs to inspect the property before giving a fixed quote.