Are Solar Panels Worth It in the UK? April 2025 Guide

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Yes, solar panels do save money, and the size of the system determines how much you’ll save. For instance, a 3kW system powering a 1-2 bedroom home can save up to £450 per year on electricity bills. The bigger the system, the greater the savings. 

Further, you can even earn money by selling extra solar energy back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. Instead of just using free electricity, SEG pays you for every unit of surplus energy you export. This can bring the annual savings of a 2-3 bedroom home to £745, but it depends on how much energy you use and the tariff rates.

*These figures are calculated using 450W panels and 2025 Ofgem's average household energy consumption in the UK.

How much money you can save depends on how and when you use the electricity that your solar panels produce. Running your appliances during the day can increase your savings because you’re using the power directly from your panels. 

However, at night, you’ll still need electricity from the national grid to power your nighttime appliances. Unless you have a solar battery, which stores extra energy for later use. If you’re considering a complete solar energy system with battery storage, choosing the right installer is key to getting the best deal. 

But, comparing solar panel packages, warranties, and installation costs requires hours of research. Skip contacting numerous companies and get up to 4 free, non-commitment quotes from our network of accredited UK suppliers by using the 30-second form below. 

For many, the idea of switching to solar panels is exciting, but the upfront cost can be off-putting. 

The good news is solar grants in the UK can help lower the cost and make switching to solar more affordable and accessible, supporting greater energy independence. 

Some solar panel grants fully cover installations for eligible households, while others lower costs through 0% tax or energy buyback schemes. 

Below we give an overview of the solar grants available to UK households. 

*Available solar panel grants in the UK as of {thisyear-thismonth} | *Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.

If you qualify for any of the grant schemes, you could save thousands on installation. So, are solar panels worth it in the UK? Undoubtedly, yes! 

The break-even point for the average domestic solar panel system (4kW - 5kW) is around 8 years, less than half of the typical system lifespan. In 25 years, you can expect to save up to £16,750, with an average payback amount of £11,000 - £12,000. 

Below, you can find an overview of the savings you can expect with different solar system sizes, how long it takes to reach the break-even point and when you can expect a return on your investment.

Solar panel position, sunlight hours, efficiency, energy consumption, and the cost of solar installation all affect the payback period for solar panels. Payback periods can take around 8 years on average, depending on the following factors:

If you’re wondering, “Is going solar worth it?” it's important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks, let’s look at why: 

Are solar batteries worth it? Well, if your household uses a lot of electricity each year, adding a solar battery to your solar system may be worth it in the long run. This is because, with solar panels, you can only use the energy they generate right away. However, solar batteries let you store extra electricity to use at night or in blackouts.In terms of costs, these vary with different solar battery sizes. Below is an overview of the estimated costs of solar batteries, as well as the average savings they can bring through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG):

SEG savings are calculated based on an average tariff rate of 10.8p/kWh and the estimated annual surplus electricity generated for each house size.

For a comprehensive list of tariff rates and potential savings, see our Best SEG Tariff page. 

As you can see, solar batteries are costly. Be sure to calculate these prices for your solar system installation costs. Then, ask yourself: “Are solar panels a good investment?” and "Are solar batteries worth it in the UK?" 

If you need more help answering these questions, consult a solar panel installer. We can help by connecting you with our network of solar panel suppliers across the UK. Fill in the form below to receive up to 4 free non-binding quotes, saving you hours of research and the hassle of contacting various companies individually. 

While evaluating if solar panels increase home value, an important factor to consider is their impact on UK property prices. According to a 2024 study published in Energy Economics, homes with solar panels sell for 3.5% to 7.1% more than those without. With an average home price of £268,000, this could mean an extra £9,380 to £19,000 in value. 

A report by Solar Energy UK also found that the impact varies by region, with some areas having higher returns than others. Homes with solar panels are more attractive to buyers because of lower energy costs and reduced carbon footprint. 

So, if you’re still asking yourself, “Should I get solar panels?” then it is worth considering not only the extra cash you can get if you intend to sell your property in the future but also the impact on energy bill savings. 

Yes, it's worth the effort to get solar panels installed to power your home. They can cut your electricity bills by £450 and £1,020 per year, depending on how much energy you use and the size of your system. At the same time, they generate free electricity once installed and you can earn your money back relatively quickly after investing in solar panels, around 8 years on average.
Solar panels can save your electricity bills significantly while covering your household’s energy needs. The return on investment on solar installations can range from £10,500 - £11,500 for the average 2-3 bedroom household, as they operate for 25 years. 

Additionally, solar panels allow you to reduce your carbon footprint by using the sun's power to generate electricity.

If you’re ready to switch to solar energy now or looking for accurate prices, we can connect you with our network of accredited solar panel suppliers and installers saving you endless hours of researching on your own.