"Excellent service from CRG Direct. Professional installation team, great communication throughout the process. Our solar panels are performing exactly as promised and our electricity bills have droppe..."
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Sarah Thompson
2 months ago
Solar Panel Cost Calculator (2026)
Solar Quote Calculator
Get a real price estimate in under 2 minutes, with no email or phone number required for an instant price. Option to add in your details to download a more detailed full 20 page quote.
Your quote No personal details required
How much electricity do you use?
This is the biggest factor in sizing your system. Check a recent bill or pick a quick estimate below.
Don't worry if you're not sure. An average UK home uses around 2,900 kWh.
Quick picks
Tap the closest match to your household size.
2,900 kWh
Recommended panels for your usage
The highlighted tier updates automatically as you adjust your usage above.
Recommended for your usage: 8 panels. Adjust if you know what your roof can take, or type a larger number if you have land or outbuildings.
What Our Customers Say
See why we're the South's trusted renewable installation specialists.
"Outstanding solar installation by CRG Direct. The team conducted a thorough survey, provided detailed quotes, and completed installation on time. MCS certified professionals who really know their stuf..."
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James Mitchell
3 months ago
"Had solar panels and EV charger installed. Quality of work was exceptional and the savings on our energy bills have exceeded expectations. Great value for money and professional service."
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Emma Wilson
4 months ago
"Professional solar installation from start to finish. The CRG Direct team explained everything clearly, worked efficiently, and left everything clean and tidy. Very happy with our solar system."
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David Roberts
5 months ago
"Fantastic experience with CRG Direct. From initial survey to final installation, everything was handled professionally. Our solar panels are working perfectly and generating more energy than expected."
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Lisa Brown
6 months ago
"Highly recommend CRG Direct for solar installation. Professional team, competitive pricing, and excellent after-sales support. Our system is working perfectly and we're saving hundreds on our electric..."
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Mark Taylor
7 months ago
What will solar panels really cost for my home?
Use our solar panel cost calculator to get an instant, realistic price estimate for solar panels and battery storage in the UK.
You can see a rough system cost immediately, without entering any personal details.
If you want more detail, you can optionally download a 20-page personalised solar report with deeper cost and savings breakdowns.
20-page report
See an example full quote
Download example PDFReal Results From Real Customers
See how much UK homeowners are saving with solar panels installed by CRG Direct.
Hampshire85% Bill Reduction
85%
lower gas and electricity bill
£316.43
net cost over 12 months
£4.66
a month for energy alone, after standing charges
"My bills for energy alone are £56 per year or £4.66 per month!"
Read Full Story →
Hampshire£8 Per Month Bills
£8
a month for gas and electricity since April 2025
Nearly £200
in credit
"We are currently paying £8:00 per month since last April for our gas and electricity. We are still in credit of nearly £200:00 after some of the coldest months."
Read Full Story →
Hampshire£1,000/Year Savings
£1,000
Annual Savings
56%
Bill Reduction
0.9t
CO2 Saved
"We have made savings of about £1000 p.a. from an initial outlay of about £7500."
Read Full Story →How the calculator works
You enter your annual electricity use in kWh, your unit rate in pence, your property type, postcode, roof orientation, shading and roof tile type, and choose any extras such as a battery, and the calculator prices a system of 410W panels. The price is built up from CRG Direct's own supply and installation costs for the panels, roof fixings, electrical kit, inverter, labour and certification. Where Google's Solar API has satellite data for your roof, expected generation comes from it; otherwise it is estimated from your roof's orientation, shading and system size. Savings assume the electricity you use at home saves you your unit rate, and exported electricity earns 15p per kWh under the Smart Export Guarantee. It is an estimate, not a quote, and a site survey confirms the exact figures.
For what a system costs across the UK, read how much solar panels cost in the UK. If you are adding storage, see how much a solar battery costs. To see how the price turns into savings, read how long solar panels take to pay for themselves, and to check the panel count the calculator suggests, see how many solar panels you need.
Can I get a solar price estimate without entering my details?
Yes. You can view a rough solar panel and battery cost estimate instantly, with no email address, phone number, or personal details required.
If you'd like more detail, you can choose to enter your details to download a full personalised solar information booklet. This step is optional.
What's included in the full solar report?
If you choose to continue, the downloadable report includes:
- A detailed system recommendation
- Cost and savings breakdown
- Estimated annual generation
- Payback period explanation
- Information on 0% VAT and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Clear next steps if you want a formal quote
There's no obligation to proceed.
How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
The cost of solar panels depends on system size, roof type, and whether you add battery storage.
Typical UK prices:
- 4kW solar system (average home): £5,000–£6,000 installed
- Solar + battery system: £13,000–£15,500 depending on battery size
Most homes use 8–12 panels, with total costs influenced by panel efficiency, installation complexity, and available roof space.
Finance options are available to help spread the cost.
How much can I save with solar panels?
Savings depend on your energy usage, system size, and whether you add a battery.
Typical UK savings:
- Annual savings: £440–£1,005
- Payback period: 7–9 years for most homes
Examples:
- Smaller homes (1–2 bedrooms): ~6 panels (2.1kW), saving ~£270 per year
- Larger homes (3–4 bedrooms): 10–14 panels, saving £450–£630 per year
Battery storage can increase savings by allowing you to use more of your own solar energy.
Are there government incentives for solar panels?
Yes. UK homeowners may benefit from:
- 0% VAT on solar panel installations until 2027
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for exporting excess electricity
- ECO4 / HUG2 grants for eligible low-income households
- Green or interest-free loans from selected lenders
Eligibility depends on your property and circumstances.
What affects the cost and performance of solar panels?
Several factors influence both price and output:
- System size
- Roof orientation and shading
- Panel efficiency
- Installation complexity
- Location and daylight hours
The calculator accounts for these factors to give a realistic estimate rather than a generic figure.
How long does solar panel installation take?
For most homes:
- Installation takes one day
- Planning permission is usually not required
- Systems are tested and connected on the same day
- Panels are low-maintenance with 25–30 year warranties
Can I add batteries or upgrades later?
Yes. Optional upgrades include:
- Solar battery storage
- Bird protection
- Hot water diverters
- Remote system monitoring
These can be included in your estimate or added later.
Why use an online solar calculator first?
Using a calculator lets you:
- Understand likely costs before speaking to an installer
- Check whether solar makes sense for your home
- Avoid unnecessary site visits
- Get clear pricing expectations early
It's a simple way to make an informed decision.
How do I get started?
1
Use the calculator
Get an instant estimate with no details required
2
Download the full report
Optional: get a 20-page personalised solar booklet
3
Arrange a site survey
Get a fixed quote from our MCS certified team
4
Installation
Typically completed within 4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panels & Costs
How long do solar panels take to pay for themselves in the UK?
In most UK homes, solar panels typically pay for themselves in 8–12 years. The exact payback period depends on your energy consumption, electricity rates, system size, and whether you export surplus energy back to the grid.
What savings do solar panels offer?
Over a 25-year lifespan, solar panels can deliver substantial savings, often more than the original cost of the system, through reduced energy bills, Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, and protection against rising electricity costs. Actual savings depend on your usage, generation and energy costs.
How much can the average UK household save with solar panels?
A typical UK home with a 4–6kW solar panel system can save around £900–£1,400 per year on energy bills, depending on usage patterns, tariffs, and system performance.
What affects the solar panel payback period?
The payback period varies based on your energy consumption, current electricity rates and tariffs, system size and installation costs, export payments through the grid, and whether you use battery storage. Our solar panel cost calculator factors these into its calculations to provide a more accurate estimate.
What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a UK scheme that requires electricity suppliers to pay homeowners for excess solar energy exported to the grid. These payments add to your savings and are included in our solar energy calculator results.
How much can SEG payments increase my savings?
SEG tariff rates vary between suppliers, but higher export rates can significantly improve your savings. Selling excess power back to the grid adds to the savings your system delivers.
How many solar panels do I need?
The number of solar panels you need depends on your energy consumption, electricity usage, and available roof space. The calculator estimates how many panels fit your property and usage goals.
What size solar panel system do I need?
System size is based on annual electricity usage, roof size and orientation, and desired energy savings. The tool helps you explore different system sizes to balance costs, benefits, and budget.
How much roof space do solar panels need?
Most residential solar panels have a footprint of around 1.7m × 1.0m. A typical UK home installs between 8–12 panels, depending on system size and roof layout.
Does my roof need to be south-facing?
A south-facing roof is ideal, but east- and west-facing roofs also work well for many UK homes. The calculator adjusts estimates based on roof direction and daylight data.
Can solar panels be installed on flat roofs?
Yes. Solar panels can be installed on flat roofs using tilted mounting systems that angle panels towards the sun to maximise power generation.
Is VAT still 0% on solar panels?
Yes. Solar panels and battery storage currently benefit from 0% VAT in the UK until March 2027, reducing overall installation costs.
How much extra does a battery add to the cost?
Battery storage can increase upfront costs by roughly £1,500–£6,000, depending on size and capacity. However, batteries can significantly increase self-consumption and long-term savings.
How much does a typical solar panel system cost?
Typical UK installation costs: 3–4 kW system: £5,000–£9,000. 4.5 kW system (3-bed home): ~£7,300. Standard residential system (2026): £5,000–£8,000. Battery storage usually adds £2,500–£4,000.
Are monocrystalline panels worth it?
Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and generate more power per square metre, making them a good fit for limited roof space. They cost more than polycrystalline panels but can improve long-term performance.
How accurate is a solar panel cost calculator?
Solar panel cost calculators provide accurate estimates, not fixed quotes. By entering more detailed information about your home and energy use, you’ll receive a more accurate and tailored estimate.
Can I explore different solar scenarios?
Yes. The calculator allows you to explore different system sizes, costs, and savings scenarios to find the best fit for your home, energy goals, and budget.
Can I download my solar calculator results?
Yes. You can download a PDF report with your results, including costs, potential savings, and system recommendations, which can help when requesting a tailored quote from installers.
How long does solar panel installation take?
For most homes, installation takes one day. Planning permission is usually not required. Systems are tested and connected on the same day. Panels are low-maintenance and typically come with 25–30 year warranties.
Can I add batteries or upgrades later?
Yes. Optional upgrades include solar battery storage, bird protection, hot water diverters, and remote system monitoring. These can be included in your estimate or added later.
Ready to see your solar panel cost?
Get an instant estimate with no details required. Try the solar and battery cost calculator now.