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Solar Panels (Solar PV): cost, savings and EPC impact
Solar panels generate electricity on your roof. What you save depends on how much of it you use at home rather than sell back, so it is worth thinking about when you use power.
IndicativeFigures on this page are indicative ranges for a typical UK home. They are not a quote, a survey or an EPC. Your home will differ.
What it is
Panels are fixed to a south, east or west-facing roof, with an inverter that turns the power into mains electricity. Some homes add a battery to store spare power.
Any surplus you export may earn payments under a Smart Export Guarantee from some suppliers. Rates vary and change, so we do not quote any.
Indicative cost, savings and EPC effect
| Typical cost | £5,500 to £9,000 |
|---|---|
| EPC points (SAP) | +4 to +12 |
| Bill saving | £250 to £600 a year |
Depends on roof size, direction, shading and how much power you use in the day.
For comparison, the Energy Saving Trust’s average installed cost for a typical semi-detached home is £7,600. See Energy Saving Trust: Retrofit explained for the latest figures.
Solar PV can lift an EPC noticeably, and a bigger system can lift it more. How much depends on the size and the rest of the house. See how EPC ratings work. Savings from several upgrades do not simply add up.
Is it right for your home?
- Roofs with decent space, little shade and a sound structure.
- Households that use a lot of electricity in the daytime, or that can shift use to daylight hours.
- Flat roofs and listed or conservation-area homes need extra checks, and leasehold homes need the freeholder’s agreement.
What affects the price
- Number and quality of panels
- Roof type, pitch and access (scaffold)
- Battery or no battery
- Electrical work such as a new consumer unit
Questions to ask any installer
- Is the installer MCS-certified, and will the system be registered so you can be paid for exported power?
- How was the estimate of annual generation worked out, and what shading did you assume?
- What are the warranties on panels, inverter and workmanship, and is the workmanship guarantee insured?
- What happens to the roof if repairs are needed later?
Always get a proper survey and written quote. We introduce you to one vetted firm to do that, and explain why only one.
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