Solar Panel Savings Calculator UK
Estimate your solar panel savings, cost, and payback period based on your region, roof orientation, system size, and current electricity bill. All calculations use regional UK solar irradiance data and current 0% VAT rates. Not sure how many panels you need?
Last updated June 2026
Estimated 25-Year Net Return
£13,915
After system cost of £6,160 (0% VAT)
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Estimates based on region-level irradiance data (PVGIS), electricity at 28p/kWh, your selected SEG supplier rate, battery self-consumption uplift, and 0% VAT on residential installs. Actual results vary by exact location, roof pitch, shading, panel efficiency, and electricity price changes.
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How Much Can Solar Panels Save You in the UK?
Self-Consumption
Around 55% of the electricity your panels generate is used directly in your home, displacing grid electricity at 28p/kWh. This is where the biggest savings come from.
Export Income
Surplus electricity is exported to the grid and paid at 3–30p/kWh under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) depending on your supplier.
0% VAT
0% VAT on residential solar installations reduces your upfront cost significantly. A 4kWp system that costs £7,000 before supports nets around £6,500 after savings.
How much do solar panels save per month?
A typical 4.4 kWp solar panel system in the UK saves £55–£90 per month on average across the year. Monthly savings vary seasonally: £90–£130 in summer (May–August) when output peaks, £40–£70 in spring and autumn, and £15–£35 in winter (December–February). These figures include both self-consumption savings (avoiding 28p/kWh grid electricity) and export income (3–30p/kWh SEG for surplus). Annual savings total £700–£1,100 for a typical system.
What size system should you enter?
Most UK homes install a 4.4 kWp system (around 10 panels), which covers 80–100% of a typical 3-bed household's electricity use. Smaller flats often need 2–3 kWp, while larger homes with an EV or heat pump may want 6 kWp or more. Pick your system size above to see the savings, cost, and payback for that size.
For a full breakdown of how many panels different house sizes need, see our guide: How many solar panels do I need?
What assumptions does the solar calculator use?
These are indicative estimates. Actual performance depends on exact location, roof pitch and condition, shading, panel type, inverter efficiency, and electricity price changes over time. Adding battery storage increases self-consumption to 75-85% but adds to the upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Savings
How much can solar panels save me in the UK?
A typical 4.4 kWp system saves £700–£1,100 per year, combining self-consumption savings (avoiding 28p/kWh grid electricity) and Smart Export Guarantee income (3–30p/kWh). Savings depend on your region, roof orientation, and how much electricity you use during daylight hours. Enter your details in the calculator above for a region-specific estimate.
What is the payback period for solar panels?
Most UK solar systems pay for themselves in 6–8 years. With 0% VAT keeping upfront costs lower and electricity prices high, payback has shortened in recent years. Adding a battery lengthens payback slightly but increases lifetime savings by raising self-consumption to 75–85%.
How much are solar panels?
Solar panels in the UK cost approximately £1,400 per kWp at 0% VAT. A typical 10-panel (4.4 kWp) system costs £5,000–£7,000 fully installed. Prices vary by installer and equipment.
How much does a solar panel system cost?
A residential solar panel system in the UK costs £5,000–£11,000 depending on system size. The most popular 4.4 kWp system (10 panels) costs £5,000–£7,000 installed. Adding a 5 kWh battery adds £3,000–£5,000.
What is the 25-year return on solar panels?
Over 25 years, a typical 4.4 kWp system returns 3–4x the initial investment. After the 6–8 year payback period, the system generates effectively free electricity for the remaining 17+ years, while panel output degrades only around 0.5% per year.
Are solar panels worth it?
Yes. In the UK, a typical 4.4 kWp solar panel system pays for itself in 6–8 years and generates free electricity for 25+ years. With 0% VAT and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs (3–30p/kWh), the 25-year return is typically 3–4x the initial investment.
Are solar panels worth it in the UK?
Yes, solar panels are worth it in the UK. Despite the climate, the UK gets enough sunlight for solar panels to generate 80–100% of a typical home's electricity. With 0% VAT and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs, payback is 6–8 years. Over 1,500,000+ UK homes have already installed solar.
Sources
- HMRC, 0% VAT on Solar Panels
- Ofgem, Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
- Ofgem, Understanding Your Electricity Bill
- MCS, Certified Installer Directory
Fact-checked by John Rooney, Solar Energy Editor. Editorial policy
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.
Related Guides
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Solar Panel Costs
Full cost breakdown and payback periods.
Solar Panel Payback
Payback periods by system size, ROI calculations, and how to maximise returns.
Solar Panel Output
How much electricity solar panels produce by system size in the UK.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Home
This calculator gives estimates. For an accurate quote based on your specific roof, get in touch with MCS-certified installers.