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0% VAT on installations until 31 March 2027

How much do solar panels actually cost in 2026?

Real UK pricing for 4kW systems, the standard residential size. No purchase grants exist here, so what you see is what you pay - with 0% VAT already included. Up to 3 quotes from local installers. 100% free.

See solar costs and SEG export rates for your area

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£5,500-£7,500
4kW installed, 0% VAT incl
£1,375-£1,875
Per kW installed
1p-30p+/kWh
SEG export rates (compare)
25+ years
Panel lifespan

There is no solar purchase grant in the UK

No national scheme pays for your panels. What genuinely helps: 0% VAT on residential solar installations until 31 March 2027 (then 5%), typically worth £1,000-3,000 versus the standard 20% rate, and SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) payments of roughly 1p-30p+ per kWh for power you export. With grid electricity around 25p/kWh (Ofgem cap average) and a typical SEG flat rate near 12p/kWh, a kWh used at home is worth roughly double one exported.

See the full UK Solar Cost Index →

Solar Costs by Region (4kW System)

London
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
South East England
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
South West England
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
East of England
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
East Midlands
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
West Midlands
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
Yorkshire and the Humber
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
North West England
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
North East England
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
Scotland
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
Wales
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included
Northern Ireland
£5,500-£7,500
installed, 0% VAT included

Top Solar Panel Brands in the UK

Independent comparison of 7 leading solar panel brands fitted by UK installers.

Jinko Solar

China
budget

Budget-conscious homeowners wanting proven reliability at the best price

Efficiency: 22%Warranty: 25yr
£1,375-£1,600/kWinstalled

LONGi

China
mid-range

Homeowners wanting top-tier technology at a mid-range price point

Efficiency: 22.3%Warranty: 25yr
£1,425-£1,700/kWinstalled

Trina Solar

China
budget

Those wanting a proven, bankable brand with strong warranty at a competitive price

Efficiency: 22.1%Warranty: 25yr
£1,375-£1,625/kWinstalled

Canadian Solar

Canada
mid-range

Homeowners wanting a non-Chinese headquartered Tier-1 brand at a competitive price

Efficiency: 22%Warranty: 25yr
£1,400-£1,675/kWinstalled

SunPower

United States
premium

Homeowners wanting the absolute best panels with the longest warranty, especially on limited roof space

Efficiency: 22.8%Warranty: 40yr
£1,700-£2,100/kWinstalled

REC

Norway
premium

Quality-focused homeowners wanting premium European engineering

Efficiency: 22.2%Warranty: 25yr
£1,600-£1,950/kWinstalled

Q Cells

South Korea
mid-range

Homeowners wanting a well-rounded premium panel without the top-tier price tag

Efficiency: 22%Warranty: 25yr
£1,450-£1,750/kWinstalled
Compare all brands side by side →

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1

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Roof type, electricity usage, and what matters most to you.

2

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Up to 3 local solar installers compete for your business.

3

Compare and choose

Review quotes, compare warranties, and pick the best deal.

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Solar Costs by Town

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