If you’re weighing up whether solar is worth it, you’re not alone. People enquiring about solar panels continues to rise as energy prices stay unpredictable. Here’s the straightforward truth about what you can expect to pay for a typical domestic system, and what you can realistically save.
What Does a Typical Solar PV System Cost?
A standard on-roof 3.6kW solar PV system currently costs around £6,000, assuming a straightforward installation on a pitched roof with no shading issues.
This figure reflects typical pricing across reputable MCS-certified installers and includes the government-backed 0% VAT rate that applies to domestic renewable installations.
Why 3.6kW?
A 3.6kW system is one of the most common sizes for a UK home. It usually consists of 8–10 panels depending on panel output and produces enough energy to noticeably reduce grid reliance for the average household.
The 0% VAT Rule Explained
The UK Government has applied 0% VAT on domestic solar panels, battery storage and certain energy-saving technologies.
This relief is available until 2027 and applies to:
- Solar PV panels installed on residential properties
- Battery storage when installed with solar
- Labour, materials, and associated equipment
This effectively removes 20% VAT from the bill, meaning a system that would otherwise cost £7,200 comes down to around £6,000. For many homeowners, this tax relief makes solar far more accessible and accelerates the payback period.
Why In-Roof Solar Costs More
While most systems are installed on top of existing roof tiles, in-roof systems such as those using GSE integration trays sit within the roof line, replacing a section of tiles.
This design looks neater and is often chosen for new builds or re-roofing projects, but it does increase the cost.
Why?
- The existing roof tiles need to be stripped and disposed of
- Additional labour is required to install the integration trays
- Waste removal adds cost
You can expect an in-roof system to cost £1,000–£2,000 more than a standard on-roof installation, depending on roof complexity.
How Much Can a 3.6kW Solar System Save Per Year?
With a battery included, a well-installed 3.6kW system can save around £700 or more a year on energy bills for a typical household. These savings come from:
- Generating your own electricity
- Using battery storage to avoid expensive peak-rate electricity
- Selling excess electricity back through SEG tariffs
Even Bigger Savings with Off-Peak Charging
When a battery is added, homeowners can save even more by charging the battery on cheap overnight tariffs.
For example:
- Charge the battery overnight at 8–12p/kWh
- Use that energy during the day when prices are 28–34p/kWh
- Combined with solar generation, this can significantly cut daytime grid usage
Some households using smart charging strategies see annual savings well above £1,000.
Is Solar Worth It?
For most homeowners, yes. The combination of falling panel prices, 0% VAT, high energy bills and improved battery technology means payback periods are shorter than they’ve ever been.
A £6,000 system saving £700 a year gives a simple payback of around 8–9 years, sometimes sooner depending on usage patterns and tariff choices.
Solar panels come with 25-year performance warranties, and batteries are typically warranted for 10 years—so the long-term financial logic stacks up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re researching how much solar panels cost or trying to understand why prices vary, the key factors are:
- System size
- On-roof vs in-roof installation
- Battery storage choice
- Roof type and access
- Labour and waste requirements
For most homes, a 3.6kW on-roof system at around £6,000 remains one of the best-value renewable upgrades available today, especially with 0% VAT in place until 2027.
Speak to the team at Green Sky Renewables today to receive a free solar proposal, showing you clearly what the cost is and how much you can expect to save on your bills.
T: 0161 736 2833 E: info@greensky.fertile.build