How much do solar panels cost in 2026?
A residential solar panel system in the UK costs between £5,000 and £11,000 fully installed, depending on system size and whether you add battery storage. Prices have dropped roughly 60% since 2010, but stabilised over the past two years as demand remains high.
| System size | Panels | Cost (installed) | Annual saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | 8–10 | £4,000–£5,500 | £500–£650 |
| 4kW | 10–12 | £5,000–£7,000 | £650–£850 |
| 5kW | 12–15 | £6,500–£8,500 | £800–£1,050 |
| 6kW | 15–18 | £7,500–£10,000 | £950–£1,250 |
These figures assume standard monocrystalline panels on a straightforward pitched roof. Scaffolding, roof reinforcement, or unusual configurations add to the cost.
What affects the price?
Five things drive solar panel costs up or down:
- System size. More panels = higher cost, but better per-kW value. A 4kW system costs less per watt than a 3kW.
- Panel type. Monocrystalline panels (most common) cost 10–15% more than polycrystalline but generate more power per square metre.
- Roof access. A simple south-facing pitched roof is cheapest. Flat roofs need mounting frames. Slate roofs need extra care.
- Battery storage. A 5kWh battery adds £2,500–£4,000. A 10kWh battery adds £4,000–£6,000. See our battery storage guide for details.
- Installer. MCS-certified installers charge a premium but you need MCS certification to claim the Smart Export Guarantee.
Solar panel costs in Leeds
Leeds installers typically price 5–10% below London and the South East. Lower labour costs and shorter travel times between jobs keep prices competitive. Based on quotes from installers in our Leeds solar panel directory, a 4kW system runs £4,800–£6,500 locally.
West Yorkshire gets around 1,100–1,200 hours of sunshine per year — less than the south coast, but modern panels still perform well in diffuse light. Payback periods in Leeds average 6–8 years for a 4kW system, assuming 50% self-consumption.
Are solar panels worth it in 2026?
With electricity at 24.5p/kWh (Ofgem cap, Q2 2026), a 4kW system saves £650–£850 per year. The Smart Export Guarantee pays you 4–15p/kWh for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Factor in a 25-year panel lifespan and the total return is £16,000–£21,000 on a £6,000 investment.
The maths works. The only question is whether you can afford the upfront cost — and how many panels you actually need.