ARE SOLAR PANELS WORTH IT? · UK · 2026
Are solar panels worth it in the UK?
Short answer: for most homes with a decent roof and daytime electricity use, yes — and more so now the Ofgem cap sits at £1,862. Here's the honest payback maths, the home-value effect, and the cases where solar doesn't stack up.
The payback maths
Typical cost, saving and payback by system size
| System | Cost | Annual saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 kWp | £4,850 | £337/yr | ~14 years |
| 3 kWp | £7,500 | £673/yr | ~11 years |
| 4.5 kWp | £6,100–£9,800 | £750–£900/yr | ~8–11 years |
| 6 kWp | £13,000 | £1,130/yr | ~11–12 years |
Sources: Energy Saving Trust and Federation of Master Builders (2026), including Smart Export Guarantee income. Your figures depend on roof, region and usage — check the calculator.
The case for — and against
Worth it because:once the system is paid off the electricity is effectively free for 25+ years; you're insulated from future Ofgem cap rises; you earn from exporting surplus power; you cut roughly a tonne of CO₂ a year; panels can lift your home's value by around 0.9–2%; and 0% VAT runs until March 2027. Over 25 years a typical system nets well over £10,000 after costs.
Think twice if:your roof is heavily shaded or north-facing; you use very little electricity in daylight and won't add a battery; you might move before payback; or you're in a flat, listed building or conservation area that needs extra work or permission.
The single biggest lever is how much of your own solar you use. A battery lifts self-consumption toward 80% and shortens payback; grants can remove the upfront cost entirely if you qualify.
Get a straight answer for your roof
The only way to know for certain is a proper survey. Get free, no-obligation quotes from Blue Ape Renewables's MCS-certified installers and compare their payback figure with the calculator.
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