Getting Solar Panel Quotes in the UK 2024

Written-by

Janet Richardson

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett-Gardiner

Updated on

Sep 29, 2024

Getting Solar Panel Quotes in the UK 2024

The deployment of solar panel technology in the UK has been increasing for many years. Over the last few decades solar panels have become more efficient and affordable, saving homes and businesses money on energy bills whilst lowering their carbon footprint.

You've seen solar panels on the roofs around you, the adverts, maybe the neighbours have panels, and you're thinking of taking the plunge and getting some quotes for solar panels yourself. This article has been written to help you make the best decisions moving forward. It's the best place to start when seeking solar panel quotes.

Let’s look at a few things to consider when looking at what sort of solar PV system best suits your property and how to gather the best quotes. 

We also have a comprehensive guide to Solar Panels that can answer any further questions you may have. 

What to Consider when Getting Quotes for Solar Panels

It's essential to gather multiple quotes to ensure you get the best deal from the right company. Here's a list of considerations. 

Research and identify local installers.
Check that companies have positive feedback and reviews with a proven track record. You may want to check Companies House and make sure that everything is in order.

Local installers are often more familiar with regional regulations like conservation restrictions and may be able to provide you with a more personalised quote.

We have an inbuilt rating and reviews system but there are plenty of third-party websites that offer a similar service. We never chase people for reviews so please feel free to use this service and let us know how you get on. 

Some companies engage in pressure sales. Don't accept anything you're not comfortable with, never sign the contract on the day and be wary of any follow-up call offering money off the initial quote 'for a limited time only'. This is nearly always a red-flag!  

Understand your energy needs.
How much electricity are you using and at what times? Is it fairly consistent? If you have low daytime usage and high nighttime usage, then a larger battery system could be a good option. You don't get much for sending electricity back to the grid these days so working out if the extra expense of a battery is worthwhile and what capacity battery storage you may need is an important factor. You may benefit from a smaller system if your usage is low so don't overspend on a large system if you can't utilise the battery fully.

Our installation companies will design a system to meet your needs but it's always good to have an idea of system size before you go ahead with a quotation. 

Location, location
Solar panels will generate some electricity anywhere there's a reasonable amount of light. That said, it's important to assess your roof to ascertain if solar panels will be worth it in the long run.

The optimal location for solar panels on a roof in the UK is typically south but anything from east to west through south is good. This orientation maximizes exposure to sunlight, ensuring optimal energy production.

Additionally, the panels should be pitched to improve exposure to sunlight and for self cleaning. The optimal pitch is 30-35° but there's plenty of room for play there. 

Avoiding shading from trees, chimneys, and other obstructions is crucial. If shading can't be avoided for some times of the day, ask your installation company about micro-inverters.

Ensuring the roof is in good condition and can support the weight of the panels is also essential for long-term efficiency.

Get some solar panel quotes in.
You should be looking at gathering at least three quotes. Prepare your consumption data and any other relevant information, although the installers can assist you obtaining this information, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Don't get overcharged for a quotation. Some companies are extremely busy in these times of rocketing energy costs and have started charging a fee for quotation, this should always be negotiable. 

Some installation companies will provide an initial quote using an app or Google Maps. This can work in cases where the installation is very straight forward but we generally recommend a site visit to evaluate the property, just to ensure there aren't any surprises when the team shows up to install. 

A quote should include a detailed design and itemised breakdown of costs. The design should include the number and arrangement of panels, the inverter system and details on any other components including diverters for domestic hot water and battery systems with costs included and the make/model of all components. 

Compare the different quotations.
Consider any applicable warranty and maintenance agreements. If the installation company is a long distance from you, what will they charge as a call-out if there is a problem? 

Consider the pay-back period.
Obviously, solar panel systems aren't cheap and unless you're driven solely by lowering your carbon footprint, you're likely hoping for a financial return on your investment.

Your pay-back period will be worked out by the installers but you can check the figures yourself using our 'How much electricity do solar panels produce?' article. The payback period will be based on the expected output of your solar panels over time against the current and projected cost of electricity from the grid.

A 5-10% increase in the annual cost per unit of electricity is usually factored into things when installers work out the pay-back period, so check this hasn't been inflated. The figures should be clear and concise.

Evaluate financing options.
How much will any financial payment schemes affect the pay-back period of the system? If you're not paying for the system upfront, then it's always good to compare the installation company's finance options with third parties. 

Check the company has the correct accreditation, you can verify MCS accreditation on the MCS database online. You can also ask for references if you feel it necessary. 

Signing on the dotted line.
Once you've chosen your installation company, it's time to finalise the contract. Review the contract thoroughly before signing. Ensure it includes all the agreed terms and conditions, timelines and payment schedules. 

How Much do Solar Panels Cost in the UK

A standard solar panel system in the UK of between 4-6 kW will cost between £6,000 and £9,000 without a battery. Whilst the initial outlay may seem high, what you need to look at is how over time, they can save you money as any energy you produce is free power for your home and offsets the growing price of grid-supplied electricity.

Solar panel prices have plummeted over recent years with many companies offering affordable setups. Combine this with energy prices more than doubling in 2022 and the pay-back period for solar panels is a lot more attractive than it has been. The average solar PV system can save you £365/£852 a year on your electricity bills depending on the size of the system installed and the location it's installed in. 

Previously, you could have earned money on any extra power you produce by selling it back to the grid via the feed-in tariff, but this scheme no longer exists, changes to legislation however allow energy companies to 'bid' for the price they will pay you for the excess energy your system produces. This tariff system is called the Smart Export Guarantee or (SEG). 

The SEG is provided directly by your energy company. The rate of financial compensation provided under the SEG is determined by your energy provider but is usually between 3-25 pence per kilowatt or ppKwh. 

A solar battery for your system has become a far better option to store the extra energy for non-daylight hours as using your 'free' electricity will always be cheaper than purchasing electricity from the grid.

Battery technology has come a long way recently and the price of purchasing one with a solar panel system has fallen as well. They are becoming increasingly efficient which will give you the potential to use very little electricity from the grid. Some energy providers are offering lower tariffs off-peak and providing your system has been set up to do so, it's possible to charge the battery at off-peak rates and then use the stored electricity at peak times. 

The amount you can save really depends on the energy efficiency of your system, the location of your property and the type of property. The optimal orientation for solar panels is south but anything from east to west through south is generally usable, providing there's no shade. The optimal pitch is 30-35° but there can be some play here too.

The panels efficiency depends on how much sunlight strikes the panel so it can be converted into electricity, although panels are getting better at converting light into electricity, as opposed to direct sunlight. The most efficient panels on the market are around 22.8% efficient, so shopping around is important.

Check out our article 'How much do solar panels cost?' for a detailed breakdown of costs and pay-back periods. 

The Quotes you Receive from Local Solar Panel Installers

Installers should look at your property location, which way your house faces, and what size of installation you can have. Then they will give you an idea of how much power an installation on your roof would produce at all different times of the year.

The energy rating of your home will be considered within the quote. You should then be given a rough calculation of the amount of money you could save by switching to solar, and, of course, you will need the total cost of the whole system which ideally needs to be broken down for you with prices for materials and labour.

All these things will go to making a good quality quotation which our installers will provide. Solar panels can be expected to last up to 50 years for the panels themselves, but other parts, such as the inverter, will need to be changed every 15 to 25 years and will cost between £500 and £1000 (depending upon its size and manufacturer).

The inverter converts the electrical current made by your solar panels into usable electrical current for your home, so is essential to your setup. Upkeep is low, though they will generally not need to be serviced. On average, you will be charged about £200 for a system service, but you could do the yearly checks yourself and have an installer check them every 3 years or so or if you sense something is wrong.

Solar Thermal Options UK

As well as solar panel systems for your electricity, another option is solar thermal which would be a system to heat your water for domestic hot water (DHW) requirements. It can be used for residential or commercial use and is typically 70/90% efficient with the typical cost of solar thermal for a residential property being from £2000/£5000 for parts and installation. 

This technology does have very attractive government incentives, so read our content pages about this technology if this interests you. It is important to make sure you have all the right information and check that all parts and labour are accounted for in the quotations. The installers do have to work on some estimates and predicted increases but it’s important to check that these seem reasonable. 

Your quote should take into account anything that could drastically affect the output of your system, such as trees that will provide shade and will compromise how effective your panels will be. We are very careful to use certified, reputable, local installers but of course it is it still wise to be careful. You could check reviews and ask to speak to one of their previous customers and they should be happy to help you do this.

Check that the installers are using quality parts by asking where they get the parts from and researching their supplier. And, lastly, check they have an MCS accreditation.