How much does it cost to install solar panels?

Right, let’s talk money. Because this is probably what’s been keeping you awake at night – wondering whether you can actually afford solar panels, and whether they’re worth the upfront hit to your bank account.

I’ve been installing systems across the North West for over a decade now, so I can tell you exactly what things cost in the real world – not the fantasy prices you see in some adverts, and not the scary high-end quotes some companies try to flog you.

What you’ll actually pay in 2025

Small system (2-3kW, 8-12 panels)

Total cost: £4,000-5,500 Good for: 1-2 bedroom properties, couples, low electricity usage What’s included: Panels, inverter, mounting system, installation, commissioning, warranties

Standard system (3-4kW, 12-16 panels)

Total cost: £5,500-7,000 Good for: Most 3-bedroom family homes, average electricity usage What’s included: Everything above, typically the sweet spot for most North West families

Large system (4-6kW, 16-24 panels)

Total cost: £7,000-9,500
Good for: Bigger families, 4+ bedroom houses, high electricity usage What’s included: Same as above, just more panels and possibly a bigger inverter

These are all-in prices – no hidden extras, no surprise costs when they turn up. That’s what you pay, that’s what you get.

What affects the price you’ll actually pay

Your roof situation

Straightforward installation: Standard pricing Difficult access: Add £500-1,500 for extra scaffolding Complex roof layout: Add £300-800 for additional mounting work Multiple roof faces: Add £200-500 for extra wiring and design

Most North West homes are pretty straightforward, but if you’re on a main road with no parking, or you’ve got a really steep roof, expect to pay a bit more.

Component quality choices

Budget panels (Chinese brands): £800-1,000 per kW installed Mid-range panels (established brands): £1,000-1,400 per kW installed
Premium panels (LG, Panasonic): £1,400-1,800 per kW installed

Honestly? For most people, mid-range panels are the sweet spot. You get good performance and decent warranties without paying for features you probably don’t need.

Your electrical setup

Modern consumer unit: No extra cost Needs upgrading: Add £200-800 for new consumer unit and wiring Complex electrical work: Add £300-1,000 for major electrical modifications

Most houses built after 1990 are fine. Older properties sometimes need electrical work, but it’s not usually massive.

Planning permission (rare but possible)

Most installations: £0 – no planning needed Conservation areas: Sometimes £200-500 for planning application Listed buildings: £300-800 for specialist planning and heritage consultations

99% of residential installations don’t need planning permission. But if you’re in a conservation area or have a listed building, factor in some extra costs and time.

Real examples of what people actually paid

Terraced house in Chorley (2024)

3-bedroom Victorian terrace
System: 3.2kW (13 panels), mid-range components
Complications: None – straightforward installation
Total cost: £5,650
Monthly savings: £65 (bills dropped from £90 to £25)

Semi in Stockport (2024)

4-bedroom 1970s semi
System: 4.5kW (18 panels), good quality components
Complications: Consumer unit upgrade needed
Total cost: £7,400 (including £400 electrical work)
Monthly savings: £85 (bills dropped from £125 to £40)

Detached house near Preston (2024)

Large family home
System: 6kW (24 panels), premium components
Complications: Difficult access, extra scaffolding
Total cost: £9,800 (including £800 scaffolding)
Monthly savings: £110 (bills dropped from £160 to £50)

How solar costs have changed

The good news

Panel costs have dropped dramatically over the past decade:

2015: Typical 4kW system cost £8,000-12,000
2020: Same system cost £6,000-8,000
2025: Same system costs £5,500-7,000

Plus 0% VAT since 2022 saves another £1,000-1,500 compared to when VAT was charged.

The less good news

Some costs have crept up recently:

Installation labour: Up 10-15% due to skills shortage
Scaffolding: Up 15-20% due to safety regulations and insurance costs
Inverters: Up slightly due to global supply chain issues

But overall, solar is still much more affordable than it was 5-10 years ago.