Renewables UK

What does Martin Lewis say about solar panels?

Right, Martin Lewis and his MoneySavingExpert team have been pretty consistent about solar panels over the years – they’re generally positive but with the usual Martin Lewis dose of “do your homework and don’t get ripped off.”

Let me tell you what he’s said publicly, but honestly, his advice boils down to the same sensible approach he takes with everything: understand the numbers, avoid the cowboys, and make decisions based on your actual situation.

Martin Lewis’s main points about solar panels

“The numbers can work, but you have to do them right.”

Martin’s always been clear that solar panels can be a good investment, but only if you:

Get realistic quotes from reputable installers
Use your actual electricity use to make your calculations.
Don’t trust salespeople who make overly optimistic predictions.
Take into account all costs, even those that might come up later.

This is classic Martin Lewis: it’s not about whether solar is good or bad, it’s about whether the deal makes sense for your situation.

“Beware of high-pressure sales tactics”

He’s repeatedly warned about door-to-door solar sales and high-pressure tactics. His advice:

• Never sign on the day of the first visit
• Get multiple quotes
• Don’t be rushed by “limited time offers”
• Check the company is MCS registered

Sound familiar? It’s the same advice I give everyone.

“Consider it an investment, not a way to get rich”

Martin’s been realistic about returns – solar panels are a decent long-term investment but not a get-rich-quick scheme.

“The grants and subsidies have mostly ended”

He’s been honest that the generous Feed-in Tariff payments ended in 2019, and current returns are lower than they were. But he’s also pointed out that panel costs have dropped significantly, so the economics still work.

What MoneySavingExpert says currently

Their website guidance (last I checked) includes:

Positive factors:

• 0% VAT on installations makes them more affordable
• Smart Export Guarantee provides some income for surplus electricity
• Protection from rising energy prices
• Typical payback periods of 6-9 years

Warnings:

• Avoid door-to-door sales
• Get quotes from MCS-registered installers only
• Don’t overestimate your energy usage or the system’s output
• Factor in potential inverter replacement costs

Their typical recommendation:

Solar panels can be worth it for homes with:

• Good south/southeast/southwest roof space
• Higher electricity usage
• Plans to stay in the property long-term
• Realistic expectations about returns

Martin’s take on recent developments

Energy price crisis impact

During the 2022-2023 energy crisis, Martin pointed out that solar panels provide valuable protection from volatile energy prices. When everyone else was getting hammered by price rises, people with solar were largely insulated.

Battery storage

He’s been cautiously positive about battery storage but warns about the additional costs and longer payback periods. His advice is usually “solar first, consider batteries later if your usage patterns justify it.”

Heat pumps and EVs

Martin’s team has noted that solar panels work particularly well when combined with heat pumps or electric vehicle charging, as they can use more of the electricity directly.

Where Martin Lewis agrees with what I tell customers

Do the maths properly

Both Martin and I say: base decisions on real numbers, not sales projections. Use your actual electricity bills, get realistic generation estimates, factor in all costs.

Avoid the cowboys

Martin warns about dodgy installers, I warn about dodgy installers. Look for MCS certification, local references, proper warranties.

Think long-term

Solar panels are a 25-year investment. Martin’s advice about considering your long-term plans (staying in the house, family changes, etc.) matches what I tell everyone.

Don’t expect miracles

Both of us are realistic about what solar can and can’t do. It’s a good investment that reduces bills significantly, not a magic solution that eliminates them completely.

Where you might find differences

Regional variations

Martin’s advice is necessarily general for the whole UK. I can be more specific about North West conditions, local installer networks, regional electricity pricing.

Technical details

MoneySavingExpert covers the financial basics well. I can get into more detail about system design, component choices, installation considerations.

Current market conditions

Martin’s team updates their guidance periodically. I’m dealing with current installation costs and performance data daily.

What Martin Lewis would probably say about my advice

I reckon he’d agree with most of it:

• ✅ Honest about costs and realistic about savings
• ✅ Warning about sales pressure and dodgy installers
• ✅ Encouraging people to do their homework
• ✅ Focusing on whether it makes financial sense for individual circumstances

He might tell me off for some of my more colourful language about cowboy installers, but the substance would align.

For more detailed information about costs and savings specific to North West homes, check out our solar panel costs guide or use our cost calculator to see what the numbers look like for your situation.