Hidden Solar Costs UK

What are the hidden costs of solar panels?

Hidden costs of solar panels over 25 years that installers often don't mention: INVERTER REPLACEMENT (Year 12-15): £800-£1,500. String inverters last 10-15 years. Budget for one replacement. Micro-inverters last 25 years (no replacement needed). BIRD PROOFING (Optional, Year 1-3): £300-£600. Prevents pigeons nesting under panels. Not essential everywhere but common in urban areas. PANEL CLEANING (Annual, optional): £40-£100/year = £1,000-£2,500 over 25 years. Rain handles 80% but professional cleaning recovers 3-8% output. INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASE: £0-£50/year = £0-£1,250 over 25 years. Some insurers increase premiums; many don't. Notify your insurer regardless. EXPORT METER (If no smart meter): £0-£100 one-off. Most homes now have smart meters (free installation). SCAFFOLDING FOR MAINTENANCE: £300-£500 per visit if needed (rare). Covered under warranty for installer-related issues. TOTAL HIDDEN COSTS: £2,000-£4,000 over 25 years. TOTAL SAVINGS: £15,000-£27,000 over 25 years. NET PROFIT AFTER ALL COSTS: £11,000-£23,000. The hidden costs are real but small relative to savings. Knowing them means no surprises. Sources: MCS installer data, manufacturer warranty terms, insurance industry surveys.