Solar Panel Cost Calculator
What would this actually cost at your home?
Installed prices vary widely by roof, access and region. Get an installed price for your property from MCS-certified installers.
Get an Installed PriceFree, no obligation. Takes about 2 minutes.
How does a solar cost calculator work?
A solar panel cost calculator estimates your installation cost (£5,000-£11,000), annual savings (£500-£1,100), and payback period (8-12 years) based on your specific circumstances: location, roof direction, system size, and electricity consumption. Our calculator uses PVGIS solar irradiance data for your postcode and Ofgem price cap October–December 2026 electricity rates (26.32p/kWh). The estimate is indicative — get 3+ installer quotes for accurate pricing.
What the Calculator Estimates
- System size recommendation based on your electricity consumption and roof space
- Installation cost range for your recommended system size
- Annual electricity generation (kWh) based on your location and roof direction
- Annual savings (£) based on self-consumption rate and SEG export income
- Payback period — how many years until the system pays for itself
- 25-year total savings — lifetime financial benefit of your solar investment
- Carbon savings — tonnes of CO2 prevented over the system lifetime
What would this actually cost at your home?
Installed prices vary widely by roof, access and region. Get an installed price for your property from MCS-certified installers.
Get an Installed PriceKey Inputs That Affect Your Estimate
Location (postcode): Determines solar irradiance — southern England generates ~15% more than northern Scotland.
Roof direction: South = 100% of optimal. East/west = 80-85%. North = 55-60%.
Electricity consumption: Higher consumption = more self-consumption = more savings per kWh.
System size: Larger systems cost more but generate more — the calculator recommends the optimal size for your needs.
Battery: Adding a battery increases self-consumption from ~50% to ~80%, adding £200-£400/year in savings.
Source: PVGIS; Ofgem price cap October–December 2026.
Calculator vs Real Quotes
The calculator provides an ESTIMATE. For accurate pricing, you need installer quotes based on a physical site survey.
Why quotes differ from the calculator: - Roof complexity (slate, flat, multi-level) affects installation cost - Shading not visible from satellite imagery - Consumer unit capacity or upgrades needed - Scaffolding access challenges - Specific panel and inverter brand selection
Use the calculator to: Understand the ballpark → then get 3+ quotes for accurate pricing.
Source: MCS installer pricing methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides
Related: Home Heating Systems
Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.
Heat pumps use electricity at 300-400% efficiency, making them ideal partners for solar.
Heat pump installation typically takes 2-3 days and is best planned alongside solar.
From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide
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What would this actually cost at your home?
Installed prices vary widely by roof, access and region. Get an installed price for your property from MCS-certified installers.
Get an Installed PriceFree, no obligation. Takes about 2 minutes.