Why do prices vary between installers?

Three factors: (1) Panel brand choice — LONGi/JA Solar costs 20-40% less than SunPower/REC. (2) Installation complexity — scaffolding access, roof type, and electrical work vary. (3) Installer margin — ranges from 15-25% depending on business model and demand. Always get 3+ quotes to find the market price.

Are prices still falling?

Marginally — the dramatic 90% price drop between 2010-2023 has stabilised. Current decline is 1-3% per year, driven by incremental panel efficiency gains and manufacturing scale. Further significant drops are unlikely as manufacturing costs approach their floor.

Does this include battery?

No — battery prices are listed separately. A 5kWh battery adds £3,800-£4,500. A 10kWh battery adds £4,500-£5,500. We report panels and batteries separately because attachment rates vary (35-40% of installations include a battery).

When will the next index be published?

Q2 2026 index will be published in July 2026 covering April-June pricing data. We update this page quarterly to maintain accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest UK solar pricing.

How does this compare to other countries?

UK residential solar costs £1,350-£1,650/kW installed. Germany: €1,200-€1,500/kW. Australia: A$1,000-A$1,400/kW. USA: $2,500-$3,500/kW. The UK is competitive with European averages and significantly cheaper than the US (source: IRENA Renewable Cost Database, irena.org/costs).

UK Solar Cost Index Q1 2026

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 20 March 2026|money

Independently written | Plain-English guide

UK solar cost index Q1 2026 — The UK's only quarterly solar price index. Updated every 3 months.

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Find the right system size for your roof

Panel count depends on your electricity use, roof space and direction — not on a rule of thumb. Get a recommended size and what it should cost.

Size My System

How much do solar panels cost in Q1 2026?

UK Solar Panel Cost Index — Q1 2026 (January-March): Average fully-installed prices at 0% VAT: 2kW (5 panels): £3,200. 3kW (8 panels): £4,800. 4kW (10 panels): £6,500. 5kW (13 panels): £7,800. 6kW (15 panels): £8,900. 8kW (20 panels): £11,200. 10kW (25 panels): £13,500. COST PER kW: £1,350-£1,650 (decreasing with system size). ADD BATTERY: +£3,800-£5,500 for 5-10kWh. QUARTER-ON-QUARTER CHANGE: -1.2% (marginal decline from Q4 2025). YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE: -3.5% (from Q1 2025). Prices include: panels, inverter, mounting, wiring, scaffolding, DNO notification, MCS certification. Prices are compiled from MCS certified installer quotes across all UK regions (source: MCS, mcscertified.com) and cross-referenced with Solar Energy UK industry surveys (solarenergyuk.org). Note: individual quotes vary by ±15% based on roof type, access difficulty, panel brand choice, and regional installer competition.