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UK cost guide

Solar Panel Cost UK 2026

Current UK solar PV costs by 3–6 kW system size, with matching battery-storage benchmarks and common installation extras.

Last reviewed: 1 September 2026 · Sources & data · Methodology

Typical planning costAbout £8,000 for a standard 4 kW system
Broader project range£6,000–£10,000 for 3–6 kW solar-only systems
Planning figures are estimates rather than quotations. Live calculators combine dated UK benchmarks with clearly separated modelling assumptions such as region, size, condition and specification.

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Compare 3 kW, 4 kW, 5 kW and 6 kW solar costs →

What affects the cost?

Current Checkatrade 2026 guidance benchmarks a 3 kW solar PV system at about £6,000, 4 kW at £8,000, 5 kW at £9,000 and 6 kW at £10,000 before battery storage. Batteries can be a major second line item: example 5, 8, 10 and 12 kWh systems are benchmarked around £4,500, £8,000, £9,000 and £10,000 respectively.

  • Solar PV capacity in kW
  • Panel and inverter specification
  • Roof orientation, pitch and usable area
  • Scaffolding and access
  • Battery capacity in kWh
  • Electrical upgrades and monitoring
  • Roof condition and structural suitability

Typical cost breakdown

3 kW solar PVAbout £6,000
4 kW solar PVAbout £8,000
5 kW solar PVAbout £9,000
6 kW solar PVAbout £10,000
5 kWh batteryAbout £4,500
8 kWh batteryAbout £8,000
10 kWh batteryAbout £9,000
12 kWh batteryAbout £10,000
4 kW PV + 8 kWh batteryAbout £16,000
Typical inverterAround £900
Structural surveyAround £150
Scaffolding allowanceAround £800

Regional planning examples

The examples below apply our published modelling factor to the same national benchmark. They are not claimed as observed city-wide average quotes.

London£5,350–£9,650
Manchester£4,950–£8,850
Birmingham£5,000–£8,950
Glasgow£4,950–£8,900
Cardiff£4,900–£8,800

Solar panels costs by location

Open a detailed city page to see the same national benchmark adjusted through the transparent regional model, with local planning considerations and worked examples.

LondonBrightonBristolCambridgeBirminghamNottinghamManchesterLiverpoolLeedsNewcastleGlasgowEdinburghCardiffBelfast

Sources used for this guide

Checkatrade

Solar Panel Installation: Cost Breakdown 2026

Published / checked: June 2026

Used for: 3–6 kW solar PV and battery storage benchmarks

View source ↗

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 4 kW solar panel system cost in 2026?

The current Checkatrade benchmark is about £8,000 for a standard 4 kW solar PV installation before battery storage.

How much does a 6 kW solar system cost?

The current solar-only benchmark is about £10,000 for a 6 kW system. Roof access, electrical work and equipment specification can change a real quote.

Is battery storage included in the solar panel price?

Not in the solar-only benchmark. For example, an 8 kWh battery is currently benchmarked around £8,000, taking the example 4 kW solar-plus-battery package to about £16,000.

Should I budget separately for scaffolding?

Yes unless the installer explicitly includes it. The current guide uses roughly £800 as a planning benchmark for scaffolding, while roof complexity and access can alter the actual figure.

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Current UK roof replacement costs for gable, hip and flat roofs, including cost-per-square-metre benchmarks and common extras.

About £8,000 UK averageView guide →