Solar Panel Installation Cost

Video Overview: How Much to Install Solar Panels in the UK?

How Much Does It Cost To Install Solar Panels?

The average cost of installing solar panels is usually anywhere from £2,500 to £9,000, although they are a great way to generate energy and can save you money in the long run.

The reason the initial cost of installing solar panels (also known as photovoltaic modules or PV panels) can vary over such a wide price range is due to a number of key factors. For instance:

• What kind of solar panel are you going for?
• How many panels are going to be installed?
• How long will the installation take?

Given the pricing for solar panels may seem a significant outlay, it's understandable that a lot of people are cautious about spending the money.

However, the long-term benefits certainly outweigh any concerns, given how much they can save on your energy bills by reducing the need to rely on the National Grid (which, in some cases, can even earn you money back!). By utilising clean, renewable energy, you are also having a positive impact on the environment while helping to reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Two Types of Solar Panels

There are two major types of solar panels:

• Monocrystalline Solar Panels
• Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Both have different costs and considerations. The former is often considered to be the most efficient, due to lasting longer than the alternatives.

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System Sizes

There are also various system sizes to consider, which typically range from 1kW to 5kW. These are important as it determines how much energy the solar panels can provide.

Therefore, 1kW doesn’t produce much, while 5kW can handle most of the appliances in your home. So, most homes can operate with 3kW, but it is more expensive than 1kW.

In more specific terms, a 1kW Monocrystalline solar panel should cost between £2,000 to £3,500. Meanwhile, a 5kW solar panel requires a bigger budget and should cost about £7,500 to £9,000, but as mentioned earlier, it carries a much larger load.

Naturally, these factors also affect the price with the typical 3kW monocrystalline coming to between £5,000 to £6,000.

Roof Condition

On top of that, the condition of the roof is of the utmost importance when installing solar panels as a roof in poor condition cannot sustain PV panels.

Therefore, if your roof isn’t in order, it might cost extra as it’ll need to be repaired before installation.

Labour & Timescales

The other consideration is the labour times as most technicians would charge between £150 to £200 per hour. In addition, the installation process takes between 2-3 days which could culminate in a bill of between £500 to £700 to hire a tradesman.

There are a few other things that could affect the cost, including the state of the roof, the location of the property and ease of access. So, ensure you keep these factors in mind when considering the cost of solar panels.

Solar Panel Installation Prices

So, how much are solar panels? On average the cost of solar panel installation will usually be around £4,000.

In this section, we’ll outline the price of solar panels and ensure they are easy to digest by placing them in table form.

How Much Does a Solar Panel Cost?

You may want to buy the solar panels yourself before hiring a professional to install them. You will therefore need to visit a trusted retailer or find a reliable source online to supply these for you.

Each solar panel will cost on average around £350-£500 per panel. The price varies depending on the system, type, and size. As mentioned earlier, you will require a significant budget for solar panels, but this is better now as the cost of solar panels UK has steadily dropped over the years from about £15,000 to £20,000 back in the early 2010s to about £5,000 to £7,000 depending on the type.

Also, as mentioned above, monocrystalline solar panels are more durable, but also more expensive, so you would be spending between £400 to £500 per m², while polycrystalline variants cost between £250 to £300.

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Additional Solar Panel Installation Costs

The solar panel price is already seen as a bit prohibitive, but definitely worthwhile when appropriately installed. For this reason, you’ll also need to consider a couple of factors that might bite into your budget a bit more.

Most of these costs have to do with your roof, as it is one of the most critical aspects of the solar panel installation. Therefore, if you have broken tiles, or the roof is dirty, you'll need to get that sorted before doing anything with the solar panels.

In this section, we’ll look at some of the most significant costs outside of the main ones for solar panel installation.

Replacing Roof Tiles

A roof with solar panels needs to be in pristine condition. Therefore, if some of the tiles on the roof are broken or damaged, you’ll need to remove and replace them.

Roof tiles, whether clay, concrete, or slate, are durable and can last for decades, but they can still crack or deteriorate over time due to weather, frost, or general wear. Damaged tiles should be replaced promptly to prevent leaks and further roof damage.

In such cases, you might need to get a professional to replace your roof tiles them with new ones.

For small repairs, such as replacing up to five tiles, the work can usually be completed within a couple of hours. More extensive damage, or an entire roof replacement, will take significantly longer, up to two weeks for a full re-tile.

Typical Costs:

• Small Repair (up to 5 tiles): Materials £20–£30, Labour £100–£150
• Larger Repairs: Materials £100–£150, Labour £300–£400 (may require scaffolding)
• Full Roof Replacement: Materials £8,000–£9,000, Labour £2,000–£3,000

Costs increase if scaffolding is needed, if materials are hard to source, or if access is difficult.

DIY tile replacement can save money, but it involves working at height and requires proper safety equipment and skills. If you’re not comfortable or experienced with roofing work, hiring a professional roofer is the safer option.

If you have reservations about finding the right contractor, this is understandable, but there are several websites with great professionals who are qualified for the job. You can find out more information, including where to find a good roofer here.

Washing the Roof

So, what if your roof doesn’t need replacing? Is there still anything to worry about? Well, yes, as solar panels function better on a clean roof. Professional pressure washing is an excellent option as it can remove years of dirt, moss, and debris.

Roof cleaning is delicate work and using the wrong water pressure can damage tiles, dislodge fixings, or even crack windows. Always choose an experienced contractor and check reviews, insurance, and past work before hiring.

That said, how much does it cost? The price is dependent on the type of house and the amount of time. For instance:

• Detached House Roof: £500–£600
• Semi-detached House Roof: £300–£450
• Terraced House Roof: £350–£500
• Bungalow Roof: £300–£450

Most jobs take 4–5 hours, but difficult roof access or extra cleaning needs can extend this.

Pressure washing your roof is an ideal way to make the house look neater, and you would be shocked at all the debris and dirt that can collect on the roof when left unattended for a long time. That said, DIY roof cleaning isn't advisable.

It requires specialist equipment and involves working at height. A professional can clean efficiently and safely while protecting your roof from damage.

Hiring Scaffolding

Under the UK’s legislation, scaffolding is essential for any job that requires working at height.

This means that you might need scaffolding for solar panel installation or roof repairs. While the use of ladders hasn’t been banned or forbidden, it is only suitable for quick jobs that do not require a lot of work.

Therefore all jobs, including installing panels, roofing, cleaning, and so on might require some scaffolding. So, how much would it be to hire scaffolding for the day? This depends on how much scaffolding is necessary, and the job the tradesperson is doing.

Most contractors will include the price of the scaffold with any job they are going to carry out.

However, the average cost of scaffolding for three sides of a semi-detached house should be between £900 to £1000. For high-level scaffolds used for chimney work, you should budget about £800 to £900 to cover costs.

Labour Cost of Installing Solar Panels & Timescales

Solar panel installation takes time and on an average could take 2-3 days. Also, with solar panels, the materials are way more expensive than labour. That said, the average contractor will charge between £150 to £200 per hour.

It should be noted that most contractors will add the price of labour to the overall cost. Furthermore, the timescale necessary for installing solar panels can change depending on a couple of factors, including the size of the panels, and the state of the roof.

For instance, if your roof is in poor condition, then you will need to fix it before installation can commence. Also, if the roof is difficult to access, it could prolong the time necessary to complete the installation.

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Factors That Impact Solar Panel Installation Costs

As mentioned at various points in this article, the cost of solar panels relies on several factors. While we’ve mentioned some of them, in this section, we’ll dive into each factor and explain it in detail.

Location of Property

The location of your home could increase or reduce the cost of solar panels. For instance, installation in urban areas might be a tad cheaper than in more remote locations.

Also, most contractors charge per hour and start timing from the moment they leave their offices. Therefore, travel time will also figure into the final bill.

If your home is a great distance, or is difficult to locate, the bill might increase. Therefore, it is usually advised that you consider the location of the company you want to engage before pressing ahead.

On top of that, getting professionals in rural areas might be a lot more difficult, which means they tend to charge more. Conversely, your location might be so remote that there are no competent professionals who can handle the installation in the area.

This means you may have to contact a company that is located far away from you. As explained above, this will lead to longer travel times, and in turn, a higher price.

Type of Solar Panels

There are two major types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. While both serve the same purpose essentially, they have different properties which make them vary slightly in price.

For instance, the monocrystalline variant is more expensive but is also more durable and convenient. Therefore, if you want the monocrystalline solar panels installed, it will likely cost more.

Size of Solar Panel

The size of the solar panel also matters. Small solar panels are cheaper to lay out, and they also aren't too tasking, meaning the price of labour might be reduced. However, larger panels, like the 5kW types, are more expensive and also require more labour.

Also, contractors might need an extra hand if the panel is really large, which means you’ll have to factor the labour costs of another individual.

Ease of Access

The installation of solar panels is usually performed on the roof. Therefore, if the roof is difficult to access, it could cost more. This could be as a result of obstacles or other circumstances, but restricted access to the roof usually means the job will take longer, which consequently increases the price.

Condition of the Roof

The roof is crucial when it comes to the installation of solar panels. Therefore, if it is in poor condition, it'll have to be repaired, which costs extra money. Also, if the roof is dirty and needs a wash, it would be more challenging to fix the solar panels, meaning you'll also need to pay for cleaning.

What's Involved in Solar Panels Installations?

Although DIY solar panel kits are available, it's not a job most tradesmen would suggest is suited to doing yourself. Experts are better equipped for inspecting your roof and determining if it will be able to hold solar panels. Hiring a professional will also ensure they are installed safely and correctly, and without causing any potential damage to your roof.

As for finding the right company or contractor to carry out the work, it's always recommended to request quotes from more than one person. As such, MyJobQuote are able to help you find local solar panel installers within your surrounding area for fast, free quotes, without any further obligations.

When you have arranged for someone to come and install your solar panels, these are some of the steps they're likely to take:

Before the Job Starts

• Setup Scaffolding — In order to ensure safe and easy access to the roof, it is likely they will put up scaffolding, although for smaller solar panel installations or areas that are easily accessible, this step may not be required.
• Roof Anchors and Mounting Frame — Once safe access is secured, roof anchors are installed, followed by a mounting frame that gives the panels a platform to rest on.

During the Job

• Solar Panel Installation — The individual panels are clamped to the frame, either one at a time or added in rows depending on the contractor.
• Wiring — The majority of wiring will already be fitted by the initial supplier. This allows for the tradesmen installing the system to attach cables to the rails and run DC wiring from the PVs into your property, all the while keeping wires hidden where possible.
• Inverter and Electrical Setup — An inverter is installed and connected to the mains supply. A consumer unit and generation meter are also connected and typically placed next to the existing fuse box.

After the Job

• System Testing — Once installation is complete, the system is tested to ensure it is working perfectly and generating solar energy.
• Certification — At the end of the process, an MCS certificate is issued, which is used to confirm the solar panels have been officially installed.

Types of Solar Panels

The two major types of solar panels available are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. In this section, we’ll examine what they are and the advantages and otherwise of both.

Monocrystalline

These are generally considered the better option for solar panels thanks to their higher efficiency, long lifespan, and sleek appearance. They can convert more sunlight into electricity compared to other panel types, which means you’ll need fewer panels to achieve the same energy output.

These panels are made from single-crystal silicon, which is why they are known as monocrystalline panels. The silicon is grown into a single crystal structure, then sliced into thin wafers. This manufacturing process allows electrons to flow more freely, improving energy efficiency and overall performance. It also contributes to their durability, with many models lasting 25 years or more with minimal loss in output.

Pros

• ✔ They are more efficient
• ✔ They are durable and last longer
• ✔ They take up less space

Cons

• ✖ They are more expensive
• ✖ Their performance is affected by temperature
• ✖ The manufacturing process includes a lot of waste

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels are generally more affordable than monocrystalline models, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce upfront installation costs. However, this lower price comes with a trade-off as polycrystalline panels typically have lower efficiency, meaning they produce less electricity per square metre. As a result, you may need more panels to achieve the same output as a monocrystalline system.

Instead of being made from a single crystal of silicon, polycrystalline panels are created by melting together many fragments of silicon and pouring the molten material into a mould. Once cooled, the block is sliced into wafers. This manufacturing process is less wasteful and more cost-efficient, but it results in a more random crystal structure, which slightly limits the panel’s energy conversion efficiency.

Pros

• ✔ It isn’t as wasteful as monocrystalline
• ✔ It is more affordable
• ✔ It is more efficient in warm weather

Cons

• ✖ It isn’t as efficient as monocrystalline
• ✖ It doesn't last as long
• ✖ The panels are larger and require more space on the roof

There are also system sizes that range from 1kW-5kW, which indicates how much energy the panels can generate and provide. Therefore, 1kW solar systems aren’t very powerful, while 5kW systems can handle most appliances in your home.

Building Regulation for Solar Panel Installations

Solar panels are favourably looked upon by the UK government and are catered for under ‘permitted developments’. That said, it is necessary to ensure that they are not fitted above the highest point of the property.

Also, it is stipulated that the panels shouldn’t protrude more than 200mm from the surface of the roof.

Solar panels are also subject to standard building regulations, including your roof’s ability to handle the panels and other health and safety measures. On a few occasions, you might even have to prove to the local planning office that your property is suitable for solar panels.

Planning Permission for Solar Panel Installations

Solar panels are classified as ‘Permitted Developments’ and therefore, do not require permission before installation. That said, there are a few situations where consent might be necessary, especially if the building is in a conservation area.

As mentioned above, you must ensure that the panels aren’t above the highest point of the house and also don’t protrude more than 200mm from the roof.

Cost of Removing Solar Panels

While solar panels are designed to last, if you’ve had yours installed for 25 years or more, it might be time to consider having them replaced. There are also times during this period when you may have roof repairs that need doing, and even if not directly related to your solar panels, they can often need removing to enable work to be carried out successfully.

Professional removal typically costs around £300 to £500, with an additional £100 for safely disconnecting the panels from your home’s mains. Labour costs, which include waste disposal, usually range from £50 to £100 per hour.

While you might want to action yourself and save money, you would need a strong understanding of what's involved and the potential risks that come with it, as working at height and with electrical connections can prove dangerous.

Once removed, panels need to be disposed of responsibly, either via your local council or a reputable waste removal company. Alternatively, you could sell the panels back to the manufacturer, via an online marketplace or by using a nearby recycling centre. If your home has a battery system, removal may involve additional steps for safely disconnecting and handling stored energy.

Checklist: Hiring a Solar Panel Installer Near You

It may be tempting to cut costs by getting a less qualified professional, but this will only cost more in the long run as they might do a poor job which you’ll pay for later.

Before you engage a specialist, ensure the following:

• Do they have the right qualifications? In order to be able to install solar panels, you should check that the contractor is NABCEP-certified.
• How long has the company been in operation? Only use an established and professional company with a strong reputation, ideally using contractors that have at least 3 years experience.
• Do they have public liability insurance? Although not a legal requirement, most tradesmen will be at least covered against accidental damage and personal injury - especially when working at height or with electrical components.
• Do they have positive reviews and examples of their work? Search for their MyJobQuote profile and read any customer feedback, as well as examples of their work. Keep an eye out for local installations and ask for recommendations.
• Have you received at least three quotes? As with any trades job that needs doing, requesting quotes from more than one company is often standard practice. With MyJobQuote we can help to arrange this without any further obligation.

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