How solar panels work — in 90 seconds
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert daylight into direct-current electricity. An inverter then converts that DC into the alternating-current electricity your home uses. Any electricity you don't use immediately is either stored in a battery, used to heat water, or exported to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee.
Modern monocrystalline panels achieve module efficiency of 21–23%, meaning a single 430W panel produces enough annual energy to power a fridge-freezer for 6–9 months in the UK climate.
What does a typical UK solar system look like?
- Panels: 8–14 monocrystalline modules at 410–450W each
- Inverter: A string inverter or hybrid inverter rated 3.6–6kW
- Optimisers or microinverters: Optional, recommended for partial shade
- Battery: Optional 5–13kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) storage
- Monitoring: App-based generation, consumption and export tracking
- Generation meter & isolators: Required for MCS certification and DNO sign-off
Cost overview
A typical UK 4kWp installation in 2026 costs £5,800–£9,200 depending on roof complexity, panel choice, region and whether you add storage. See our detailed UK cost breakdown for line-by-line pricing.
How much will you save?
Annual savings range from £600 (low-occupancy household, no battery) to £1,400+ (EV + battery + heat pump). Run the numbers for your address in our savings calculator.
Government support in 2026
The main UK schemes are ECO4, the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2), Great British Insulation Scheme and the Smart Export Guarantee. Eligibility is typically means- or property-tested. Scotland and Wales additionally offer Home Energy Scotland and Nest loan schemes.
Choosing an installer
Only use MCS-accredited installers — this is required for SEG export payments and most grant schemes. Look for HIES or RECC consumer-code membership, transparent quotes (including DNO, scaffolding and certification), and a minimum 10-year workmanship warranty.
Roof suitability checklist
- Orientation between SE and SW (E and W still viable)
- Pitch 20–45° (10° or flat works with frames)
- Minimum 18–20 m² of clear roof for a 4kWp install
- No major chimney or tree shading between 9am–4pm
- Roof structurally sound — survey will check rafter spacing
- Consumer unit with spare capacity (Type-A RCBO often required)
What about Scotland and the north of England?
Annual yields in Edinburgh and Glasgow average ~880–920 kWh/kWp — about 10–15% lower than the South Coast. Combined with Home Energy Scotland's interest-free loans (up to £6,000 for solar, plus £6,000 for storage), Scottish payback remains attractive, typically 9–11 years.
Get a personalised solar quote
Compare honest, MCS-certified installer quotes for your address. No pushy sales calls — just a 60-second form and a transparent breakdown of costs, savings and payback.
- ✓ UK-based independent advice
- ✓ MCS-certified installers only
- ✓ No obligation, no upfront fees
- ✓ Local savings estimates
Frequently asked questions
01.What is the best solar panel for UK homes?
In 2026 the highest-yielding domestic panels in the UK are monocrystalline N-type (TOPCon and HJT) modules from Aiko, REC, Longi and JA Solar — typically 430–450W per panel, with 25-year power warranties and degradation below 0.4%/year.
02.What size solar system do I need?
Most UK 3-bed homes install 4–5kWp (9–12 panels). Larger homes with EVs or heat pumps benefit from 6–8kWp. Sizing is determined by roof area, annual consumption and self-consumption strategy.
03.Will solar work on a north-facing roof?
North-facing roofs generate around 60–70% of the output of an equivalent south-facing array. They can still be economic in sunny southern regions (Sussex, Dorset, Bristol) but rarely make sense in central and northern England.
04.How long do solar panels last?
Modern panels are warrantied for 25–30 years of useful output (typically 80–87% of original capacity at year 25). Inverters typically need replacement at year 12–15.