How much do solar panels cost?
Solar panels are a long-term investment offering even longer-term savings – but how much do they actually cost to install?
The price of solar panels has come down significantly over the past decade, while energy prices have stayed high. That’s made solar one of the most affordable and impactful home upgrades you can make today. In this article, we break down what affects solar panel pricing, what you can expect to pay for a Good Energy installation, and how to compare quotes confidently.
What affects the cost of installing solar panels?
No two homes are quite the same, which is why solar panel costs can vary depending on the size, layout and energy needs of your property. Here are some key factors that influence the total cost:
1. How many solar panels should I install?
Put simply, the more solar panels you install, the higher your upfront cost. One the other hand, the larger the system, the more electricity that’s generated, meaning more long-term savings. What’s more, a larger system doesn’t just cover more of your own consumption; it also lets you earn more by exporting surplus power back to the grid through an export tariff, accelerating your overall pay-back period.
A typical UK home can fit around 10 panels- a solid starting point that balances affordability with meaningful financial and environmental impact. But, because scaffolding and labour make up a large share of installation costs, you’ll usually get the best value by filling as much of your roof space as your budget allows. As industry expert Richard Fuell puts it: “The future will be all about generating as much power as you can, so do it right on day one.”
2. Do I need battery storage?
Adding a battery to your system increases the upfront cost but helps you store and use more of your solar energy at home. Without a battery, 10 solar panels would provide 30% – 50% of a typical household’s annual usage. With a battery, your solar panels could cover up to 80% of your home electricity usage.
Batteries also unlock the benefits of dual-rate smart tariffs which can lower your energy bills all year round, not just in the summer months.
3. Which type of inverter is best for solar panels?
Your inverter is the part of your system that converts solar energy into usable electricity. String inverters are the most common and cheapest option, but they do have their drawbacks, such as the efficiency of all panels in the string being impacted if one is dirty or shaded.
At Good Energy, we offer optimised or micro-inverter systems as standard. While this does increase the price upfront, it helps your system generate more power in real-world conditions, improving your return on investment and shortening your payback period. They offer greater fire safety and monitoring too.
Find out more about the difference between string, optimised and micro-inverter systems.
How much do solar panels cost with Good Energy?
We install reliable, high-efficiency solar systems using trusted products and in-house experts. Here are two example costs – one without a battery (starting from £6,120) and one including a Tesla Powerwall 3 (starting from £13,600). These prices may vary based on roof access, electrical upgrades, or system size. A free personalised quote will confirm the exact solar panel costs for your home, and it’s completely obligation-free, so a great way to explore your options.
Silver: 10 solar panels, optimised for efficiency
- SolarEdge or Enphase optimised solar panel system
- Designed for efficient performance even on cloudy days
- Minimum 12-year product replacement warranty
- Easy sign up to Good Energy’s 15p/kWh Solar Savings export tariff
- Prices start from £6,120
Gold: 10 solar panels + Tesla Powerwall 3
- SolarEdge or Enphase optimised solar panel system with 12 year warranty
- Designed for efficient performance even on cloudy days
- 13.5kWh Tesla Powerwall 3, with 10 year warranty
- Access to Good Energy’s 25p/kWh exclusive export tariff
- Prices start from £13,600
Can I get funding for solar panels?
To help spread the cost, all home solar and battery installations currently benefit from 0% VAT, and there are a range of financing options available through some mortgage providers and banks. For a clear breakdown of what support is genuine, what’s currently available, and what to avoid, read our guide to solar panel funding and incentives.
How long do solar panels take to pay back?
Your solar panel payback time depends on how much electricity you use at home and how much you export to the grid. Many households break even in under 10 years and enjoy 20+ years of low energy bills after that. The key to breaking even quickly is getting a great quality install for a good price, using your power as it’s generated, and signing up to a generous export tariff, like Good Energy’s Solar Savings.
Over the lifetime of your system, even small efficiency gains can mean hundreds of pounds in extra savings – money you’d otherwise lose. That’s why choosing a trusted installer and high-quality panels isn’t just important, it’s essential for getting the most from your investment.
