Solar panels UK: the honest 2026 buyer's guide
Costs, payback period, SEG tariffs, MCS-certified installers, battery storage and the questions to ask before signing.
Read the guide
Solar
Solar panels in the UK,
Solar panels in the UK,
without the sales pitch.
Honest guides on what solar actually costs in 2026, how long it takes to pay back, and whether your roof is even worth quoting.
Start here
The cornerstone guide every UK homeowner thinking about solar should read first.
What we'll cover
What it costs
Typical UK system prices for 4kW, 6kW and 8kW arrays — and what should be in the quote (and what shouldn't).
When it pays back
Realistic payback periods given UK irradiance, current export tariffs, and likely electricity prices.
Which roofs are worth it
Pitch, orientation, shading and roof condition — what makes a roof a "yes", a "maybe", or a "don't bother".
SEG export tariffs
What you can actually earn for exporting electricity, and how to compare offers from suppliers.
Battery storage
When a battery makes financial sense, when it's just a nice-to-have, and how to size one.
Choosing an installer
MCS, RECC, insurance-backed warranties — and the red flags that should make you walk away.
Coming soon to this hub
More cornerstone guides and tools we're working on next.
Cornerstone — coming soon
Solar battery storage — when it actually pays back
How to size a battery, what the real payback looks like at current UK tariffs, and when a battery quietly delays your break-even.
Cornerstone — coming soon
Best UK solar panel brands in 2026 — compared
Tier-1 manufacturers, real-world efficiency, warranty terms and what to actually pay attention to on the spec sheet.
Tool — coming soon
Solar payback calculator
Plug in your postcode, electricity usage and roof orientation. Get a realistic payback range — not a brochure number.
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