Are Solar Panels Worth It in the UK? May 2025 Guide

In this guide

• How much can you really save?

• How do solar panels work?

• Thinking of getting solar panels? Here's what you need to know

• Cheap or free solar panels

• Pros and cons of getting solar panels

• Solar panel return on investment & break-even point

• Are solar batteries worth it?

• Do solar panels increase the value of my home?

• Should you get solar panels for your home?

Are solar panels worth it?

With energy bills still higher than historical norms and climate concerns more pressing than ever, thousands of UK homeowners are asking: "Are solar panels worth it?" The short answer is – yes, for many, they are. But the long answer depends on your home, lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

Installing solar panels can slash electricity bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and give you more energy independence. With schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and new affordable technologies available through trusted suppliers like Evergy, solar is no longer a luxury – it’s a smart, future-focused home improvement.

How much can you really save?

The average UK home could save between £200 and £600 per year depending on location, panel size, and usage patterns. But your actual savings depend on how much of your generated electricity you use.

The solar panel maths is getting better

Rising grid electricity costs mean solar now pays off quicker than it did a few years ago. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical system might pay for itself in 8 to 13 years.

BENCHMARK: You pay about 24.86p/kWh for electricity under the Price Cap

If you generate your own power, that’s money in your pocket instead of the energy supplier’s. Use more of your generated energy during the day, and you’ll save more.

The biggest gain comes from using what you generate – you could save up to £340 a year on your bills

To max your savings, shift activities like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to daylight hours. Consider a solar diverter or battery for surplus energy.

You could get paid up to £400 a year for any excess energy you generate, but SEG tariffs differ widely

Important things to understand about the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG):

• You need a smart meter

• You must apply directly with your chosen SEG provider

• Tariffs vary wildly – you can switch if needed

• You must have certified PV panels under 5MW capacity

Octopus Energy has two tariffs that can beat most of the rates above

• Octopus Flux

• Intelligent Octopus Flux (requires a battery)

If your SEG provider goes bust, payments will stop until you switch.

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. This electricity is then either used in your home or exported to the grid.

What are the benefits of solar panels?

• Lower electricity bills

• Reduced carbon emissions

• Energy independence

• Boost to home value (potentially)

What are PV solar panels made of?

Most are made from silicon cells, glass, and a durable frame. Panels come in monocrystalline or polycrystalline types, with monocrystalline typically more efficient.

How many solar panels do I need?

The average UK home uses about 2,900 kWh per year. A 3.6kW system with 8 to 10 panels usually suffices, depending on your roof and energy usage. We recommend options like the Aiko Neostar 460W All-Black Panel for high-efficiency output.

Solar panels jargon buster

• kWh: kilowatt hour, a unit of energy

• kWp: peak power output of the system

• MPPT: maximum power point tracker, found in inverters

Thinking of getting solar panels? Here's what you need to know

Not all homes are suitable for solar panels

South-facing roofs are best, with minimal shade. East/west still works but may generate less. Roof angle and shading from trees also matter.

If you're likely to move home in the next decade, it probably doesn't add up

Solar is a long-term investment. Selling your home before break-even can dilute returns, unless you find a buyer who values the system.

Are solar panels covered by home insurance?

Often, yes – but check with your insurer. Some policies treat them as part of the building; others require a separate note.

Don't assume you'll always recoup the cost of solar panels on your home's value

While solar can increase appeal, the added value isn't guaranteed. However, homes with low running costs can be more attractive.

Cheap or free solar panels

Government-backed schemes like ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme may offer free or subsidised solar panels to qualifying households.

• Usually for low-income or benefit-eligible households

• Check your council’s website for local grants

Some companies also offer solar subscriptions or financing options – but avoid borrowing directly from installers if possible.

Pros and cons of getting solar panels

Pros

• Reduce energy bills

• Cleaner, greener energy

• Less dependence on grid prices

• Can sell surplus energy

• Potential property value boost

Cons

• High upfront cost

• Not all roofs are suitable

• Savings vary based on usage habits

• Break-even takes time

• May not pay off if you move soon

Solar panel return on investment & break-even point

What affects solar panel payback time?

• How much of the electricity you use

• Size of your system

• Whether you have battery storage

• Your SEG tariff

• Your home's energy efficiency

The break-even point is about 13 years

This figure improves with better SEG rates, smart usage, and tech like batteries or solar diverters. High-quality panels like the Jinko Tiger Neo 440W N-Type Panel may improve returns with better efficiency and warranties.

Are solar batteries worth it?

Batteries let you store excess electricity for use when the sun isn’t shining.

• Good for households home during evenings

• Helps reduce reliance on grid energy

• Can increase savings, but adds cost

We recommend solutions like the SolaX 5.1kWh Battery Module or Fox ESS 2.9kWh Master Battery for reliable energy storage.

Do solar panels increase the value of my home?

They can. Some studies suggest homes with solar fetch up to 14% more (GreenMatch). But this isn’t guaranteed. Location, appearance, and buyer preferences all play a role.

Should you get solar panels for your home?

If you have the right roof, use a lot of electricity during the day, and plan to stay put for several years – yes, solar panels are likely worth it.

We recommend SolarEdge Inverters or Sunsynk Hybrid Inverters for intelligent power management and future-proofing.

Final thoughts

Solar panels are a smart investment for many UK homeowners in 2025. Rising energy prices, better export tariffs, and improved technology make solar more accessible and worthwhile than ever.

Ready to start your solar journey?

Visit Evergy to explore our full range of solar panels, batteries, inverters, and installation support. We only stock trusted brands and offer advice, competitive prices, and fast delivery.

Explore more insights on our blog, including the best home EV chargers in the UK for 2025 and which chargers work with Octopus Intelligent Go.