Are Solar Panels Worth It in the UK?
Data-driven answers for British homeowners. Discover updated 2025 costs, incentives, and your real ROI.
£190 - £600
Average annual savings for a 3-bed home (including SEG income).
0% VAT
On all solar panel and battery installations until April 2027.
8-12 Years
Typical payback period, down from 15+ years a decade ago.
Is Solar Right For You?
Do you own your roof?
You need permission to install. Leaseholders may face hurdles.
Which way does it face?
South is best. East/West works well (80-85% output). North isn't recommended.
Are you home during the day?
Solar is 'use it or lose it' (unless you have a battery). Daytime usage maximizes savings.
The 2025 "Smart" Reality
Gone are the days of simple Feed-in Tariffs. Today, making solar pay depends on Smart Export Guarantees (SEG) and battery storage. Systems are cheaper (approx £6k-£9k), but electricity prices are volatile.
- Without Battery: You might only use 50% of what you generate.
- With Battery: You can use 80%+ and even charge efficiently overnight using tariffs like Octopus Intelligent.
Check out our guide on Battery Storage to see if the extra £4k investment makes sense.