01
The government removed VAT
In 2022 the Treasury cut VAT on solar installation to 0%, extended into 2027. That's over £1,000 off a typical install on day one.
Updated Today
The 2026 Solar Shift: Why More UK Homeowners Are Checking Their Postcode Than Ever Before
0% VAT, panel prices down 30%, and a live regional map showing where solar delivers the biggest savings in Britain. Here's how to see if your home qualifies in under two minutes.
EM
By Emma Marsh
Energy Correspondent · Reviewed by editorial team
4 min readPublished 24 October 2026
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2026 Report
+£1,400 / year
Free · 2 minutes · No obligation
For most of the last decade, solar felt like a "nice to have." In 2026 that's changed. Panel prices have fallen more than 30%, the government has scrapped VAT on installation, and electricity remains around 35% above pre-crisis levels.
The result: households that once dismissed solar are quietly getting quotes — and many are surprised by what they find.
Key Takeaways
- 0% VAT on solar panels and installation until at least 2027
- Panel prices down over 30% in the last few years
- Typical 3-bed home saves £550–£1,000 a year on electricity
- Excess power can be sold back to the grid (up to ~£160/yr)
- Getting a quote is free, takes about 2 minutes and carries no obligation
Interactive · Regional Snapshot
Tap your region to see local solar options
Sunlight hours, grid rates and installer availability vary across the UK. Select your area on the map — or from the list — to check what's available near you.
Click a region to continue
Or pick from the list
"Solar is on track to become one of the cheapest sources of electricity in the country."
0%
VAT on solar
£1,400
Avg. saving*
30%+
Panel price drop
Savings Calculator
See what a system could save you
Pick your home size to see a rough estimate. Then check your postcode for a proper number.
Recommended system
3.6 kW · 9–12 panels
Estimated annual saving
550–£1,000
Based on Ofgem Q2 2026 rate of 24.67p/kWh. Varies by roof orientation and usage.
The Shift
Three quiet changes that made solar make sense
02
Panel prices dropped over 30%
Better manufacturing and stronger competition have pushed hardware costs down year after year. What cost £8,000 in 2021 often costs closer to £5,000 today.
03
You can sell what you don't use
Under the Smart Export Guarantee, excess electricity is bought back by suppliers — typically adding another £120–£160 a year on top of bill savings.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"We were quoted £4,900 fitted. Bills have dropped by nearly £90 a month since summer. Honestly wish we'd done it two years ago."
Sarah T., Leeds · Verified
"Assumed it wouldn't work on our roof. Took two minutes to get a quote — turns out our south-facing side is ideal."
James R., Bristol · Verified
"Straightforward process. No pressure at all. Ended up with three quotes to compare."
Priya K., Manchester · Verified
"Panels paid for themselves faster than I expected. Export payments help too."
Tom H., Cardiff · Verified
4.8 / 5from UK homeowners
How It Works
Getting a quote takes about 2 minutes
- 1Enter your postcodeWe check panel suitability, sunlight hours and grid availability in your area.
- 2Answer a few quick questionsHome size, roof direction and rough electricity usage — nothing invasive.
- 3Receive your free, no-obligation quoteAn MCS-certified installer local to you will get in touch with numbers tailored to your home.
Reader Tool
Check if your postcode is eligible
Free, takes 2 minutes, no obligation to buy.
MCS-certified installers UK GDPR compliant
Frequently Asked
Your questions, answered
Do solar panels work in the UK's cloudy weather?+
Yes. Panels run on daylight, not direct sunshine. Germany — with a similar climate to the UK — is one of the world's biggest solar markets.
How much does a system cost in 2026?+
Most 3-bed installs land between £5,000 and £7,500 fully fitted, with 0% VAT applied. Larger homes with batteries can go higher.
How long does it take to pay back?+
Typical payback is 6–10 years, with panels warrantied for 25+ years — meaning most homeowners get well over a decade of free electricity after payback.
Is there any obligation after getting a quote?+
None. The quote is free. You decide if you want to proceed — no pressure, no follow-up sales tactics.
Expert View
"For any homeowner with a reasonably unshaded roof, running the numbers has become a no-brainer. The upfront cost has fallen faster than most people realise."
What Happens Next
Ready to see your numbers?
Two minutes, no obligation. We'll match you with an MCS-certified installer local to your postcode.