A solar panel installation has become a more common sight in the UK, thanks in part to lower prices and more knowledge about how solar panel systems really work. For one, more consumers and property owners are aware that solar panel systems don’t really need a significant amount of sunlight in order to work – in fact, they will still produce energy even on dark and cloudy UK days.

Also, since the government has come up with the fantastic FiT programme or scheme, more and more property owners are opting for a solar panel system since they can earn money if they produce more energy than they need. Besides, having a solar panel installation means that you don’t have to rely too much on your energy provider – it gives you control over your household and property, and you don’t have to pay too much on your energy bill at the same time. But while having a solar PV installation comes with a plethora of benefits, it is still an investment. First off, you have to know how much it costs. Here, then, is your best guide to the real costs of installing a solar panel system in the UK.

The average cost today

In 2018, the average cost of a solar panel system was between approximately £6,000 to £7,000. But this rate is already 50 to 60% less than what you would have paid for the same solar panel system in 2010. This means that solar panel installations are now a lot more affordable and can give you a great return on your investment.

Factors which will affect the cost of your solar panel system

There are some factors which can affect the overall cost of a system today as well. For instance, the cost of your system can depend on its size, the price of the installer, and the quality and brand of your solar panels. If you go for solar panels made of black mono crystalline silicon (panels characterised by their black colour), for instance, they can have a higher price compared to solar panels made of polycrystalline silicon (panels distinguished by their bluish marbled colouring).

Another factor which will affect the cost of your solar panel installation is the number of panels you need. This will often be determined by how many people are living in your household as well as how big your property is. A good installer, such as Atlantic Renewables, who are experts in solar in Cheshire should be able to give you a reasonable estimate of the proper solar panel system size for your requirements. They should also be able to give you a good estimate of the size of system you can have based on your roof’s size (and if the system can be installed on your roof as well). For example, a 1kW system would require a roof size of about 8 square metres, whilst a 2kW system would require a roof size of about 12 square metres. For larger systems such as 3kW and 4kW, roof sizes of about 20 square metres and 25 or more square metres, respectively, are ideal.

The brand of solar panel you choose will also make a difference to the overall cost of your system, but it’s best to stick to the most popular and reputable brands, such as Sharp, Suntech, SunPower, Canadian Solar, Yingli, and others.

In general, you can spend almost £2,000 for a 1-kW system today, while a 2-kW system can cost about £3,600. A 3-kW system, which is ideal for a home with three bedrooms, can cost around £5,500, while a 4kW system can cost upwards of £6,000.