Solar Savings Calculator UKPayback estimates for real household assumptions

Knowledge hub

Practical UK solar guides

Clear, source-backed guides for the parts of solar that actually trip people up: export tariffs, DNO paperwork, MCS certificates, VAT, planning, batteries and payback.

Tariffs and exportPaperworkCostsPlanningBuyingDesignSavingsBatteryWorth it

Editorial standard

Current figures, cautious examples

The guides use official sources where possible, separate regulations from buying advice, and keep calculator examples conservative. When Ofgem rates, Energy Saving Trust figures, VAT rules or SEG guidance change, affected pages are reviewed rather than silently refreshed.

Worth reading first

Worth-it overview
Worth it · 10 min readAre solar panels worth it in the UK? 9 checks

Solar can be a strong household upgrade, but only when the roof, quote, generation estimate, tariff and export setup all work together.

Savings · 9 min readSolar panel ROI UK: payback, savings and net value

Solar ROI is not one magic percentage. A useful return calculation separates bill savings, export income, upfront cost and battery extras.

Worth it · 9 min readIs solar worth it with a battery? 8 checks

A battery can make solar feel more useful, but it needs its own calculation. Start with the solar-only case, then judge the battery uplift.

Savings · 7 min readEnergy Saving Trust solar calculator guide

Energy Saving Trust figures are a useful benchmark, but your own savings estimate still needs your roof, quote and tariffs.

Savings · 6 min readHow to calculate solar savings

Solar savings are not one magic number. You get a better estimate by valuing self-used electricity and exported electricity separately.

Knowledge hub index

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Tariffs and export · 6 min readSmart Export Guarantee explained

SEG is the route most UK households use to get paid for exported solar electricity. The rule is simple, but the paperwork and tariff choices matter.

Paperwork · 5 min readMCS certificates for solar panels

MCS isn't just a logo on a quote. For many households it is the simplest proof route for SEG eligibility and system paperwork.

Paperwork · 7 min readDNO, G98 and G99 for home solar

The DNO question is about how your system connects to the local electricity network. It isn't the same as your panel size.

Costs · 5 min readVAT on solar panels and batteries

Installed solar panels and certain energy-saving materials are temporarily zero-rated for VAT, but the detail matters.

Planning · 7 min readPlanning permission for solar panels

Most house roof installs are straightforward, but planning rules aren't identical across the UK and exceptions matter.

Costs · 6 min readSolar panel grants and support in the UK

There isn't a universal solar grant for everyone, but VAT relief, SEG payments and targeted schemes can still change the numbers.

Buying · 7 min readHow to compare solar quotes

The cheapest quote isn't always the best. The best quote is the one where the system design, assumptions and paperwork all stack up.

Design · 6 min readRoof suitability and shading

A good roof matters more than a glossy panel brochure. Shade and roof condition can change the economics quickly.

Savings · 6 min readSelf-consumption and solar savings

Self-consumption is often the quiet number that decides whether a solar estimate looks ordinary or excellent.

Battery · 7 min readIs a solar battery worth it?

A battery can be useful, but it's not automatically a faster payback. The answer depends on cost, routine and tariff.