Is Solar Worth It in the UK in 2026?
Solar can be worth it in the UK in 2026, but your installed price, annual generation, electricity use and accessible export tariff matter more than a national yes or no headline. The quickest way to judge it is to test your own quote and then check how sensitive the payback is.
Wider assumptions were reviewed 2 July 2026. The calculator default remains 26.1p/kWh, rounded from Ofgem's current 26.11p/kWh Direct Debit average to 30 September 2026. The announced 26.32p/kWh rate applies from 1 October 2026. Use your actual tariff where known.
What decides whether the numbers work?
| Factor | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Installed price | A lower like-for-like quote shortens simple payback. |
| Annual generation | More usable kWh creates more scope for savings and export income. |
| Electricity used at home | Each self-used kWh avoids electricity at your import rate. |
| Accessible export tariff | Surplus generation earns the rate you can actually obtain. |
| Battery cost and benefit | Higher self-use only helps payback if it justifies the added cost. |
Pressure-test the payback
Start with the solar-only quote, then test lower generation, a lower export rate and a realistic daytime usage pattern. Add a battery as a separate case so its extra cost does not blur the basic solar result. If small input changes make the payback unacceptable, get better evidence or another quote before committing.
Need the full homeowner decision guide?
For the full homeowner checklist—including roof suitability, quote quality, paperwork and battery considerations—read our guide to whether solar panels are worth it in the UK. For the underlying numbers, see UK solar costs and the solar payback period.
Sources checked
Wider assumptions reviewed 2 July 2026
- Ofgem energy price cap unit ratesCurrent Direct Debit electricity unit rate: 26.11p/kWh including VAT, to 30 September 2026. 26.32p/kWh has been announced from 1 October 2026. Tariff data checked 28 August 2026.
- Energy Saving Trust solar panel guideAverage domestic solar PV system: around 4.5kWp and about £6,100, with roof direction, shade and access changing the final quote.
- Energy Saving Trust battery storage guideBattery storage costs vary by size and type. Energy Saving Trust says a 5kWh battery system is around £4,600, with wider costs ranging from £1,500 to £10,000.
- Ofgem Smart Export Guarantee guidanceSEG export tariffs are set by suppliers, must be above zero, and require eligible metered exports.
- European Commission PVGISPVGIS provides location-specific solar radiation and photovoltaic performance estimates.