Instant
01 · Ask
Heat pump, solar, battery or all?
Different priorities, different ROI. Describe the house, the bills and the budget — the AI tells you what stacks up.
Calculate renewables ROI.
Solar, heat pump and battery payback — based on actual UK 2026 tariffs and grants.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going
Hire a renewables installer. MCS or no grant.
Read the brief on MCS, BUS grants, heat-loss surveys and right-sizing — then let Three local installers quote.
Free
02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
BUS £7,500 heat pump grant, SEG export tariffs, MCS certification, EPC requirements, radiator upgrades. Know the rules.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 installer quotes
Three local installers quote on the same spec — heat-loss, sizing, grants, warranty — so the cheapest isn't accidentally the unfunded.
✦
Get renewables quotes Ready when you are
Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.
Top tips
Hiring a renewable energy, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Use MCS-certified installers only.
BUS, ECO4, SEG payments all require MCS-certified installation. Any installer without MCS means no grants and no SEG export tariff.
Get a heat-loss survey for heat pumps.
Heat pumps must be properly sized to your house heat loss. Insist on a Heat Loss Calculation (MCS-recognised) — never a 'kW per m²' shortcut.
Check radiator compatibility.
Heat pumps run at lower flow temps (35–55°C vs 70°C for gas). Most existing rads are undersized. Cost: £200–£500 per upgraded rad — get this on the quote.
Don't oversize solar PV.
Generation beyond what you export earns 5–15p/kWh (SEG). Generation you use saves 30p+. Right-sized to consumption beats massive arrays for ROI.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Air source heat pump (install)Pre-grant
£8k–£14k
Ground source heat pump
£18k–£35k
Solar PV 4kW system
£6k–£9k
Battery storage (5kWh)
£3.5k–£6.5k
Solar thermal (hot water)
£4k–£7.5k
EV charger (Type 2, 7kW)
£800–£1.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Renewable Energy briefing.
Infographic
Renewable Energy quick-view
Video guide
Renewable Energy explained
Renewable energy investments offer long-term financial returns plus environmental benefits. ROI calculation considers install cost, energy savings, grant value, and lifespan. Most UK renewable investments pay back 8-15 years.
What Does the Work Involve?
Energy supplier or installer provides full calculation. Includes: install cost, BUS grant (if applicable), annual energy savings, SEG export income, system lifespan, replacement schedule (batteries every 10 years). Net Present Value (NPV) calculated. Payback period in years.
Typical Returns
| System | Install Cost | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar PV 4kW | £4,500-£8,500 | £700-£1,800 | 5-9 years |
| Solar PV + battery | £8,000-£17,000 | £1,000-£2,500 | 7-12 years |
| ASHP (after BUS) | £2,500-£12,500 | £200-£800 | 8-15 years |
| ASHP + insulation | £5,500-£27,500 | £600-£2,000 | 10-16 years |
| Combined solar+ASHP | £11,500-£30,000 | £1,200-£3,500 | 9-14 years |
| Smart tariff (Octopus Go) | £0 | £200-£800 | Immediate |
| EV charger + smart tariff | £700-£1,800 | £300-£1,200 | 1-3 years |
| GSHP (after BUS) | £15,000-£35,000 | £300-£1,000 | 15-25 years |
How Long Does It Take?
ROI calculation: 30 minutes online calculator or 1 hour with installer.
DIY or Professional?
Online calculators good for ballpark. Installer provides accurate calculation for your home.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Energy Saving Trust calculator. Octopus Energy app. MCS-certified installer with detailed report. EPC software (RdSAP) for accurate calculations.
UK Regulations
SEG rates regulated by Ofgem. BUS grant rules through OFGEM. ECO4 means-testing through energy suppliers.
Common Problems
- Optimistic claims: Some installers overstate savings. Independent calculator confirms.
- Energy price assumptions: Future prices uncertain. Use current rates or conservative forecasts.
- Battery degradation: 10-year battery may need replacement. Include in lifecycle cost.
- Maintenance costs ignored: Annual service costs add up. Include in TCO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's payback period for renewables?
Solar PV: 5-9 years. Heat pump: 8-15 years (after grant). Combined: 9-14 years. Smart tariff alone: immediate savings.
Best ROI renewable?
Solar PV alone: fastest payback (5-9 years). Heat pump with BUS grant: large saving over lifetime. Combined: best long-term.
Net Present Value (NPV)?
Value today of all future savings. Better measure than simple payback. Quality installers provide NPV calculation.
What about property value?
EPC improvement: 5-10% property value increase typical. Plus renewable systems add to property appeal at sale.
How to maximize ROI?
Combine renewable + smart tariff + EV. Use BUS grant. Insulate first. Optimize battery sizing. Track and refine.
UK government future support?
BUS extended to 2028. Likely extended further given net zero commitments. SEG ongoing. New grants possible.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
Got more questions
about renewable energy?
Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the renewable energy — so you walk in informed.
I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a renewable energy?
Sounds like a job for renewable energy. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS
Keep reading
VIEW ALL RENEWABLE ENERGY GUIDES →More renewable energy guides.
Guide
Renewable Energy Repair Process
Investing in renewable energy is a significant commitment for any UK homeowner. Whether you have solar PV panels, a battery storage system, or an air source hea...
READ GUIDE →GuideSolar PV Installation Cost & Guide
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems are one of the most effective ways for UK homeowners to shield themselves from volatile energy prices. By converting sunlight di...
READ GUIDE →GuideSolar Panel Installation Guide
Solar panels are no longer a niche luxury; they are a core component of a modern, energy-efficient UK home. With energy prices remaining volatile, generating yo...
READ GUIDE →GuideBiomass Feasibility Assessment Guide
A biomass feasibility assessment is the essential first step for UK homeowners considering a switch from fossil fuels to renewable wood-based heating. This prof...
READ GUIDE →GuideRooftop Solar Installation Guide
Rooftop solar PV (photovoltaic) systems have become a staple of the UK's transition to green energy, offering homeowners a way to slash electricity bills and re...
READ GUIDE →GuideSolar Thermal Installation Process
Solar thermal systems are a highly efficient way for UK homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and slash energy bills by harnessing free heat from the sun....
READ GUIDE →