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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.
Cost solar panels.
Solar PV without battery — what panels alone cost in 2026 and what payback looks like.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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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.
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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.
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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
Solar panels without battery — cheaper entry, slower payback. Use power as generated, export rest via SEG. 27% of new UK solar still install panels-only. Expect to pay £4,500–£10,000 for UK solar PV install (no battery).
What Does the Work Involve?
MCS-certified installer. Roof survey + heat-map for output. 3-5kW system (8-14 panels). String or microinverter. Scaffolding 1 week. Grid connection NICEIC. SEG contract setup. 1-2 day install.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW solar (8 panels) | 4,500 | 6,500 | Small home |
| 4kW solar (10 panels) | 5,500 | 8,000 | Average |
| 5kW solar (12-14 panels) | 7,000 | 10,000 | Larger |
| Microinverters premium | +£1,000 | +£2,500 | Optimisation per panel |
| Bird-proofing add-on | 200 | 500 | Pigeon mesh |
| Annual saving (no battery) | 300 | 600 | Daytime use only |
| Annual SEG income | 150 | 350 | Excess exported |
Payback Analysis
4kW solar no battery, average UK home:
- Install: £6,500
- Annual savings + SEG: £450-£950
- Payback: 8-15 years
- Lifetime savings (25 years): £11,000-£23,000
UK Regulations
MCS for SEG eligibility. NICEIC G99 for >3.68kW. Permitted Development typically. VAT zero-rated to March 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why no battery?
Cheaper upfront. Already at home daytime (WFH). Will add battery later.
Battery later possible?
Yes — AC-coupled battery retrofits. Hybrid inverter from start cheaper.
How long install?
1-2 days. Scaffold 1 day, panels and electrical 1 day.
String or microinverter?
String: cheaper, shade can affect whole string. Micro: per-panel optimisation, premium.
Best for low-export tariff?
Self-consumption maximised — battery later. Or smart appliance scheduling.
How long do panels last?
25-30 years performance guarantee. Inverter 10-15 years (replace mid-life).
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.
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