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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.
Install solar + battery.
Combined solar PV plus battery storage — runs your home on stored solar through the evening.
✓ 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 PV plus battery storage — UK's fastest-growing energy upgrade. 203,125 rooftop installs UK 2025 (record). 73% of new solar paired with battery. Expect to pay £8,000–£15,000 for UK solar PV + battery storage system.
What Does the Work Involve?
MCS-certified installer surveys roof. 3-5kW solar PV typical (8-14 panels). 5-10kWh battery sized to evening use. Inverter + battery management system. Roof scaffolding (1 week). Electrical connection NICEIC. SEG export contract. Commissioning + MCS certificate.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW solar PV install | 4,500 | 7,500 | Small 8-panel |
| 4-5kW solar PV install | 6,000 | 10,000 | Standard 10-14 panel |
| 5kWh battery storage | 3,500 | 6,000 | Standard |
| 10kWh battery storage | 5,500 | 10,000 | Large |
| Total 4kW solar + 5kWh battery | 9,000 | 15,000 | Most common |
| SEG export annual | 200 | 400 | Income |
| Annual bill saving | 500 | 1,000 | Plus SEG |
Payback Analysis
4kW solar + 5kWh battery, average UK home, Octopus Flux SEG (27p/kWh):
- Install: £10,500
- Annual savings + SEG: £900-£1,400
- Payback: 7-12 years
- Lifetime savings (25 years): £18,000-£28,000
UK Regulations
MCS certification mandatory for SEG. NICEIC for grid connection. DNO approval (G99) for >3.68kW. Permitted Development typically (height limits). VAT zero-rated to March 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best SEG tariff?
Octopus Flux variable up to 27p/kWh. Octopus Outgoing Fixed 15p flat. EDF 5.6p basic. Compare on which.co.uk.
Battery essential or optional?
73% of new installs now battery — payback now under 12 years. Without: only save during sun hours.
How long install?
1-3 days total. Scaffold 4 hours. Panels 1 day. Battery + inverter 1 day. Commissioning.
Roof requirements?
South/East/West facing best. North-only feasible but lower output. Strong roof structure.
Best UK brands?
Panels: REC, LG, JA Solar, JinkoSolar. Battery: Tesla Powerwall, GivEnergy, Octopus, Solis.
VAT exemption?
Zero-rated until 31 March 2027. Save 20% — install before deadline.
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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