Thinking about solar panels for your home? You’re not alone. They’re one of the UK’s most popular renewable technologies — helping households cut bills, become more energy independent, and shrink their carbon footprint.
This guide explains how they work, what they cost, how much you could save, and whether you might qualify for support.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic (PV) effect. When daylight hits the silicon cells inside the panel, it knocks electrons loose, creating an electrical current. The important point here is that it’s daylight, not direct sunshine. That means solar panels work in the UK’s mixed climate — they don’t need Mediterranean weather to be effective.
Do they work in bad weather?
Yes. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can produce around 10–25% of their maximum output. In winter, output is naturally lower because the days are shorter and the sun sits lower in the sky. But panels will still generate electricity year-round, and summer production is usually high enough to balance out the quieter months.
Can they get too hot?
Surprisingly, yes. Like many electronics, solar panels are less efficient at very high temperatures. When panels heat up above 25°C, efficiency can drop slightly — around 0.3–0.5% per degree. In practice, that’s not a big issue in the UK climate. In fact, cool, bright days often deliver the best performance.
What does this mean for your home?
Solar panels will produce some electricity in all seasons, though most generation happens between March and October.
You’ll make the most of them if you can use electricity during daylight hours (e.g. running washing machines or charging devices in the day).
A home battery can help store daytime generation for evening use, making your panels even more efficient.
Suitability & Installation
Solar isn’t right for every home. Before you start, it’s worth checking a few key things:
Roof orientation
A south-facing roof is best — it captures the most consistent sunlight during the day. But don’t rule yourself out if your roof faces east or west. You can still generate around 80–90% of the output of a south-facing roof. In some cases, east- or west-facing panels can actually be better matched to your lifestyle — producing more power in the mornings or evenings when many households use the most electricity.
Roof space
The more panels you can fit, the more energy you’ll produce. A typical three-bedroom semi might need 10–12 panels to cover a significant chunk of its annual electricity use. Each panel is roughly the size of a large door, so you’ll want a decent patch of unshaded roof space, ideally without chimneys or dormer windows getting in the way.
Roof condition
A professional installation won’t damage your roof — panels are mounted securely without harming the structure. But it does make sense to check your roof is in good condition first. If it needs repairs or new tiles, get that sorted before the panels go on. It’s cheaper and easier to do it once.
Planning permission
In most cases, you don’t need planning permission for solar. The main exceptions are if you live in a listed building, conservation area, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Your installer should check this with you before any work begins.
Want to know what happens once you’ve decided to go ahead?
See our Homeowner Installation Guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, try our Find a Tradesman service and connect with vetted solar installers in your area.
Maintenance & Lifespan
One of the reasons solar panels are so popular is that they’re not just a short-term investment — they’re built to last.
Lifespan
Good-quality solar panels can keep generating electricity for 25–40 years. Over time, they do lose a little efficiency — typically around 0.5% a year. That means after 20 years, your panels will still be working at around 90% of their original capacity. For most homeowners, that’s more than enough to justify the upfront cost.
Maintenance
Unlike a boiler, solar panels don’t need an annual service. In fact, they’re almost maintenance-free. Rain usually does the job of cleaning them. If you live in a particularly dusty or coastal area, you might get better performance with the occasional clean — either with warm water or through a professional cleaning service. Some homeowners choose an annual check-up, but for most, it’s not essential.
Warranty
Reputable manufacturers back up their panels with long warranties — typically 20–25 years. That means if anything goes wrong during that time, you’re covered. And because panels have no moving parts, serious issues are rare.
For tips on keeping your panels running efficiently, see our Aftercare & Maintenance guide.
Costs, Savings & Payback
How much do they cost?
The price depends on the size of your system, but most UK homes need a 3–4kWp system. Installed, that usually comes in between £5,000 and £8,000. Add-ons like battery storage will increase the cost — but they can also increase your independence from the grid.
How much will I save?
On average, homeowners save £400–£500 a year. If you’re at home during the day (retired, working from home, or running appliances like dishwashers and washing machines while the sun’s out), you’ll save even more. Add a battery, and you can store daytime power for the evenings — cutting bills further.
What about payback?
Most people recoup their investment in 8–12 years. After that, you’re effectively generating free electricity for the lifetime of the panels — which could be another 15–20 years. That’s why many homeowners see solar as one of the most reliable long-term home upgrades.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The SEG lets you earn money by selling unused electricity back to the grid. Payments vary depending on your supplier, but it’s a handy way to make sure no energy goes to waste.
Are There Grants for Solar Panels?
Here’s the straight answer: most national schemes don’t cover solar PV. That doesn’t mean support never exists — just that it’s patchy, and often depends on where you live.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
This one is focused on heating. It pays up to £7,500 towards a heat pump or, in some cases, a biomass boiler. But it does not cover solar PV panels.
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
As the name suggests, this scheme is only about insulation. No funding for solar here.
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)
ECO4 mainly targets low-income households for insulation and heating upgrades. In theory, some councils have flexibility under “ECO-flex” to include solar, but it’s not common. Treat this one as a “maybe,” not a certainty.
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2)
This is where solar gets more promising. In some regions, especially for off-gas homes, local authorities have included solar PV as part of whole-house improvements. It’s worth checking with your council to see if your area is offering this.
The bottom line? Don’t bank on solar being covered by a national grant. But depending on your council or devolved nation, you might get support.
For a full breakdown of schemes and eligibility, read our guide: Do I Qualify for Renewable Grants?
Other Considerations
What happens in a power cut?
If your solar panels are connected to the grid (as most are), they’ll automatically switch off during a power cut. This is a safety feature to protect engineers working on the lines. The panels aren’t “broken” — they’ll come back on when the grid does. If you want electricity during blackouts, you’ll need a battery system with backup capability. With that in place, you can keep essentials like lights, Wi-Fi, or even your fridge running.
Do you need a battery?
No, solar panels will still work fine without one. During the day, you’ll use the electricity as it’s generated, and at night you’ll draw from the grid. But a battery changes the game: it lets you store excess power from sunny hours and use it later. That means fewer imports from the grid, more savings, and more independence. It does add cost, but for many homeowners it shortens the payback period.
Can you DIY install?
In theory, yes — some DIY kits exist. In practice, it’s a bad idea. Without professional installation, you risk damaging your roof, voiding your warranties, and missing out on grants or SEG payments. For most homeowners, it makes far more sense to hire a vetted, accredited installer who can guarantee the work.
