With energy costs still soaring, solar energy has become a viable avenue for many homeowners and businesses to reign in the amount they spend on electricity. In this article, we will delve into how much it costs to install solar panel systems for residential applications.
The cost of installing solar panels in the UK varies based on the power capacity of the solar system. As such, homeowners need to determine their household’s power needs first to know how big their solar system needs to be. Generally, the size of the house (or typically estimated based on the number of bedrooms the house has) will influence the size of the solar system you need.
Additionally, homeowners looking to install solar panels should consider other factors beyond the power needs of their household. For instance, you need to consider the space available on your roof, as this will influence the system size and the number of panels you can feasibly install on your property.
That said, for smaller homes, such as a 1-2 bedroom house, a 3kW solar panel system would likely be sufficient. This system requires either eight 350W panels or six 450W panels, with installation costs typically ranging from £4,500 to £5,500. For larger 2-3 bedroom homes, a 4kW system might be more appropriate, which requires around ten 350W panels or eight 450W panels, with costs between £5,000 and £6,000 according to MMK Solar Panels Dublin.
For homeowners with higher energy demands, such as those in larger 2-3 bedroom houses, a 5kW system may be more suitable. This system requires 13 panels at 350W or 10 panels at 450W, costing between £7,500 and £8,500.
Finally, for the largest homes, such as 4-5 bedroom houses, a 6kW system would likely meet energy needs, requiring 16 panels at 350W or 13 panels at 450W. This would cost between £9,500 and £10,500 to install.
Aside from the energy needs, you must also factor in the type of solar panels you install, as it will influence the cost considerably. If you choose to install monocrystalline solar panels, renowned for being the most efficient solar panels, you can expect to fork out £1 to £1.50 per watt. However, if you choose to install polycrystalline panels, it will cost you £0.90 to £1 per watt. Finally, if you install thin-film solar panels, it will cost you £0.80 per watt.
While thin-film solar panels are the cheapest, they’re also the least efficient solar panels on the market.
The cost of installing solar panels in the UK ranges significantly based on the size and energy demands of the house. Smaller systems are more affordable but may not generate enough electricity for larger homes, where higher-capacity systems are essential despite their higher installation costs.
Factors That Affect Solar Panel Pricing
Below are the main factors influencing the cost of solar panels:
#1: Type of Solar Panels – As noted above, the type of solar panels you install will influence your final price. Therefore, you should balance your energy production needs and cost when narrowing down between monocrystalline (black solar panels), polycrystalline, and thin-film panels.
#2: Installation Process – Solar panel manufacturers design their products for easy installation. Consequently, homeowners can successfully undertake the installation process as a DIY project, saving on labour costs. However, you need professional certification of your system if you want to benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee program.
#3: System Size – Solar panels come in a variety of sizes, allowing homeowners to customise the size of their solar panels to their specific electricity needs. Generally speaking, the larger the solar panels are, the higher their installation cost. Consider this: a 2kW solar panel system will cost about £2,500 to £3,500. Double the size, and the installation cost will double as well.
#4: Additional System Components – Adding accessories or equipment on top of the basic system component can increase the installation cost (but reduce the lifetime cost of your system). For instance, pigeon-proofing might increase the installation cost by as much as £600. Installing storage batteries will increase the installation cost by as much as £2,500 to £10,000.
#5: Labour Costs – While you can install solar panel systems as a DIY project, it is advisable to hire a professional contractor to handle the job. In this regard, you should factor in labour costs, which vary based on your location. Typically, labour will cost you about £300 to £500 per person per day. Completing a solar system installation project generally takes 1 and 3 days.
It is important to note that many installers include labour costs in their quotes.
Tips On How You Can Lower Your Installation And Lifetime Solar Panel Cost
Tip #1: Seek Multiple Quotes – Request quotes from multiple vendors. While pricing tends to be similar among the vendors, there are differences in pricing among vendors. Importantly, the small differences can significantly affect the final cost you incur in your solar panel installation project.
Tip #2: Enquire About Discounts – You should also enquire about discounts when requesting quotes. Additionally, you can independently research online the discounts, promotions, and/or incentives available when you want to install the solar panels.
Tip #3: Negotiate The Prices – When requesting quotes, haggle the price with the installers. Obviously, you should be polite while negotiating. Many installers are willing to lower the rates on some aspects of installation projects to secure your business. Others are willing to offer additional perks.
Tip #4: Purchase High-Efficiency Solar Panels – You should consider purchasing high-efficiency solar panels such as midlandbatteries.com as they convert more solar radiation to electricity. A higher output from your solar panels ensures you maximise the available space, thereby enhancing the cost-effectiveness of your solar panel installation.
Tip #5: Compare The Warranties – The length and coverage of warranties on the solar panel generally indicate their quality and longevity. Panels with more extended warranties tend to be more reliable and durable. While they might be more expensive, they will effectively produce energy longer.
Tip #6: Do Not Rush – Be deliberate in your decision-making process. Do not rush onto the first deal that sounds great. Instead, take your time, conduct thorough research and do not curve into high-pressure sales tactics some installers use.
