costs15 January 20268 min read
Solar Panel Cost Calculator: How Much Will You Really Pay?
Use our detailed cost breakdown to estimate your solar panel installation costs based on property size, location, and energy usage.

Solar Panel Cost Calculator: How Much Will You Really Pay?
Quick Cost Estimator
The cost of solar panels depends on several key factors. Use this guide to estimate your installation cost.
Step 1: Determine Your System Size
Your ideal system size depends on:
- Annual electricity usage: Check your bills for kWh consumed
- Roof space available: Typically 2m2 per panel
- Budget: Balance between cost and generation
| Annual Usage | Recommended System | Approx. Cost |
| Under 2,500 kWh | 3kW (8 panels) | £5,000-£6,500 |
| 2,500-3,500 kWh | 4kW (10 panels) | £6,000-£7,500 |
| 3,500-4,500 kWh | 5kW (12 panels) | £7,000-£8,500 |
| 4,500-6,000 kWh | 6kW (15 panels) | £8,000-£10,000 |
| Over 6,000 kWh | 8-10kW (20+ panels) | £10,000-£14,000 |
Step 2: Add-Ons and Extras
Battery Storage:- 5kWh battery: +£4,000-£5,000
- 10kWh battery: +£6,500-£8,000
- 13.5kWh (Tesla/GivEnergy): +£7,500-£10,000
- Standard 7kW charger: +£800-£1,200
- Smart charger (Zappi/Ohme): +£1,200-£1,500
- All-black panels: +£500-£800
- Microinverters: +£800-£1,500
- Bird protection mesh: +£150-£300
Step 3: Location Adjustments
| Area | Adjustment |
| London/affluent areas | +10-15% |
| Rural areas | +5-10% (access) |
| Conservation areas | +£500-£1,000 (planning) |
| Listed buildings | +£1,000-£2,000 (specialist work) |
Example Calculations
Example 1: 3-Bed Semi in Watford- 4kW system: £6,500
- No battery: £0
- Standard install: £0
- Total: £6,500
- 6kW system: £9,000
- 10kWh battery: +£7,000
- Conservation area: +£500
- Total: £16,500
- 10kW system: £13,000
- Tesla Powerwall: +£9,500
- Premium panels: +£700
- EV charger: +£1,300
- Total: £24,500
What Affects Your Final Price?
1. Roof type: Slate costs more than tile
2. Scaffolding needs: Complex roofs increase costs
3. Electrical work: Old consumer units may need upgrading
4. Access: Difficult access adds scaffolding costs
5. DNO requirements: G99 applications for larger systems
Getting an Accurate Quote
For a precise quote, you'll need:
- Recent electricity bills (12 months)
- Property photos (roof and consumer unit)
- Postcode for local pricing
Our free survey provides an exact, fixed-price quote with no hidden extras.
Related Topics
solar panel cost calculatorsolar panel pricessolar installation cost
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