Complete Guide to Solar Panels & Battery Storage
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Solar panels and battery storage help UK homeowners generate, store and use more of their own renewable electricity — cutting bills and grid reliance. This guide covers costs, savings, payback, SEG payments and whether a battery is worth it in 2026.
Get my free solar quote →Why Go Solar?
Solar panels generate clean electricity from daylight, helping UK homeowners reduce energy bills and reliance on the National Grid. When paired with battery storage, you can use more of the electricity you generate, increasing savings and reducing grid imports. Electricity you don't use straight away is either:
- Stored in a battery for use in the evening
- Exported to the grid — you get paid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
The cost of solar panels depends on your system size, property and whether you add battery storage. Most UK homeowners can expect to pay between £5,000 and £9,000 for a solar PV system, while a system with battery storage typically costs £10,000–£14,000 before any available grants or incentives.
The estimates below are based on typical 2026 UK prices for MCS-certified installations. Actual costs vary by property and are confirmed in a fixed-price written quotation after a free survey.
| System Size | Approx. Panels | Typical Cost | Typical Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | 7–9 panels | £5,000–£6,500 | £350–£450 |
| 4kW | 10–12 panels | £6,500–£8,000 | £465–£585 |
| 5kW | 13–15 panels | £7,000–£9,000 | £550–£700 |
| 4kW + 5kWh battery | 10–12 panels + battery | £10,000–£14,000 | £700–£1,000 |
Battery Storage — Store Your Excess Solar Energy
Battery storage lets you save unused solar electricity for later, reducing your reliance on the National Grid. Without a battery, most UK homes use 30–50% of the electricity they generate. With battery storage, this typically increases to 70–90%, boosting your energy savings.
Typical battery cost (estimates)
| Battery Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 3kWh battery | £2,500–£3,500 |
| 5kWh battery | £4,000–£5,500 |
| 8kWh battery | £6,000–£8,000 |
| 10kWh battery | £7,500–£10,000 |
AC-coupled vs DC-coupled
Connected after the solar inverter. Best for retrofitting a battery to an existing solar system.
Connected before the solar inverter, offering higher efficiency. Best for new installations fitted at the same time as your panels.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — Get Paid for Exporting Electricity
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays UK homeowners for the excess electricity their solar panels export to the National Grid. Depending on your energy supplier and export tariff, you could earn £100–£400 per year on top of your electricity bill savings.
How to qualify for SEG
- Your solar panels must be MCS certified (or equivalent)
- You must have a smart meter
- You need an SEG tariff with an energy supplier
Solar Panel Installation Process
Installing solar panels is straightforward and typically takes 1–3 days once your system has been designed and approved. Here's what you can expect.
We discuss your energy usage and roof orientation.
We check roof condition, shading and structural integrity.
We design the optimal panel layout and specify your equipment.
We provide a fixed-price quote and handle the MCS documentation.
We install the panels, inverter and optional battery.
We test the system and show you how to monitor it.
We help you apply for SEG payments so you get paid for exported electricity.
Is Your Home Suitable for Solar Panels?
Most UK homes are suitable for solar panels. The best results come from roofs with good sunlight exposure, minimal shading and a sound roof structure. A professional survey confirms whether solar is the right choice for your property.
- South-facing roof (east or west also work — just less efficient)
- No heavy shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings
- Roof in good condition
- You own your home (or have landlord permission)
- North-facing roof only
- Heavy shading throughout the day
- Roof needing replacement (replace the roof first)
Grants for Solar Panels and Battery Storage
Several UK schemes can help reduce the cost of solar panels and battery storage. Eligibility depends on your property, income and the government scheme available at the time of installation.
May fund solar panels for eligible households, particularly those with electric heating or a low EPC rating.
Check your ECO4 grant eligibility →Expected to include support for solar panels and other energy efficiency improvements (subject to government guidance).
Register for Warm Homes Plan updates →Applies to heat pumps only — it does not cover solar panels or battery storage.
Eligible solar panels and battery storage currently benefit from 0% VAT, helping to reduce your installation costs.
Solar vs Battery Storage — Which Should You Get First?
The right order depends on how and when you use electricity. Here's a quick guide to help you decide.
- Are home during the day and can use the electricity you generate
- Want to reduce your energy bills straight away
- Are installing a renewable energy system for the first time
- Are away during the day and use more electricity in the evening
- Want to maximise self-consumption and energy independence
- Can invest in the higher upfront cost
- Already have solar panels installed
- Export a large amount of unused electricity to the grid
- Use an Economy 7 or other time-of-use electricity tariff
Why Choose LAMTANS for Solar Panels and Battery Storage?
Choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right solar system. LAMTANS Engineering is a Manchester-based renewable energy and retrofit specialist serving homeowners across the UK, delivering high-quality solar panel and battery storage installations.
- MCS Certified solar panel and battery storage installer
- RECC Accredited for consumer protection and industry best practice
- TrustMark Registered and PAS 2030/2035 Compliant
- Fully industry accredited across recognised UK schemes
- Complete service — from survey and system design to installation and SEG registration
- Free, no-obligation home surveys and fixed-price quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight. The UK receives enough daylight to make solar worthwhile.
How much maintenance do solar panels need?
Very little. Rain keeps them clean, and with no moving parts there's nothing to wear out. We recommend an annual visual check.
What happens to solar electricity when the grid goes down?
Standard solar systems shut down for safety, to protect engineers working on the grid. Battery systems with backup capability can keep your lights on.
How long do solar panels last?
Panels last 25+ years with a gradual efficiency decline (typically around 0.5% per year). Batteries last 10–12 years.
Can I get solar panels if I live in a flat?
If you own the roof (for example, a top-floor flat) or have permission from the freeholder, yes. We assess your property during the free survey.
Is LAMTANS MCS and RECC accredited?
Yes. LAMTANS Engineering is MCS Certified, RECC Accredited, TrustMark Registered and PAS 2030/2035 Compliant, and is fully industry accredited — so every installation meets recognised UK standards.
Spread the cost of this work with 0% APR finance
Insulation, solar, heat pumps, boilers, windows and doors, kitchens, bathrooms, extensions and full renovations. Finance available through our partner Ideal4Finance: 0% APR over 3 to 60 months, or 10.9% APR over 120 months. A deposit might be payable, and we will agree this before you begin your application.
Representative example: £5,000 purchase over 5 years with a 25% deposit (£1,250); total credit £3,750; 0% APR fixed; 60 monthly repayments of £62.50; total amount payable £3,750; total interest £0. Finance available subject to status.
Ready to Install Solar Panels or Battery Storage?
Get your free, no-obligation solar quote today with LAMTANS Engineering. Not sure if solar is right for your home? We'll assess your roof and advise you within 72 hours following your free survey.
LAMTANS Engineering · 1023 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 2TB · +44 161 388 2037 · lamtansengineering.com · Manchester-based, serving homeowners across the UK