Solar panel savings calculator UK
Use this free calculator to estimate how much you could save with solar panels, what size system your home may need, and how long it could take to pay back. Results are estimates only and actual savings depend on your property, usage, installer quote, export tariff and energy prices.
Your home
Use your approximate annual electricity spend before any solar savings.
Postcode-based grant checks will be improved as more local authority data is added.
Estimated system size
4 kW
Based on 3 bedrooms and your bill
Estimated annual savings
£420
Typical self-consumption assumed. Excludes export payments and battery.
Estimated payback period
16.2 yrs
Installed cost ≈ £6,800
Estimated CO2 saved
610 kg/yr
From an estimated 3,400 kWh of generation
Warm Homes Local Grant: Worth checking
Your region is in England, so Warm Homes style local authority funding may be worth checking. Eligibility usually depends on property, income, EPC rating, local authority rules and available funding.
This calculator does not confirm grant eligibility.
Estimates only. Real performance depends on roof angle, shading, energy use patterns, your tariff and the installer's system design.
How this solar savings estimate works
- It estimates system size from your number of bedrooms and electricity bill.
- It adjusts generation based on roof direction (south, east-west or north).
- It estimates annual savings using simple self-consumption assumptions.
- It estimates payback using typical installed cost assumptions for the UK.
- It does not replace a professional solar survey or a detailed installer quote.
Can I get solar panel grants in the UK?
Solar support may be available through local authority schemes, energy efficiency programmes or wider retrofit funding in some cases. Not every home qualifies, and rules change between councils and over time.
Be cautious of "free solar panel" claims. These should always be checked against the official scheme route, and you should verify installer credentials before agreeing to any work.
Useful next steps: read about solar panel grants UK, check the truth behind free solar panels UK, learn how to avoid energy grant scams, and use our grant eligibility checker.
Solar panel savings: FAQs
Are there solar panel grants in the UK in 2026?
Solar panel support may be available through some local authority, retrofit or energy efficiency schemes, but availability varies by location, property and household circumstances. Not every home will qualify, so it is worth checking your local route and grant eligibility.
How much do solar panels save in the UK?
Solar savings depend on your electricity use, roof direction, system size, energy prices, export tariff and whether you use electricity during the day. Many homes save a portion of their annual electricity bill, but the exact amount should be confirmed with a proper quote and generation estimate.
Can I get free solar panels from the UK government?
Free solar panel schemes are not universally available. Some households may be able to access funded or partly funded solar through local or energy efficiency schemes, but you should be cautious of guaranteed free solar claims and always check the official route.
What roof direction is best for solar panels in the UK?
South-facing roofs usually generate the most electricity in the UK, but east-west roofs can still perform well by spreading generation across the day. North-facing roofs are usually less productive and may need a more detailed assessment.
Do solar panels increase my EPC rating?
Solar panels can sometimes improve a property’s EPC rating, but the effect depends on the property, current EPC, heating system and other efficiency measures. Insulation and heating upgrades may also affect EPC performance.
Sources and review date
This calculator uses simplified assumptions for educational guidance only. Solar performance, grant availability and savings depend on your property, energy usage, location, installer quote, export tariff and current scheme rules. Always confirm figures with a qualified installer or relevant scheme provider.
Last reviewed: 2 May 2026