How much do solar panels and a battery cost?
Solar panels with a home battery cost most UK homes between £8,000 and £18,000 fully installed in 2026. The panels make up £5,000 to £12,000 and the battery adds a further £2,500 to £6,000, depending on its capacity. A common 5 kWp system with a 7 to 10 kWh battery typically lands around £10,000 to £15,000.
A battery stores the solar energy you generate during the day so you can use it in the evening instead of buying from the grid. That raises how much of your own electricity you keep, which is where the extra savings come from.
Combined cost by system size
| System | Battery | Panels only | Panels + battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 kWp | 5 to 7 kWh | £5,000 to £8,000 | £7,500 to £12,000 |
| 5 kWp | 7 to 9.5 kWh | £7,000 to £9,000 | £10,500 to £14,000 |
| 6 to 7 kWp | 9.5 to 13 kWh | £8,500 to £12,000 | £13,000 to £18,000 |
Is a battery worth the extra cost?
Without a battery, a typical home uses around 37% of what its panels generate and exports the rest. With a battery, self-use rises to roughly 70%. Because the electricity you avoid buying is worth around 27p per kWh while exported energy earns about 15p per kWh, keeping more of your own power is what makes a battery pay.
A battery is most worthwhile if you are out during the day, have high evening usage, charge an electric vehicle or want backup against rising prices. If you are home during daylight and use power as it is generated, panels alone may give a faster payback.
Battery sizing
- Smaller homes and systems up to 4 kWp suit a 5 to 7 kWh battery.
- A typical 5 kWp system pairs well with a 7 to 9.5 kWh battery.
- Larger 6 to 7 kWp systems, or homes with an EV, suit 9.5 to 13 kWh.
- Oversizing a battery beyond your daily surplus wastes capacity and money.
See your combined figure
The SunSum calculator estimates both the panel and battery cost for your home, and shows the extra annual saving a battery would add, so you can decide whether it is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a solar battery cost on its own?
- A home solar battery costs roughly £2,500 to £6,000 installed in 2026, depending on capacity (around 5 to 13 kWh).
- Can I add a battery later?
- Yes. Many homeowners fit panels first and add a battery later, though installing both together can save on labour and scaffolding.
- How long do solar batteries last?
- Most home batteries are warrantied for around 10 years and retain a large share of their capacity over that period.
Related questions
Indicative estimates based on UK average data. Last updated 26 May 2026.