What are the hidden costs of solar panels?
The main 'hidden' solar costs are extras some quotes leave out: scaffolding, a new consumer unit, bird protection, power optimisers for shaded roofs, and eventual inverter replacement (around £800 to £1,500 after 10 to 15 years). A good MCS quote should include scaffolding and fitting, so always ask what is and is not covered.
Extras to check in a quote
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Scaffolding | Often included | Most pitched roofs |
| New consumer unit | £300 to £600 | Older fuse boards |
| Bird protection | £200 to £500 | Where pigeons are a risk |
| Power optimisers | £40 to £80/panel | Shaded or complex roofs |
| Inverter replacement | £800 to £1,500 | Once in the system's life |
How to avoid surprises
Ask each installer for an itemised, fully installed price and confirm it includes scaffolding, fitting, certification and DNO notification. Compare quotes like-for-like. The SunSum calculator gives you a realistic installed range so you can spot a quote that is suspiciously low or padded.
Frequently asked questions
- Do solar panels have ongoing costs?
- Very little. Occasional cleaning if needed and one likely inverter replacement over 25 years are the main ongoing costs.
- Is scaffolding always included?
- It usually is in a proper MCS quote, but always confirm, as it can be a few hundred pounds if charged separately.
Related questions
Indicative estimates based on UK average data. Last updated 27 May 2026.