How much can solar panels save you a year?
Solar panels save most UK homes between £400 and £1,150 a year on electricity, depending on system size, how much energy you use during daylight and whether you have a battery. Savings come from the grid electricity you no longer buy (around 27p per kWh) plus the Smart Export Guarantee income on your surplus (around 15p per kWh).
Typical annual saving by system size
| System size | Without battery | With battery |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 kWp | £350 to £600 | £500 to £800 |
| 5 kWp | £450 to £800 | £650 to £1,000 |
| 6 to 7 kWp | £600 to £950 | £800 to £1,150 |
What makes the saving bigger
- Using more electricity during daylight, when panels are generating.
- Adding a battery, which lifts self-use from about 37% to around 70%.
- A south, east or west-facing roof with little shading.
- A higher electricity unit rate, which makes each avoided kWh worth more.
Frequently asked questions
- Do solar savings increase if electricity prices rise?
- Yes. Every unit you generate and use avoids buying at the grid rate, so higher prices increase your annual saving.
- How is my exact saving worked out?
- It combines self-consumption at your import rate with export income at the SEG rate. The SunSum calculator estimates both for your home in under a minute.
Related questions
Indicative estimates based on UK average data. Last updated 27 May 2026.