help-icon-link
James Elston avatar

Solar Panel Quotes: Fast, Free & No Obligation

solar panel quotes

Looking for the best solar panel quotes in the UK? Look no further with our Buy 1 Get One Free on solar panel installation packages now:

Get an online price using our solar panel quote calculator tool here, plus find out how much you can save in under 1 minute. Or alternatively, you can fill in our form to speak to one of our solar experts about our deals now:

Get a Quote For Solar Panels From One Of Our Experts:

I’m looking for a quote for *
First Name *
Last Name *
Phone No. *
Email *
House Number *
Post Code *

Get Solar Panel Quotes Here:

You can work out your annual savings and get an installation price using this free online tool, or use our contact form to speak to an expert right away!

This guide steps away from the fluff and goes straight into providing a clear breakdown of getting solar panel quotes, tangible savings you can expect, and the influence of governmental support in the economics of going solar.

Stay with us as we illuminate the path to a brighter, greener, and more cost-effective home with key insights on the best quotes for solar panels tailored for the savvy homeowner.

The solar panel quote calculator at Green Central UK is designed to provide homeowners with a tailored estimate for a solar panel system by analysing key factors about their property and energy needs.

Below is an explanation of how it works:

1. Scanning Your House

Virtual Assessment

The calculator likely uses a combination of user-provided data and advanced technology to “scan” or assess your home. 

This may involve integrating tools like satellite imagery, Google Maps, or aerial data to evaluate your roof’s size, orientation, pitch, and shading. 

Some modern calculators prompt users to input their postcode or address, which allows the system to pull location-specific data, such as sunlight hours and regional solar output potential.

Roof Suitability

The tool analyses roof characteristics, such as size and Space: Determines how many panels can fit (e.g., an average UK home can accommodate 6–16 panels, requiring 10–20 m² of unshaded space).

Orientation and Pitch:

South-facing roofs with a 10–60° angle are ideal for maximum solar generation. East or west-facing roofs are also viable but produce less.

Shading

Identifies potential obstructions like trees or nearby buildings that could reduce efficiency.

User Input

You may be asked to provide details like house size (e.g., number of bedrooms), roof type, or whether the property is listed or in a conservation area, as these factors affect installation feasibility and costs.

2. Estimating the Number of Panels Needed

Energy Consumption Input

If you provide your annual electricity usage (in kilowatt-hours, kWh, typically found on your energy bill), the calculator uses this to estimate the system size required. 

For example:

A typical UK home consumes around 3,500–4,000 kWh per year.

A 4kW system (producing ~3,400 kWh annually) often suits a 2–3 bedroom home, requiring 10–12 panels (assuming 350–405W panels).

Default UK Averages

If you don’t know your usage, the calculator defaults to national averages based on your home type:

1–2 bedroom homes: ~2,500–3,000 kWh/year, needing ~6–8 panels (2.1–3kW system).

3–4 bedroom homes: ~3,500–4,500 kWh/year, needing ~10–14 panels (3.5–4.5kW system).

Panel Efficiency

The calculator factors in panel efficiency (e.g., monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline) and local sunlight conditions (e.g., southern UK homes generate ~4,200 kWh/year for a 4kW system, vs. 3,400 kWh for solar panels in Scotland).

Output Calculation

It divides your estimated or average consumption by the expected annual production per panel (adjusted for location and roof conditions) to recommend the number of panels.

3. Battery Storage Recommendation

Why Battery Storage?: Batteries store excess solar energy for use when panels aren’t generating (e.g., at night or during outages), increasing self-consumption and savings. Without a battery, ~50% of generated energy may be exported to the grid.

Sizing the Battery

The calculator recommends a battery based on your system size and usage patterns:

For a 4kW system producing ~3,400 kWh/year, a 5–10 kWh battery is often suggested for a 3-bedroom home, as it can store enough for evening use.

It may consider whether you’re home during the day (higher daytime usage reduces battery needs) or rely heavily on evening power (requiring larger storage).

Cost Estimate

Battery costs range from £2,500–£8,000, depending on capacity and brand (e.g., a 5kWh battery like the Enphase IQ 5P costs ~£5,000). The calculator includes this in the quote if selected.

Benefits Factored In

It highlights increased savings (e.g., ~£150–£300/year extra by storing energy instead of exporting) and reduced grid reliance (up to 73% less grid electricity).

4. Calculating Potential Savings

With known electricity usage, the calculator uses your provided kWh consumption and current electricity rates (e.g., 27.03p/kWh in 2025) to estimate savings.

Example: For a 4kW system producing 3,400 kWh/year, if you use 80% directly (2,720 kWh), you save ~2,720 × 27.03p = £735/year on bills.

With the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), excess energy exported to the grid earns 4–20p/kWh, depending on the tariff. For 20% exported (680 kWh), at 15p/kWh, you earn ~£102/year. Total savings: ~£837/year.

If usage isn’t provided, it assumes average consumption for your home type (e.g., 3,500 kWh/year for a 3-bedroom home).

Savings are estimated similarly, e.g., a 4kW system might save £550–£800/year (bills + SEG), with a battery adding £150–£200.

Payback Period

The calculator divides total costs (e.g., £7,000 for a 4kW system, or £12,000 with a 5kWh battery) by annual savings to estimate the break-even point (typically 8–15 years for panels alone, 15–26 years with a battery).

Incentives Factored In:

  • 0% VAT: Saves ~£2,850 on a 4kW system until March 2027.
  • SEG Payments included in savings projections based on estimated exports.

5. Additional Features and Outputs

Cost Projections: Provides an itemised estimate, including panels, inverter, brackets, labour, and optional battery storage. Installation complexity (e.g., scaffolding needs) may adjust costs.

Environmental impact can be measured with an estimate COâ‚‚ savings (e.g., a 3kW system saves ~1 tonne/year, equivalent to 3,000 fewer miles driven).

Customisable Scenarios allow you to adjust parameters (e.g., panel number, battery inclusion) to compare costs and savings.

Next Steps: Offers options to save the estimate, request a detailed quote, or book a site survey with a certified installer for precise recommendations.

Quotes for Solar Panels Installation: The Starting Point

The journey to solar energy begins with gathering quotes for a solar panel system.

solar panels

Embark on your solar energy journey with Green Central by securing solar panel quotes tailored to your home’s needs.
Comparing multiple solar panel quotes is vital for identifying the optimal solar energy system based on cost, energy output, system specifications, and warranty terms. This process empowers homeowners to make informed decisions aligned with their renewable energy goals.

Green Central connects you with free, non-binding quotes from up to four vetted solar installers, streamlining your search for the perfect solar power system. These quotes are customised to your home’s energy needs and local conditions, ensuring maximum solar efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Be aware that solar quotes typically have a 14-day validity due to dynamic factors like technological advancements, fluctuating solar panel prices, and wholesale energy market volatility.

Understanding the components of solar quotes—such as panel types, inverter options, and installation costs—is key to selecting the best solar energy system for your home. Green Central guides you through decoding these details to ensure clarity and confidence in your solar investment.

Start your solar journey with Green Central today and discover sustainable energy solutions that power your home efficiently and affordably.ditions, ensuring you get the best possible system for your home. Let’s dive deeper into these aspects to help you navigate the initial stages of your solar journey.

Why Do Solar Quotations Vary So Much?

When assessing solar quotes, several variables play a significant role.

The size and cost of a solar panel system correlate directly with your energy usage requirements. A thorough assessment of your roof’s size, pitch (getting the right solar panel angle), obstacles, and orientation is crucial to determine the system’s size and configuration.

For instance, a south-facing roof is ideal for capturing the maximum amount of the sun’s rays, thereby optimising energy production.

Technological advancements have made it possible to install smaller arrays that are just as efficient, meaning a 4kW system might now consist of fewer solar panels compared to the past.

Companies like Solar Panel Funding provide expertise in optimising solar panel systems for your specific energy usage, roof space, and budget constraints, offering personalised recommendations that make the most of your investment.

Understanding these variables helps in getting a clearer picture of how many panels you need and how much you might spend.

This knowledge is fundamental for making an informed decision and ensuring your solar panel installation is both effective and economical.

What’s Included in Our Solar Panel Quote

A detailed solar panel quote should include system details, a cost breakdown, and expected energy output. For instance, the quote should clearly outline the types of solar panels used, their efficiency ratings, and the brand and model of the inverters.

This information is crucial as it directly impacts the performance and longevity of your solar panel system.

Warranty information is another critical component of a comprehensive solar quote. It should provide details about:

  • Coverage for defects in materials and workmanship
  • Guarantees against performance drop below specified degradation rates
  • Any maintenance or service agreements associated with the solar system components

This ensures you are well-covered for any future issues.

Decoding these details allows you to compare quotes more effectively and choose the one that offers the best value for your investment. It also ensures that you understand the long-term commitments and benefits associated with your solar panel system.

Maximising Savings with Solar Power Quotes

One of the most compelling reasons to install solar panels is the potential for significant savings on your energy bills, making it worth installing solar panels.

Customers who have installed solar panels often experience immediate cost savings, with many noting substantial reductions in their energy expenses.

Adding a solar battery can increase your savings by up to £460 annually, depending on factors such as system size, energy generation, usage, and electricity costs

Understanding how to maximise these savings through your solar power quotes is crucial.

By carefully assessing factors like the break-even point and comparing long-term benefits, you can ensure that your investment pays off in the shortest possible time. Let’s delve into these aspects to help you make the most of your solar energy investment.

The Impact of Battery Storage on Solar PV Quotes

Incorporating a battery storage system into your solar PV setup can notably affect the overall cost. Home solar batteries represent a significant investment, with prices varying widely.

The cost per kilowatt-hour of storage capacity also plays a key role, adding another layer to the financial considerations of the solar PV system.

However, the benefits of incorporating the best battery storage cannot be overstated. It allows you to store excess energy produced during the day for use during peak hours or at night, thereby maximising your solar energy usage and reducing dependence on the grid.

If you want to know more, speak to one of our solar experts right away, or read on to explore the options and considerations involved in adding battery storage to your solar system.

Tailoring Quotes to Include Energy Storage Solutions

Tailoring your solar PV quotes to include energy storage solutions involves considering several factors, such as battery capacity and cost. For instance, adding a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery to a solar panel system can cost around £13,500, which significantly impacts the total quote.

For effective energy storage and use, a 4 kWp solar panel system should ideally be paired with a battery having a capacity of 8-9 kW. By incorporating these considerations into your quotes, you can ensure that your solar power system is optimised for maximum efficiency and cost savings.

Solar Installation Quotes: Reflecting the Complexity

The complexity of solar installations is often reflected in the quotes provided.

Homeowners frequently praise solar companies for their full-service approach, which includes everything from initial assessments to managing permits and coordinating a smooth installation. Installation crews are known to be efficient and skilled, successfully managing the peculiar structural challenges presented by older homes.

Understanding these complexities and how they affect the quotes can help you prepare better and avoid unexpected costs. Let’s delve into the specific factors that influence the complexity and cost of solar panel installations.

Solar Quotes and Government Incentives

Understanding the economics of solar power involves not only the initial investment but also the various government incentives that can significantly reduce costs.

The UK’s ‘Solar Together’ initiative is a group buying scheme that influences solar panel installation quotes, allowing homeowners to save approximately 30-35% on installation costs. Availability of government funding for solar panels may vary based on household income and benefits eligibility.

Solar panel quotes in the UK may include financial assistance from schemes like ECO4 or the Home Upgrade Grant, which can substantially reduce upfront costs for eligible homes.

Understanding these incentives can help you make a more informed financial decision and maximise the benefits of your solar investment.

Unlocking Savings Through Export Tariffs and SEG Rates

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) enables homeowners in England, Scotland, and Wales to earn money for renewable electricity exported back to the grid. This should be considered when evaluating solar power quotes for potential long-term savings.

SEG tariffs can either be fixed rate, offering consistent compensation, or variable rate linked to market demand, with the potential to increase homeowners’ financial benefits over time.

Exported electricity rates under SEG can range from 1p to 24p per kWh, which can significantly affect savings calculations within a solar panel quote.

Grants and Subsidies: How They Reflect in Your Quote

Programs like ECO4 and ECO Flex offer targeted solar panel funding for low-income or fuel-poor households, depending on specific conditions and the terms set by energy companies. The UK government’s initiative as of February 2024 promotes solar investments by applying a 0% VAT policy to retrofit residential solar battery systems. These financial aids are often reflected in the solar quotes, reducing the upfront costs significantly.

The payback period for a solar panel system can be calculated by dividing the total cost, after accounting for any upfront grants or subsidies, by the annual savings and additional incentives from energy produced. This calculation shows how grants and subsidies can shorten the time needed to recoup your investment, making solar energy more accessible and financially appealing to a broader range of homeowners.

Summary

Navigating the world of solar panel quotes can seem daunting, but understanding the key factors can make the process much smoother.

From gathering multiple quotes to assessing the variables and decoding the details, every step is crucial in finding the best solar panel system for your home.

The potential for significant savings on energy bills and the added benefits of government incentives make solar power an attractive option for homeowners.

As you embark on your solar journey, remember to consider the impact of battery storage, the complexities of installation, and the technical aspects of the quotes.

Real customer testimonials provide valuable insights and reassurance, highlighting the tangible benefits of solar energy. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can make an informed decision that will lead to long-term savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar panel quotes should I obtain before making a decision?

You should obtain at least three to four solar panel quotes to compare and make an informed decision about the system specifications, costs, energy production, and warranty coverage. This will help you choose the best option for your needs.

What factors influence the cost of a solar panel system?

The cost of a solar panel system is influenced by factors such as energy usage, roof characteristics, obstacles, orientation, and the inclusion of battery storage. These factors play a crucial role in determining the overall cost of the system.

How long is a typical solar panel quote valid for?

A typical solar panel quote is valid for 14 days, considering the rapid changes in technology and market conditions. This ensures you have an accurate pricing for your system.

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows homeowners to earn money for renewable electricity exported back to the grid, with rates ranging from 1p to 24p per kWh. It provides a financial incentive for generating renewable energy.

How do government grants and subsidies affect the cost of solar panel installations?

Government grants and subsidies for solar panel installations significantly reduce upfront costs and shorten the payback period, making the investment more financially attractive.

James Elston avatar
close-menu-icon
Call-Green-Solar

This shortcode only works on WooCommerce products.

This shortcode only works on WooCommerce products.