How much does it cost to install solar PV?
Solar PV pricing depends on your roof, access, system size, and whether you’re adding battery storage. Below is a realistic guide to typical costs for homes in Worthing and across West Sussex — and what can move the price up or down.
Prefer email? Use the quote form and we’ll come back with a proposed design and options.
Typical solar PV costs (guide prices)
3–4 kWp system
Common for average households with usable roof space.
- Typical range: £6,500 – £9,000
- Usually 8–12 panels (varies by panel wattage)
- Great starter system for daytime usage
5–6 kWp system
For higher usage households, EVs, or future-proofing.
- Typical range: £8,500 – £12,000
- Usually 12–16 panels (varies by panel wattage)
- More generation across spring/summer
PV + battery storage
Store excess solar for evening use and reduce imports.
- Typical add-on: +£2,500 – £6,500
- Depends on battery size and whether hybrid/AC-coupled
- Often increases self-consumption significantly
You’ll sometimes see pricing quoted per kWp (system size). It can be a useful guide, but it’s not the full story — roof access, cable routes, consumer unit work, and add-ons (like bird protection or monitoring) can change the final figure.
What affects the price?
Panel types (what most homes choose)
Most domestic installs use modern monocrystalline panels due to strong performance and neat appearance. We’ll recommend options based on your roof space and budget.
- Monocrystalline: high efficiency, typically black finish
- Polycrystalline: lower efficiency, often blue appearance
- Thin-film: niche use cases, larger area needed
If roof space is tight, higher-efficiency panels can deliver more kWp in the same area.
Inverters & lifespan
The inverter converts solar power into usable electricity. Many inverters last around 10–15 years. If replacement is needed, a typical cost is around £500–£1,000 depending on model and system design.
Payback: how quickly will it repay?
Daytime usage = faster payback
If your household uses a lot of electricity during the day (home working, electric cooking, EV charging, etc.), solar can repay installation costs sooner because you’re using more of what you generate.
- Typical payback can be around 8–10 years in many cases
- Even quicker if you can shift usage to sunny hours
Evening-heavy usage
If most of your usage is in the evening, you may export more to the grid and buy more back later. A battery can improve this, but it needs to be sized properly to be worthwhile.
- Payback may be closer to 14–16 years without storage
- Battery storage often increases self-consumption
Running high-usage appliances during the day (and staggering them) can increase your “self-use” and improve savings. Using your inverter/app display helps you spot when you’ve got spare solar to use.
Making the most of solar electricity
Shift usage to daylight
- Run washing machines / dishwashers during the day
- Stagger appliances so they’re not all running at once
- Use inverter monitoring to time “free power”
Add battery storage
- Store surplus solar for evening use
- Reduce imports during peak times
- Great for higher evening usage homes
Useful add-ons
- Solar diverter for hot water cylinders
- Energy monitoring and smart control
- EV/heat pump integration (where suitable)
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
SEG pays you for electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary by energy supplier and tariff. Many suppliers require a smart meter for export payments.
We install to MCS standards and provide the paperwork you’ll need for SEG eligibility (where applicable).
Most homes don’t need planning permission for solar (subject to permitted development rules). Listed buildings and conservation areas can have additional requirements.
Your District Network Operator (DNO) must be notified (or approval obtained) depending on system size and equipment. We handle DNO applications/notifications as part of the process.
Cost FAQs
Can you give a fixed price without a survey?
We can give a guide range, but a technical survey confirms roof access, cable routes, consumer unit work, and panel layout. That’s how we keep quotes accurate and avoid surprises.
Does scaffolding always add cost?
Not always — it depends on roof height and safe access. Some installs need full scaffolding; others may require partial access. We’ll advise after the survey.
Is battery storage always worth it?
It depends on your usage pattern. If you use lots of energy in the evening, a correctly sized battery can increase savings. If you’re out most evenings or have low consumption, it may be better to start with PV only.
Will I get certificates and documentation?
Yes — you’ll receive electrical certification and a clear handover pack with manuals, settings, and app setup guidance.
Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
Yes — we provide a 2-year workmanship warranty. Insurance-backed guarantee options are available via IWA.
How do I get an accurate quote?
Send your postcode and a couple of photos (roof, consumer unit, and meter area if possible). We’ll recommend a design and options.
Ready for a quote?
Tell us your postcode and a bit about the roof — we’ll come back with a proposed design and options.
If you can, include a photo of your consumer unit and (if visible) the meter area — it helps us plan cable routes and protection.