First published: 14 January 2026 -
Last updated: 14 January 2026 -
Solar panels
Rooftop solar panels generate clean, affordable electricity for your home, helping to cut both your energy bills and your carbon footprint.
Installation costs are now lower than ever, and solar works seamlessly with other smart technologies like home batteries and heat pumps.
More than 1.4 million homes across the UK already use solar power - and that number continues to grow every year.
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Why get solar panels?
Lower your bills
Cut your annual energy costs - households save over £500 a year on average.
Earn money from excess power
Sell any electricity you don’t use back to the grid and get paid for what you generate.
Power your other tech
Get even more savings when you combine solar with a home battery, heat pump or electric vehicle.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Use renewable energy from the sun to lower your emissions.
Become more self-sufficient
Track and manage your energy easily with smart apps, timers and flexible tariffs.
Increase your home’s value
Improve your EPC rating and make your home more attractive to future buyers.
Are solar panels right for you?
Solar panels work best on roofs that face south and aren’t shaded by trees or nearby buildings. East and west-facing roofs can also be effective, and systems with ‘optimisers’ can help reduce the impact of any shading.
Check your home’s potential
Use the Government’s Home Energy Assessment to see whether solar panels - or other energy-saving improvements - are a good fit for your property.
Financial support
Check our financial support page to find out if you could be eligible for free home energy improvements or other sources of support.
'Which? Home Energy Planning Service can also build a free personalised plan for your home to improve energy efficiency, provide estimated costs and ways to reduce your energy bills.
Solar panels: What should I know?
Planning permission
Most homes won’t need planning permission to add solar panels, but it’s still worth checking with your local planning authority before you start.
Registering your system
All solar panel systems must be registered with your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). In most cases, your installer will take care of this on your behalf.
Find out more
The Energy Saving Trust’s solar guidance and calculator provide helpful advice on costs, performance, and expected savings.
If you live in an older building, your roof may need structural support for solar panel installation. Find out more about installing solar panels, as well as other renewable energy systems, in this guide from Cadw.
