Should I Get Solar Panels? Is It Worth It?
Are solar panels worth it for UK homeowners in 2025? It's one of the most common questions we receive at Solar Advice Bureau, and the answer isn't simply yes or no. I must have been asked these two questions over 100 times. So I've decided to finally answer them properly in this post.
With UK electricity prices continuing to rise and solar technology becoming more affordable, the financial case for solar panels has never been stronger for most households. However, whether solar panels are worth it for your specific situation depends on several key factors: your current energy usage, age, property type, and long-term plans.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the real costs, potential savings, and payback periods for different types of UK households, helping you make an informed decision about whether solar panels are a smart investment for your home.
(SP = Solar Panels)
Solar Panels for Retirees: When They're Not Worth It
The answer? Maybe — depending on your current situation.
Let's break it down by life stages, starting with those on the more mature side.
Often, the ones I've spoken to about SP installations are at retirement age. Their question is usually: "Am I too old to see the financial benefits of solar?" And the honest answer for most is — yes.
Let me explain why.
I once spoke with a lovely lady who told me her electricity bill never goes above £90 a month. She's very cautious with energy use — she boils the kettle once in the morning and fills a flask to avoid reheating. With energy habits like that, her solar panel payback period would be somewhere between 12 to 15 years.
If that sounds like you, then solar probably isn't worth it purely from a financial point of view. The only reasons to install SP would be:
- You enjoy a techy home project and have the money to spare, or
- You're committed to going greener and reducing your carbon footprint.
But for everyone else — especially those under 60 — the answer shifts to a strong yes.
Why Solar Panels Are Perfect for Working Families
Let's compare.
The average UK household (say a family of 4 in a 3-bedroom home) uses around 3,800 to 4,500 kWh of electricity per year. At the current rate of 27.03p per kWh (based on April 2025 Ofgem price cap), that means around £1,200 to £1,400 a year just on electricity — and that's before standing charges and any price increases.
Now multiply that over 20 years. You're looking at £24,000 to £28,000 spent on electricity alone, assuming no major price hikes — which, let's be honest, is unlikely.
Now let's compare that to the cost of solar.
UK Solar Panel Costs vs Long-term Savings
A typical solar panel and battery system for a 3-bed home costs around £10,000 to £12,000. That system could reduce your electricity bills by 70–90%, depending on usage and storage. Over 20 years, you'd potentially save £15,000 to £20,000, possibly more if energy prices continue to rise — and with solar, you own the energy you produce.
Plus, you can even earn a small income from exporting unused electricity back to the grid.
Final Thoughts
So — is solar worth it?
If you're retired, have low usage, and careful habits — maybe not, unless it's a passion project.
But if you're working, raising a family, or just looking for a smart long-term investment — then yes, solar is absolutely worth considering.
And don't forget: solar isn't just about savings. It's about energy independence, future-proofing your home, and doing your part for the environment.
If you're unsure where to start, or want an independent opinion before you invest, that's exactly why I created Solar Advice Bureau.
Drop me a message — we're here to help.
