Solar panel cost by property type
At a glance
Most UK homes fit a 3–6kW system costing £5,000–£11,500. The right size depends on your roof and how much electricity you use — not just the property type.
Below: typical system size and price for each kind of home, and what limits each one.
Property type is shorthand for two things that really drive cost: how much usable roof you have, and how much electricity you use. Here's how the common UK home types compare:
| Property | Typical system | Cost | Main constraint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced house | 3–4kW (7–10 panels) | £5,000–£7,500 | Smaller roof; orientation is the main constraint |
| Semi-detached | 4kW (10 panels) | £6,000–£8,000 | The UK benchmark system |
| Detached house | 5–6kW (12–15 panels) | £8,000–£11,500 | More roof and usually higher usage |
| Bungalow | 4–5kW (10–13 panels) | £7,000–£9,500 | Large single-pitch roof is ideal for solar |
| New build | 4kW (10 panels) | £5,500–£7,500 | Cheapest if fitted during construction |
| Flat / apartment | Shared/communal | Varies | Usually needs freeholder agreement; rarely individual |
Whatever your property, the calculator will size it from your actual electricity use, and the main cost page breaks down what each component costs. Running a business or larger building instead? See commercial solar costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost for a terraced house?
A terraced house typically fits a 3–4kW system for £5,000–£7,500. The limit is usually roof size and orientation rather than budget.
How much do solar panels cost for a 3-bed house?
A 3-bedroom semi or detached home usually needs a 4kW system at £6,000–£8,000 — the most common UK installation.
Are solar panels cheaper on a new build?
Yes. Fitting solar during construction avoids separate scaffolding and labour mobilisation, so an integrated new-build system is typically a little cheaper than retrofitting later.