Questions

Solar panel questions answered: the 15 things people ask most

The questions UK homeowners search for most about solar panels, answered in a sentence or two each, with Nottinghamshire figures. In short: a typical 4kW system costs about £7,300 to £7,500, works all year on daylight, lasts 25 years or more and usually pays back in 9 to 14 years.

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Last updated 21 October 2026 · 6 min read

Installer fitting solar panels on a Nottinghamshire home

0% VAT on solar ends 31 March 2027. That's under six months away, and it's due to go back to 5% after.

What the VAT change means for you

Costs and savings

How much do solar panels cost in Nottinghamshire?

A typical 4kW system for a three-bed home costs about £7,300 to £7,500 installed, based on MCS data from spring 2026. Adding a 4–5kWh battery usually takes the total to roughly £10,000 to £14,000.

Are solar panels worth it in Nottinghamshire?

For most homes with a south, east or west-facing roof, yes. A 4kW system costs about £7,300 to £7,500 fitted and typically cuts electricity bills by around £400 to £650 a year, plus export payments. That usually means a payback of roughly 9 to 14 years, on panels that last 25 years or more.

How much can I earn selling electricity back to the grid?

Under the Smart Export Guarantee, energy suppliers pay roughly 5p to 15p for each kWh you export. Your system must be MCS-certified to qualify, and rates vary, so it pays to compare suppliers.

Do solar panels add value to my house?

They can make a home more attractive to buyers through lower bills and a better EPC rating, but the amount varies. Panels you own outright are simpler when you sell than leased 'rent-a-roof' panels.

When does 0% VAT on solar panels end?

0% VAT on solar panels and batteries for homes runs until 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027 it is due to go back to 5%.

Are there grants for solar panels in Nottinghamshire?

Some households can get help through the Warm Homes: Local Grant, run by the district councils, for homes rated EPC D to G with lower incomes or in eligible postcodes. ECO4 is winding down and only finishes existing work to 31 December 2026. Everyone gets 0% VAT on home solar until 31 March 2027.

How solar works

How do solar panels work?

Panels on your roof turn daylight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts it to the alternating current (AC) your home uses. Power you don't use goes to the grid or into a battery.

Do solar panels work in winter and on cloudy days?

Yes. Panels run on daylight, not heat, so they still work when it is cloudy. Output is much lower in winter, and most of the roughly 3,400 kWh a 4kW system makes each year comes between April and September.

Can solar panels power my whole house?

Not all year round. In summer a 4kW system can cover most daytime use, but you stay connected to the grid for evenings and winter. A battery lets you use more of your own power.

Do I need a battery with solar panels?

No, but it helps if the house is empty during the day. A 4–5kWh battery typically adds £3,000 to £5,000 and stores daytime power for the evening. Batteries also have 0% VAT until 31 March 2027.

Your home and roof

How many solar panels do I need for a 3-bed house?

Most three-bed homes suit a 4kW system, which is about 9 or 10 modern 400–450W panels. Smaller homes often fit 3kW (7 or 8 panels) and larger detached homes 5–6kW.

Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

South-facing roofs are best, but east and west-facing roofs work well too. The roof should be in good condition with little shade. Mostly north-facing roofs make much less power. An installer's survey will confirm.

Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Usually not. In England most roof panels are permitted development if they stick out no more than 200mm and stay below the highest part of the roof. Listed buildings, and walls facing a road in conservation areas, are the main exceptions.

Living with solar

How long do solar panels last?

Usually 25 to 30 years or more, and most panels come with a 25-year performance warranty. The inverter normally needs replacing once, after about 10 to 15 years.

Do solar panels need cleaning?

Rarely. Rain washes most dirt off a sloping roof. It is worth checking now and then for heavy bird mess or leaves, especially on low-pitched roofs near trees.