With energy bills rising and costs showing no sign of settling, many UK homeowners are searching for ways to reduce their monthly expenses. One increasingly popular solution is solar panels. But the big question remains: how much can solar panels save? The answer, backed by recent studies, is: quite a lot.
Most of us know the monthly cost, but not the why. Your electricity bill is based on how much you draw from the National Grid. That means you’re at the mercy of wholesale energy prices, supplier markups, and government levies. When prices go up — as they have over the past few years — you feel it.
This is where solar panels quietly enter the picture. Not as a flashy gimmick or magic fix, but as a practical tool: they generate electricity on-site, using something entirely free — daylight.
Instead of buying all your energy from your supplier, you produce some (or much) of it yourself. And if you store that energy in a battery, you can use it at night or during peak hours, when electricity is most expensive.
In that sense, solar panels don’t just save electricity — they help change your relationship with energy entirely.
Let’s demystify the process.
Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, helping you use less power from the grid. This means you buy less electricity from your supplier, cutting down your bills. When combined with battery storage, you can store unused solar energy to use later—like in the evenings or on cloudy days.
This is why battery storage is increasingly popular. Without a battery, most homes use only 20–40% of what they generate. The rest is exported. With a battery, usage can jump to 60–80%, meaning you buy much less from your energy supplier.
This is where terms like "solar panels and battery storage savings" and "do solar panels save money" come into play.
Installing solar panels on new-build homes leads to major savings — even more when battery storage is added. New research from the MCS Foundation shows just how much UK homeowners could save by adding solar panels to new-build homes:
These savings far outweigh the upfront cost of solar installation. Plus, with lower running costs, your home could qualify for a better mortgage.
| Home Type | PV Only (Annual Bills) | PV + Battery (Annual Bills) | Approx. Monthly Cost (PV + Battery) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached | £603 | £275 | ~£23 |
| Semi-detached | £623 | £321 | ~£27 |
| Terraced | £551 | £287 | ~£24 |
Note: These figures come from the MCS Foundation’s 2024 Future Homes Savings Report, which analysed the costs and benefits of installing solar panels and battery storage on new-build homes in the UK.
These savings estimates are based on homes designed to the Future Homes Standard,homes built to modern energy efficiency standards — meaning well-insulated, low-energy usage homes. Older homes can still benefit, but results may vary depending on your home’s design and energy habits.
To find out exactly how much you can save, use a solar energy savings calculator tailored for UK households. These tools consider your home size, location, energy usage, and more.
Every home is different, so your savings will depend on several things:
Solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs with minimal shading. High-efficiency panels and battery storage also maximise returns.
It’s one thing to read average figures. But the real question is:
How much could you save, based on your own home, your roof, and the way your household uses energy?
That’s where personalised estimates come in — and why group-buying initiatives like Solar Together exist. They allow you to:
The process is non-pushy and obligation-free — and often gives you a more accurate picture than generic calculators. Whether or not you go ahead, you’ll walk away knowing more about your options.
Yes, though results may vary. Older homes tend to use more energy for heating and appliances, which can increase your potential savings. If your roof is suitable and you’ve made some insulation improvements, solar is still very much worth considering.
Many UK homeowners also combine solar installation with other upgrades like loft insulation or heat pump installation, helping to maximise return on investment.
So, do solar panels save money? All the data suggests yes. With yearly savings of over £1,000 and potential lifetime returns of nearly £60,000, they offer both immediate and long-term value. They can reduce your bills, improve your mortgage potential, and future-proof your home against rising energy costs.
With regulations moving towards solar on all new builds and bills likely to stay high, there’s no better time to consider solar for your home.
The key takeaway? Solar isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one home might not suit another. But tools like Solar Together give you a way to explore your options without committing or guessing. With just a few details, you can find out what a solar setup could mean for your bills, your home, and your future.
Want to see what you could save?
Head over to Solar Together and register your interest — it's free, takes minutes, and could give you a whole new perspective on your energy future.
Yes. Most homeowners see annual savings of over £1,000, especially with battery storage.
It depends on your home and setup. Use a calculator or speak to a certified installer.
Absolutely. You generate your own power, so you buy less from the grid.
Install panels, use energy during the day, and add a battery if possible.
It’s possible, especially for off-grid or ultra-efficient homes with battery storage.
Usually yes, but much less. You may still need grid power at night or in winter.
You might be using more power than you generate or exporting too much without a battery.