If you’re a homeowner considering where to invest next in your property, you’ve probably tossed around the usual ideas: new kitchen, an extension, maybe upgraded double glazing. But how many of those upgrades actually pay you back?
Some boost your comfort. Others increase your home’s value. But very few improvements put money directly back into your pocket every month — and that’s exactly where solar stands out.
Let’s explore how solar compares to other popular home upgrades, and why it’s one of the only improvements that pays dividends from day one.
What Pays You Back?
| Home Upgrade | Typical Cost | Pays You Monthly? | Adds Value? | ROI Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Renovation | £10k–£25k | ❌ | ✅ | 50–70% |
| Extension | £30k–£50k+ | ❌ | ✅ | 40–70% |
| Double Glazing | £4k–£10k | ⚠️ Small savings | ✅ | 30–50% |
| Solar Panels | £6k–£12k | ✅ £1,000+/yr | ✅ | 300–500%+ |
The Usual Suspects: Kitchens, Extensions, Glazing
Let’s break it down.
1. Kitchens
A new kitchen is one of the most desirable home improvements for homeowners and buyers alike. A high-spec kitchen can cost anywhere from £10,000 to £25,000 and adds appeal if you plan to sell — but you’re unlikely to get full ROI unless you’re flipping the property fast.
Typical return on investment: 50–70%
Monthly savings: £0
Value add: Yes — aesthetic + resale
2. Extensions
An extension gives you more space, sure. A larger kitchen-diner, extra bedroom or home office can make a house more livable, and if planned well, may add significant value.
But costs have soared. A basic rear extension might cost £30,000–£50,000+ depending on size and spec. And you won’t see that money again unless you remortgage or sell — which may not be for years.
Typical return on investment: 40–70%
Monthly savings: £0
Value add: Yes — floor space + resale
3. Double Glazing
Upgrading windows can improve warmth, reduce draughts and offer some energy savings. It’s often priced around £4,000–£10,000+, depending on the size and number of windows.
It does reduce heating bills slightly, and may bump your EPC rating, but the payback period is long. You’re looking at 10–20 years to recoup the cost through savings alone.
Typical return on investment: 30–50%
Monthly savings: ~£10–£30
Value add: Yes — energy efficiency + comfort
☀️ The Outlier: Solar Panels
Now here’s where things get interesting.
A solar panel system is one of the few home upgrades that pays you back — month after month.
It’s not just about saving money. You’re actually generating your own electricity, cutting out the middleman (your supplier) and protecting yourself from future energy price hikes.
Let’s say you install an 8kW system with battery storage for around £10,000–£12,000. That setup could generate roughly 6,000–7,000kWh per year — enough to power the average home and then some.
Here’s how the numbers stack up:
- Annual energy savings: £1,000–£1,400+
- Lifetime savings (25 years): £35,000–£50,000+
- Payback period: 6–8 years (faster with battery or EV charger)
- Monthly benefit: £80–£120+ in bill reductions
- Added resale value: Yes — solar increases EPC and buyer appeal
And unlike most upgrades, solar starts working immediately. The day your system is switched on, your electricity bill drops — and your home starts earning its keep.
Future-Proofing Your Property
Solar isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore. With growing pressure on energy performance standards, low EPC scores could make homes harder to sell or remortgage in the future.
Buyers are increasingly prioritising energy-efficient homes that cost less to run. A property with solar panels, battery storage, and an EV charger is not only greener — it’s smarter, and more attractive in a volatile energy market.
Plus, with power cuts and grid instability becoming more common, systems with emergency backup capabilities give peace of mind. Try getting that from a granite worktop.
The Smarter Investment
Here’s the truth: solar may not look as sexy as a new kitchen — but it’s the only upgrade that genuinely puts money back into your hands every month, without needing to sell.
And when done well, it complements future upgrades too. Want an EV? Solar charges it. Want a heat pump? Solar powers it. Want to retire early and reduce bills? Solar helps you do that, too.
Want Help Choosing the Right System?
At Novus Energy, we tailor solar systems based on how you use your energy, not just how many panels you can fit. We design for lifetime performance, aesthetics, and ease — with no mess, no fuss, and no tiles broken.
Whether you live in a period property or a modern new build, we’ll show you how solar can pay you back — every single day.