If you’re considering solar in 2026, this is probably the question you really want answered:
“How much will it actually save me on my energy bills?”
Not vague promises.
Not best-case scenarios.
Realistic savings, based on UK energy prices today and how homes actually use electricity.
In this guide, we break down what most UK households can expect to save in 2026 with solar, how batteries change the numbers, and what factors have the biggest impact on your return.
The Short Answer (Before We Go Deeper)
In 2026, a typical UK household with a well-designed solar system can save:
- £600–£1,200 per year with solar only
- £900–£1,600+ per year with solar + battery storage
Exact savings depend on:
- How much electricity you use
- When you use it
- Whether you store your energy
- Your tariff and export rates
Now let’s unpack that properly.
The Cost of Electricity in 2026
While energy prices have stabilised compared to the 2022 crisis, they are still far higher than historic averages.
Typical UK electricity prices in 2026:
- 25–30p per kWh for imported electricity
- Daily standing charges still apply
- Prices remain volatile and unpredictable
This is why solar savings are still strong — every unit you generate and use yourself is a unit you don’t buy from the grid.
How Solar Saves You Money
Solar reduces your bills in two main ways:
1. Self-Consumption (The Biggest Saving)
This is the electricity you generate and use directly in your home.
Example:
- Grid electricity costs ~28p/kWh
- Solar electricity you use yourself costs ~0p/kWh
Every unit you self-consume saves you the full retail price.
2. Export Payments (The Bonus)
Any unused solar can be exported to the grid under Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariffs.
Typical SEG rates in 2026:
- 4–15p per kWh
- Rates vary by supplier and change often
Export income helps — but it’s no longer the main driver of savings.
Typical Savings for a UK Home in 2026
Let’s look at a realistic example, not best-case marketing numbers.
Example Property
- 3–4 bedroom home
- 4kW solar PV system
- Average household electricity use
Without a Battery
- Annual generation: ~3,400 kWh
- Self-consumption: ~35–40%
- Annual savings: £600–£900
With a Battery
- Self-consumption: ~60–80%
- Reduced grid reliance in evenings
- Annual savings: £900–£1,600+
This is why batteries are now considered standard rather than optional.
Why Batteries Increase Savings So Much
Without a battery:
- Solar works best while the sun is shining
- Evening and night usage still comes from the grid
With a battery:
- Daytime solar is stored for later
- Evening cooking, heating, and appliances use stored energy
- Grid imports drop significantly
In 2026, batteries are also smarter — charging cheaply from the grid overnight if needed and optimising usage automatically.
What About Government Support and Funding?
The UK government has committed £15 billion towards improving home energy efficiency through insulation, low-carbon heating, and renewable technologies.
Funding is delivered through local schemes supported by UK Government and may include:
- Energy efficiency grants
- Warm homes funding
- Area-based retrofit programmes
While not every household qualifies, eligible homes can see dramatically improved payback periods when solar is installed alongside insulation or heating upgrades.
How Long Does It Take to Pay Back?
Typical Payback Periods in 2026
- Solar only: 7–9 years
- Solar + battery: 8–11 years
System lifespan:
- Solar panels: 25–30+ years
- Inverters: 10–15 years
- Batteries: 10–15 years
This means most homeowners enjoy many years of near-free electricity after payback.
What Has the Biggest Impact on Your Savings?
Your total savings aren’t just about panel size.
The biggest factors are:
- When you use electricity (day vs evening)
- Battery size and setup
- System design (panel layout, inverter choice)
- Tariffs and export rates
- Future electricity price rises
This is why two identical houses can see very different results.
Common Misconceptions About Solar Savings
“Solar doesn’t save as much now.”
It saves differently — through self-use, not export.
“Batteries aren’t worth it.”
In 2026, batteries often double usable savings.
“Cheap systems save the same.”
Poorly designed systems regularly underperform.
So… How Much Could You Save in 2026?
For most UK households:
- Solar can cut electricity bills by 30–70%
- With batteries, many homes rely on the grid far less
- Savings improve over time as energy prices rise
The real question isn’t whether solar saves money —
It’s whether your system is designed properly for how you live.
If you’d like a realistic savings estimate for your home, including battery options and funding eligibility. Simply fill out the form below or give us a call on 01422 768113.