How much do solar panels cost in the UK - and are they worth installing?

Solar panels are set to be at the forefront of the government’s plans to make the UK economy greener. But are they cost effective?

Two builders installing solar panels on a roof
Solar panels are getting cheaper thanks to a more competitive market
(Image credit: anatoliy_gleb via Getty Images)

Energy secretary Ed Miliband’s promise to deliver a “rooftop revolution” with solar panels went up a gear this month with the announcement that solar panels will be fitted on all new-build homes in England by 2027.

At the same time, ministers are also said to be preparing to offer government-funded loans and grants for the installation of solar panels on existing homes.

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Laura Miller

Laura Miller is an experienced financial and business journalist. Formerly on staff at the Daily Telegraph, her freelance work now appears in the money pages of all the national newspapers. She endeavours to make money issues easy to understand for everyone, and to do justice to the people who regularly trust her to tell their stories. She lives by the sea in Aberystwyth. You can find her tweeting @thatlaurawrites

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