When is the best time to buy solar panels in the UK?
If you’ve been toying with the idea of solar panels, you’re not alone. More and more of us in the UK are looking for energy solutions that are good for our homes, our wallets, and the world around us. But here's the big question: when is the best time to make the leap?
This guide covers everything you need to know to time your solar panel installation smartly, or your budget, your home, and your future. Let’s break it down, one sunshine-powered step at a time.
Your solar payback: a look at the cost.
Think of solar panels not just as an eco-friendly upgrade, but as a long-term investment for your home and your bank account. As installing solar panels isn’t just about today’s price tag, it’s about tomorrow’s savings. That’s why getting the timing right can make a real difference to how quickly your solar panels pay for themselves.
Let’s talk about a few financial perks that make solar smarter than ever.
The wonderful 0% VAT (until March 2027): a direct boost to your savings.
From 1 April 2022, the UK government reduced the VAT on solar panel installations to 0%, and it’s staying that way until March 2027.1 That’s a rare win for household budgets and one of the clearest incentives for getting in sooner rather than later.
This means:
No VAT added to your solar panel installation costs.
More value for your money.
A better return on investment from day one.
Why it matters now.
If you wait beyond March 2027, this perk might disappear, and it could mean paying 5% or even more in VAT later. We’re not saying you should rush, but if you’re ready, it could be wise to make the most of the current window.
1 The relief is set to last until 31 March 2027. On 1 April 2027, the VAT rate on such supplies will return to 5% (the reduced rate). Source: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8602/
Making the most of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Once your solar panels are humming along, you might find yourself generating more electricity than you use, especially on those gloriously sunny days. That's where the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) swoops in! This is where you get paid for the excess electricity you send back to the grid. It's like your home becoming a mini-power station, earning you a little something for helping out the national energy supply.
We’ll show you how to pick the best tariffs for your needs – because not all SEG tariffs are created equal! Keeping an eye on energy price changes can also boost your earnings. Imagine your excess power not just reducing your bill, but actually putting money back in your pocket. It’s a win-win, really!
Top tip: Installing when energy prices are on the rise could mean earning more for every sunny kilowatt you export.
Discovering hidden local grants.
Did you know there might be extra support hiding in plain sight in your area? These can be fantastic little boosts to your budget, making solar even more accessible. These can include:
Council-led green energy initiatives.
Regional retrofit schemes.
Community-based solar projects.
They can be a bit under the radar, so it’s worth digging around. You could check your local authority website, and use free tools like our grant finder.
Riding the UK energy wave: your future savings.
We don’t need to tell you that energy prices have been on a bit of a rollercoaster lately. But solar panels offer something rare: a sense of control.
Understanding energy prices.
Even with the Ofgem price cap, prices have been unpredictable, especially since 2022. But with solar, you generate a portion of your own electricity, so your bills feel less tied to what’s happening in the wider market.
And when prices rise? You might feel pretty smug knowing you’re using energy your roof made.
The power of not waiting.
We know it’s a big decision and considerable investment, and sometimes it feels like there’s always something else to wait for. A new technology, a better deal, the 'perfect' time. But when it comes to solar, we want to gently illustrate a powerful truth: every day your solar panels aren’t up is a day you’re missing out on potential savings and earnings.
Think about it: the sun rises every day, offering free energy. When your panels are installed, you immediately start converting that sunshine into electricity for your home, reducing your reliance on grid power and lowering your bills. Plus, you begin earning from any excess energy you export. It’s about getting those wonderful benefits flowing as soon as you’re ready to welcome them into your home. The sooner you start, the sooner you save, and the sooner you contribute to a greener grid. It’s a beautiful cycle!
Smooth solar panel installation: seasonal benefits, best months and timing.
You might be wondering if there's a 'best' time of year to get solar panels installed. While solar panels work year-round, there are indeed times that can make the installation process a little smoother for everyone involved, including our wonderful installers!
Think about it: during spring and autumn, the weather in the UK is usually just right, not too scorching hot like a mid-summer heatwave, and not too nippy, icy, or stormy like the depths of winter. These comfortable temperatures make for ideal working conditions for our lovely installers up on your roof. It means they can work efficiently and safely, ensuring your solar panels are perfectly positioned for optimal performance. Plus, these seasons often bring a nice balance of daylight hours, which helps with the installation process itself. So, if you’re looking for a smooth, fuss-free experience, spring and autumn often hit the sweet spot.
Avoiding the rush.
Summer is often the busiest season, especially during a cost-of-living squeeze when people are chasing energy savings. That means:
Longer wait times.
Higher demand.
Less flexibility with appointments.
With that in mind, here’s a little insider tip for you: while spring and autumn are popular, sometimes timing your installation during quieter periods can have its perks. We’re talking about winter.
You might think winter isn't the ideal time, but hear us out! Because fewer people are typically thinking about solar installations during the colder months, installers can be less busy. This can sometimes mean quicker service, less waiting around for an available slot and, just occasionally, you might even find better value due to reduced demand. It’s not a guarantee, of course, but it’s definitely worth considering if you’re keen to get your panels up and running without delay. It’s all about finding the rhythm that works best for you and your home.
Best time for solar panel efficiency.
Spoiler alert: solar panels work year-round. Yes, they love summer, but they still generate electricity on cloudy days, even in winter.
That said, your panels will likely hit peak production from May to August. The earlier in the year you install, the more of that sunshine you can catch in your first year. But don’t stress about missing a ‘perfect’ window. Solar is a long-term game, and every season has its perks.
Beyond today: maximising your solar journey.
Installing solar is just the start. Let’s talk about what comes next, and how to squeeze even more out of your system.
Integrating with other green technologies (think heat pumps!)
Your solar system is brilliant on its own, but imagine how much more powerful it becomes when it teams up with other green technologies in your home! We’re talking about creating a truly integrated energy ecosystem.
For example, seamlessly adding a battery storage system to your solar setup means you can store that glorious daytime energy for use in the evenings, reducing your reliance on the grid even further. Or, if you have an EV charger, your own generated electricity could power your electric vehicle, so how’s that for truly green motoring?
And then there’s the fantastic synergy with heat pumps. Your own generated electricity could help power your heat pump, creating a truly self-sufficient and efficient home for heating and hot water. It’s a fantastic way to truly embrace a greener lifestyle, minimise your carbon footprint, and maximise your savings. These integrations aren't just about technology; they're about empowering you to live a more independent, sustainable life.
Timing these together can help reduce costs and simplify installation. Plus, it gives you a smarter, future-ready home.
Long-term peace of mind.
Worried about what happens after install day? Understandable. Our solar panels come with:
10–25 year product and performance warranties.
Installer guarantees (MCS certification).
Support with repairs and system checks.
We’ll always be honest. Solar is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. But with the right setup, it’s designed to last.
The E.ON Next ‘smooth and swift’ promise.
When you choose E.ON Next, you're choosing a partner you can truly trust. Our installers are experts and incredibly dependable, known for their efficiency and thoughtful approach.
This means your solar panel installation is often quicker and much smoother than you might expect, with minimal fuss. We really care about getting your system up and running fast, so you can start enjoying those wonderful energy savings and feel the pride of generating your own power even sooner!
Ready to take control of your energy and make a truly smart investment?
We encourage you to explore the incentives, think about your personal energy goals, and get some friendly, no-obligation quotes from trusted, MCS-certified installers. And remember, choosing a reliable partner like E.ON Next can make the whole journey wonderfully quick and easy, setting you up for a future of energy independence!