Solar panel blog
Each post answers one common question about home solar in plain English. Read the short answer first, then follow the links to the full topic guides.
How the blog fits with the guides
The topic guides give you the full picture, while each blog post answers one narrow question. Start with how solar panels work and costs and savings if you are new. Then use the posts to dig into the detail you need.
Every post links back to the guides it builds on, because we want you to see the wider context. For example, a post on export payments points to the batteries and export guide.
Start with a question
Not sure where to begin? Pick the question closest to yours in the list below. Then follow its links to the guide that covers the wider topic. If nothing fits, send us a note through the contact page.
What the posts cover
The posts cover costs, batteries, export payments, installers and upkeep. Some answer a single question about numbers, while others explain a rule or a scheme. Each one links to the full guide, so you can go deeper. Posts are short, which means you can read one in a few minutes.
How we write the posts
The Solar Panels Explained editorial team writes each post. We list our sources at the end, since you should be able to check every claim. Read our editorial policy for the full rules.
We are an independent information site, not an installer. If a post leaves you with a question about your own roof, the roof and property suitability guide is a good next step.
- Grants and funding
0% VAT on solar panels and batteries
Solar panels and batteries fitted in UK homes carry 0% VAT until 31 March 2027, then 5%. See who qualifies, what it saves you and how to plan your timing.Published - Costs and savings
Are solar panels worth it for a UK home?
On our worked example a 4kW system pays back in about 11 years, but your use matters most. Learn how to work out your own saving with this plain-English guide.Published - Maintenance and lifespan
Cleaning and maintaining solar panels
Rain keeps most solar panels clean, but a light clean every year or two can help. Here is how to do it safely, what a pro costs and what else to check.Published - Planning and installation
Connecting solar to the grid: G98 and G99
G98 and G99 decide how your solar system connects to the grid. This guide explains the 3.68kW limit, who applies, and what to expect from your network operator.Published - Planning and installation
Do solar panels need planning permission?
Most UK homes can fit rooftop solar without planning permission. Here are the limits, the exceptions and the checks to make before you book an installer.Published - How solar works
Do solar panels work in winter and on cloudy days?
Yes, solar panels still work in winter and under cloud, but they make far less power. See what a typical UK system makes each month and how to plan for it.Published - Roof and property
East-west and flat roof solar panels
East-west and flat roofs can both suit solar panels, with about 80 to 90% of the output of a south roof. See the figures, planning rules and what to ask.Published - Grants and funding
Free solar panel schemes: what is genuine?
Free solar panels exist for some low-income UK homes, but most 'free' offers have strings attached. Learn which schemes are real and how to spot the risky ones.Published - Maintenance and lifespan
How long do solar panels last?
Most UK solar panels last 25 to 30 years or more, and they lose a little output each year. Here is what wears out, what warranties cover and what to plan for.Published - How solar works
How many solar panels do I need?
Many UK homes need around 8 to 10 panels, but your own number depends on use and roof. Here is how to work out the right size for your home in four steps.Published - Costs and savings
How much do solar panels cost in the UK?
A typical UK home pays about £6,000 to £8,000 for rooftop solar in 2026. See what drives the price, what 0% VAT saves you, and how to compare quotes fairly.Published - Choosing an installer
MCS certification explained
MCS certification is the UK quality mark for solar installers and systems. This guide explains what it covers, why it matters and how to check an installer.Published - Choosing an installer
Questions to ask a solar installer
Ask these questions before you sign a solar quote. They cover MCS, deposits, roof checks, paperwork, warranties and the red flags that cost homeowners money.Published - Batteries and export
Solar battery cost and sizing
A solar battery in the UK costs about £1,500 to £10,000, and a typical home battery is around 10 kWh. Here is how to size one and check that it pays off.Published - How solar works
Solar inverters explained
A solar inverter turns the panels' direct current into power your home can use. Here are the main types, what size you need and what to ask your installer.Published - Batteries and export
The Smart Export Guarantee explained
The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for solar power you send to the grid. Here is who can claim, what rates look like in October 2026, and how to apply.Published
Where to go next
Ready to compare installers? Read choosing an installer first, then use the quote form. You can also read about grants and funding and maintenance and lifespan.
The planning your installation guide covers the project stage. It helps you understand what happens between signing a quote and switching on your system. Read it before you agree to a date.