How Much Do 3kW Solar Panel Systems Cost?
3 kW systems can cost as little as £5,000 installed, but only if get them from the right installer. Complete the form above to compare free no obligation quotes from leading MCS accredited installers for 3 kW solar panel systems in your local area.
Installs connected to the grid will qualify for the 16p Feed in Tariff rate. Complete our form to find out more!
Accessible power
Generating your own power is becoming a more realistic option for many home and business owners in the UK. The price of installing a solar panel system has been falling for a number of years and the government have been keen to encourage the adoption of solar power by offering a cashback scheme to help you to recoup the cost of installation.
The FIT rate has reduced from 43.3p to 16p and is set to drop further still although the falling cost of solar panels themselves. This means installing solar panels is still financially sound, especially as fuel costs are set to rise, but those who install now will benefit the most from the current government schemes.
Cost of installation
According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar panel systems cost on average a little over £2,000 per kWp (kilowatt peak, which is the amount of energy the cell generates in full sunlight). A 3kW system (suitable for a 2-3 bedroom house) installed by an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accredited company would cost in the region of £5,000 - £7,000.
Long term rewards
The obvious benefit of solar power is a reduction in electricity bills, as you will be generating your own, free power at certain times of the day. In addition, a government scheme pays you for the electricity you generate. The FITs (feed in tariffs) scheme and guarantees you a minimum payment for the electricity you generate.
These payments are tax-free, linked to inflation and guaranteed for 20 years. Each unit of electricity you generate pays 16p and you are paid a further 4.5p for each unit of electricity that you don't use and export back to the national grid.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a typical system could provide you with approximately £877 per year (a combination of savings on bills and earnings from the FIT). This means that the system would have paid for itself after approximately 16 years, after which the savings on bills and money earned from the FITS scheme are pure profit.
Cheap 3kW Solar Panel Systems
Be careful when choosing a solar panel based on price alone. Often more expensive makes and models out perform the cheaper options. The greater the power output the greater the return from the feed in tariff scheme, so the best value option may be the more expensive one. Check the specifications of each model to calculate your potential return.
Compare panels using our solar panel directory
EPC Ratings
Houses that have an Energy Performance Rating of E or less will not be eligible to qualify for the 16p FIT due to the energy efficiency of their home. Instead they will be offered only 8.9p FIT. Householders who are unsure about their EPC rating can check arrange an assessment from an accredited domestic assessor.
EPC & The Green Deal
The Government is launching a new green incentive aimed to lower carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of UK homes. The Green Deal allows householders to apply for funds to make home improvements such as boiler replacements, double glazing and insulation. The idea is that the energy savings will always exceed the loan repayment and will improve the EPC rating of the home.
This means that you can significantly increase the amount of money you receive from the feed-in tariff.
