Solar panels are one of the smartest investments a London homeowner can make in 2026. With 0% VAT, the Smart Export Guarantee paying you for surplus electricity, and panel prices continuing to fall, the payback period has never been shorter. But choosing the right installer matters just as much as choosing the right panels.
This guide compares the leading solar panel installers serving London and the South East — from large national operators to local specialists — so you can make an informed decision based on price, service, reviews, and the scope of work each company can actually deliver.
Why 2026 Is a Great Year for Solar in London
The economics of residential solar have shifted decisively in favour of homeowners. Here is why 2026 stands out:
0% VAT until March 2027. The government’s zero-rate VAT on domestic energy-saving installations remains in effect, saving you hundreds of pounds on a typical system. A 4 kW installation that might cost £7,500 before tax costs exactly that — no additional 20% on top.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you back. Every unit of electricity your panels generate but you do not use can be sold back to the grid. SEG tariffs vary by supplier, but they provide a genuine income stream that shortens your payback period to around 7-10 years for most London homes.
Panel and inverter prices continue to fall. Global manufacturing capacity has grown sharply, and the per-kilowatt cost of a quality installation in England now averages around £1,591/kW — though London and the South East typically carry a 10-30% premium owing to higher labour and scaffolding costs.
Energy independence. With wholesale electricity prices still volatile, generating your own power provides a hedge against future price rises. A well-sized system with a battery can cover 60-80% of a typical household’s annual electricity demand.
Solar pairs brilliantly with heat pumps. If you are also considering an air source heat pump (ASHP) — and the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant makes that increasingly attractive — solar panels can offset much of the additional electricity a heat pump consumes. Installing both at once often reduces total project cost and disruption compared with doing them separately.
What to Look for in a Solar Installer
Not all solar installers are created equal. Before comparing quotes, make sure any company you shortlist ticks these boxes:
- MCS certification. Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation is mandatory if you want to claim the SEG or any future government incentive. Never use an installer who is not MCS-certified.
- Workmanship warranty. Panels typically carry a 25-year manufacturer guarantee, but the installer’s own workmanship warranty matters just as much. Look for at least 10 years, ideally longer.
- Battery storage options. A battery adds cost upfront but dramatically increases the proportion of solar electricity you actually use. Check whether the installer offers batteries and which brands they stock.
- Monitoring and aftercare. Good installers provide app-based monitoring so you can track generation and consumption in real time, and they should offer responsive aftercare if anything goes wrong.
- Combined heat pump and solar capability. If you are even considering a heat pump in the next few years, choosing an installer who can do both saves you the hassle of coordinating two separate contractors — and often delivers a lower combined price.
Quick Comparison Table
| Company | Price Range (typical 4 kW) | Battery Option | HP + Solar? | Trustpilot | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glow Green | £3,180–£4,780 (panels only) | Yes | Yes (ASHP + EV) | 4.7/5 (12,593) | UK-wide |
| Sunsave | From £6,700 (with battery) | Yes (included) | No | 4.7/5 | UK-wide |
| Geo Green Power | Premium (quote-based) | Yes | Yes | 5.0/5 (172) | London & SE |
| Elite Renewables | Quote-based | Yes | Yes | — | London, Surrey, SE |
| Evolve Renewables | Quote-based | Yes | Yes | — | London, Kent, Surrey |
| Electromatic M&E | £8,000–£16,000 (ASHP + Solar, after grant) | Yes | Yes (one contractor) | Local referrals | TW, London, Surrey |
All competitor prices are approximate, based on publicly available data at time of writing. Actual quotes may vary.
Note: Octopus Energy is often searched as a solar installer but does not currently offer direct solar panel installation. Their energy tariffs, including SEG export rates, remain excellent — but you will need a separate MCS-certified installer for the panels themselves.
Indicative solar PV pricing for London/SE in 2026:
| System Size | Typical Home | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | 1–2 bed flat or terrace | £4,500–£6,000 |
| 4 kW | 3 bed semi or terrace | £6,500–£8,500 |
| 5 kW + battery | 3–4 bed with storage | £8,500–£12,000 |
| 6 kW+ | 4–5 bed detached | £9,000–£14,000 |
National Solar Installers
Glow Green
Glow Green is the UK’s top-rated solar installer by volume, with over 12,593 Trustpilot reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 rating. They operate nationwide and offer a one-stop shop for solar PV, air source heat pumps, and EV charger installation. Their per-kilowatt pricing sits in the £795–£1,195 range, making them one of the more competitively priced national operators.
Because Glow Green handles such high volumes, their scheduling can sometimes run to longer lead times — particularly in spring and summer when solar demand peaks. They are a strong choice if you want a proven, well-reviewed national brand and are primarily looking for a solar-only installation. If you also need a heat pump, they can supply one, though their core expertise has historically been solar-first.
Sunsave
Sunsave has positioned itself as a solar-first provider with an innovative subscription model. Their Sunsave Plus plan starts at £69 per month with no upfront cost, includes a battery as standard, and comes with a 20-year guarantee covering panels, battery, and workmanship. For those who prefer to pay outright, systems with a battery start from around £6,700.
The subscription model is particularly appealing for homeowners who want to avoid a large upfront outlay. Sunsave’s 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot rating reflects strong customer satisfaction, and their 20-year guarantee is among the longest in the industry. They do not currently offer heat pump installation, so if you need both solar and a heat pump, you will need a second contractor.
Local London & Surrey Installers
Electromatic M&E
Electromatic M&E Ltd is a local mechanical and electrical contractor based in the Teddington and Twickenham area, serving London, Surrey, and the surrounding South East. What sets Electromatic apart from most solar installers is the breadth of work they handle under a single contract. Rather than coordinating separate companies for your heat pump, solar panels, and electrical upgrades, Electromatic delivers the full package — ASHP installation, solar PV, battery storage, consumer unit upgrades, and all associated electrical work — with one project manager, one schedule, and one point of accountability.
For homeowners considering both solar and a heat pump, this integrated approach delivers real advantages. Combined ASHP and solar packages from Electromatic typically cost between £8,000 and £16,000 after the £7,500 BUS grant (subject to eligibility), depending on system size and property requirements. That price includes the heat pump, solar array, electrical infrastructure, and commissioning. Because Electromatic handles the BUS grant (subject to eligibility) application on your behalf, you avoid the paperwork burden entirely. All installations benefit from the current 0% VAT rate.
Electromatic is especially well-suited to homeowners in the TW, KT, and SW postcode areas who want a local contractor they can reach easily for aftercare and maintenance. Their team includes qualified gas engineers, electricians, and renewable energy specialists, meaning they can assess your entire home energy setup — not just bolt panels onto the roof. If your consumer unit needs upgrading, your meter position needs moving, or your electrical earthing needs attention before a heat pump can be commissioned, Electromatic handles it all without subcontracting to third parties. For a straightforward solar-only job, a national installer may offer a lower headline price — but for anything involving a heat pump, electrical upgrades, or a combined system, Electromatic’s single-contractor model is hard to beat on value and convenience.
Geo Green Power
Geo Green Power is a London and South East specialist with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 Trustpilot rating, albeit from a smaller review base of 172 reviews. They offer solar PV alongside heat pump installations and position themselves at the premium end of the market. Their focus on quality over volume means you are likely to receive more personalised service and closer attention to system design.
If budget is less of a concern and you want a premium, carefully designed installation from a company with an unblemished review record, Geo Green Power is worth a quote. Their smaller scale means they may have more flexibility on scheduling than the large national operators.
Elite Renewables
Elite Renewables serves London, Surrey, and the wider South East with combined renewable energy packages. They are a well-established company offering solar PV, heat pumps, and battery storage as part of integrated solutions. Their experience with combined installations means they understand the interaction between solar generation and heat pump consumption, which is important for system sizing.
Elite Renewables is a sensible choice for homeowners who want a mid-size company with a track record in the region. Request a detailed breakdown of equipment brands, warranty terms, and aftercare arrangements when getting a quote.
Evolve Renewables
Evolve Renewables covers London, Kent, and Surrey, specialising in combined heat pump and solar installations. Their focus on pairing these two technologies means they are well placed to design systems where the solar array is correctly sized to offset the heat pump’s electricity demand — a detail that less experienced installers sometimes overlook.
For homeowners in Kent or outer South East London who want a specialist in HP-plus-solar combinations, Evolve Renewables is worth including on your shortlist. As with any installer, confirm MCS accreditation, warranty terms, and the specific equipment they propose before committing.
Solar + Heat Pump: The Ultimate Combination
Installing solar panels alongside an air source heat pump is increasingly recognised as the most effective way to decarbonise a home’s heating and electricity in one project. Here is why the combination works so well:
Heat pumps run on electricity — and solar panels generate it. A typical 3-bed home with a well-installed ASHP might use an additional 3,000–4,000 kWh of electricity per year for heating. A 4 kW solar array in London generates roughly 3,400–3,800 kWh annually. The overlap is significant, especially when a battery captures daytime solar generation for evening heating demand.
Cost savings compound. Without solar, a heat pump shifts your heating cost from gas to electricity — and electricity is roughly four times more expensive per kWh. Solar panels bring that effective electricity cost back down towards zero for a large proportion of your usage, making the heat pump genuinely cheaper to run than the gas boiler it replaced.
The BUS grant (subject to eligibility) plus 0% VAT make the combined package affordable. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant covers a substantial chunk of the heat pump cost, and 0% VAT applies to both the heat pump and the solar panels when installed together. A combined system that might have cost £20,000+ before incentives can land at £8,000–£16,000 out of pocket.
Who offers combined packages? Among the installers in this guide, Electromatic M&E, Geo Green Power, Elite Renewables, and Evolve Renewables all offer integrated ASHP-plus-solar installations. Glow Green can technically deliver both but is better known for solar. Sunsave is solar-only.
How to Choose the Right Solar Installer
Use this checklist when evaluating quotes:
- [ ] MCS certified — non-negotiable for SEG eligibility and grant access
- [ ] Detailed written quote — itemised equipment, labour, scaffolding, and VAT (should be 0%)
- [ ] Named panel and inverter brands — avoid quotes that say “tier 1 panels” without specifying the manufacturer
- [ ] Battery included or priced separately — understand exactly what is and is not included
- [ ] Workmanship warranty — minimum 10 years, ideally 15-20
- [ ] Aftercare and monitoring — app-based monitoring, clear contact for faults
- [ ] Scaffolding included — some quotes exclude scaffolding, which can add £500–£1,000
- [ ] DNO application handled — your installer should notify the Distribution Network Operator on your behalf
- [ ] Roof survey before commitment — any reputable installer will survey your roof in person before finalising a quote
- [ ] Timeline in writing — get a confirmed installation date, not just “6–8 weeks”
- [ ] Combined HP capability — if you might want a heat pump later, choosing an installer who can do both now saves future hassle
How Electromatic Can Help
Electromatic M&E Ltd offers free home surveys across London and Surrey. We install ASHP and solar PV within 2–4 weeks, handle all BUS Grant paperwork (subject to eligibility), and carry out all work under MCS certification via our accredited umbrella partner.
Call us: 07718 059 284 | Email: admin@electromatic.uk
FAQ
How much do solar panels cost in London in 2026?
A typical 4 kW system for a 3-bedroom home costs between £6,500 and £8,500 in London and the South East, including installation and 0% VAT. Larger systems with battery storage range from £8,500 to £14,000. The per-kilowatt average across England is around £1,591, but London prices tend to run 10-30% higher due to labour, access, and scaffolding costs. Always get at least three quotes to ensure you are paying a fair price.
Is there a grant for solar panels in the UK?
There is no direct grant for solar panels alone in 2026. However, if you install solar panels alongside an air source heat pump, the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant covers a large part of the heat pump cost, effectively reducing the total price of a combined system. Solar panels also benefit from 0% VAT until March 2027, saving you around 20% compared with the standard rate. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) provides ongoing income for surplus electricity you export to the grid.
Can I install solar panels and a heat pump at the same time?
Yes, and it is often the most cost-effective approach. Installing both at once means only one round of scaffolding, one set of electrical upgrades, and one project to manage. Installers like Electromatic M&E, Geo Green Power, Elite Renewables, and Evolve Renewables specialise in combined packages. The solar panels offset the electricity the heat pump uses, and the BUS grant (subject to eligibility) plus 0% VAT make the combined investment significantly more affordable.
How long do solar panels take to pay for themselves in London?
Most London installations achieve payback in 7 to 10 years, depending on system size, your electricity usage patterns, and whether you have a battery. Homes where occupants are in during the day — or where a battery stores daytime generation for evening use — tend to see faster payback. After the payback period, the electricity your panels generate is essentially free for the remaining 15-20 years of their productive life.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in London?
In most cases, no. Solar panels on domestic properties are generally permitted development, meaning you do not need planning permission. Exceptions include listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, and installations where panels would protrude more than 200 mm from the roof surface. If your home falls into any of these categories, check with your local planning authority before proceeding. Your installer should advise you on this during the survey stage.
What happens if I generate more electricity than I use?
Surplus electricity is exported to the national grid, and your energy supplier pays you for it under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). SEG rates vary between suppliers — shop around for the best tariff. A battery helps you store more of your own generation for use in the evening, reducing the amount you export and increasing the amount you use directly, which is more valuable per kilowatt-hour than the SEG payment.
Ready to Compare Quotes?
The best way to find the right solar installer is to get quotes from two or three companies — ideally a mix of national and local operators — and compare them side by side on price, equipment, warranty, and aftercare. If you are considering a combined solar and heat pump installation in the London, Twickenham, or Surrey area, Electromatic M&E offers a free, no-obligation survey and quote covering the full scope of work under one contract.
Contact Electromatic M&E: - Email: admin@electromatic.uk - Service area: Twickenham, Teddington, Richmond, Kingston, London, Surrey - Services: Solar PV, ASHP, battery storage, EV charging, full electrical work - BUS grant (subject to eligibility) applications handled on your behalf
Last updated: March 2026. Prices and incentives are subject to change. Always confirm current rates and eligibility with your chosen installer.
The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal, or technical advice. Energy savings estimates are based on typical UK household data from the Energy Saving Trust and Ofgem (April 2026 price cap). Actual savings depend on your property type, insulation levels, energy usage patterns, and electricity tariff. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500 is subject to eligibility criteria set by Ofgem — not all properties qualify. Electromatic M&E Ltd operates under MCS certification via an accredited umbrella partner. All installations comply with Building Regulations Part L and MCS standards. E&OE.
Written by Electromatic M&E Ltd — ASHP & Solar installer, London & Surrey (electromatic.uk)
Last updated: April 2026 | Electromatic M&E Ltd, Company No. 13837345
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