If you’re planning to install a solar panel system in the UK, the first question that usually comes to mind is the upfront cost, followed closely by, “What size solar system is right for my home?
The typical homes in the UK install solar systems ranging from 1 kW to 5 kW. But for homes with higher energy needs, a 6 kW solar system is often the ideal choice. It can comfortably power a larger home and a family of five or more.
These systems have the capacity to generate enough energy to help households reduce hundreds of pounds from their electricity bills.
When you look at how much power a 6kW system generates over the year, it’s clear that with sensible use, it’s strong enough to handle extras like solar water heating, too
You may expect to pay £10,000 – £12,200 for the 6 kW solar system installation in the UK before grants. However, ECO4 Grants can cover up to 100% of installation costs if you belong to low-income households.
Installing a solar panel in the UK can save you up to £1,530 annually, which means you break even on your upfront cost within 7-8 years. With battery installation, you can also qualify for the Smart Export Scheme, providing you with an opportunity to sell the energy back to the grid.
If your home energy consumption falls between 4800 and 108,000 kWh annually, MAK Energy can help you provide the best quote for a 6 kW solar system. Please fill out our quotation form to receive a free quotation and consultancy.
The home with lower electricity consumption can be equipped with a 3kW, 4kW, or 5kW solar system, depending on your energy needs.
Important Takeaways:
- In the UK, a 6kW system costs between £10k and £12,200 without any government subsidies.
- Homes with more than five occupants or those using more than 600 kWh per month are the ideal candidates for a 6 kW solar panel system, which can produce between 4,800 and 10,800 kWh of electricity annually.
- DIY 6kw solar systems are typically not the best choice for you.
How much does a 6 kW solar system cost?
Quoting the exact price for a 6kW solar system is difficult because the cost depends on different factors and can vary from city to city.
In the UK, a 6kW solar system usually costs between £9,000 and £12,000 without batteries. The price can shift depending on your location, the quality of panels and inverters, and, of course, the installer you choose.
If you go for a 6kw hybrid solar panel setup with batteries, the expected cost is around £12,000–£20,000, depending on how many batteries you add.
However, with the proper grants or incentives, many homeowners can significantly reduce their upfront costs.
With the Smart Export Energy scheme, you can sell the extra electricity produced back to the grid. In other words, the same system that looks like a five-figure expense today can quickly turn into a bright long-term savings plan.
Factors that can affect the Price
Quality of panels & inverter: Premium solar panels and inverter brands cost more upfront but give better efficiency and longer warranties.
Battery or no battery: Adding batteries (a hybrid solar system) can double the cost but gives you more control over your energy use.
Roof type & condition: Size, angle, shading, and whether scaffolding is tricky all affect installation costs.
Installer choice: Trusted MCS/TrustMark installers, such as MAK Energy, may quote higher, but you’re paying for reliability and solid guarantees.
Grants & Subsidies: Government schemes or local offers can significantly reduce your upfront bill.
How much electricity can a 6 kW solar system produce?
You think cost is the only thing that varies? Nah, you will also see the fluctuation in the 6kw solar system production in different areas. Because the number of hours a home receives can make a significant difference.
However, the real-time data shows that the 6 kW solar system produces electricity between 4,800 and 10,800 kWh per year. The significant difference is due to the number of sun hours, the quality of components, and how well the system is installed.
What makes a 6kW solar system a great option in the UK?
A 6kW system is especially designed to power larger homes and properties. The system can run a home of 5 or more. The system will also make your home eco-friendly.
Although the upfront cost might seem too high to some, this system can reduce your electricity costs by more than 50%. With SEG and battery installation, the savings could be higher than average.
To install the 6 kW solar system, which typically includes 17-24 solar panels, a free roof space of 38 m² to 43 m² is needed. And for inverter installation, an extra space or a small room is required to protect the solar inverter from dust and rainwater.
How many solar panels do I need for a 6 kW solar system?
The number of solar panels you require for a 6 kW system can vary depending on the size of an individual panel. To achieve a maximum energy production of 6,000 watts of power, you will need to install a minimum of 19 solar panels. The number of solar panels required for a 6 kW solar system is as follows.
- 24 solar panels of 250W each
- 20 solar panels of 300W each
- 15 solar panels of 400W each
6kw solar panel system with Battery Storage System
Installing a battery storage system with a 6 kW PV system is a great way to extract the maximum energy. The battery system helps you store the extra generated electricity as a backup option that often goes to waste if you don’t apply for the SEG scheme.
The cost of the hybrid system becomes slightly higher and is currently priced in the range of £12,500 to £20,500. The actual price will depend on the number of batteries you install.
How long until you break even?
With current energy prices and realistic self-consumption rates, you can expect the 6kW system to pay back in a 7–8 year window for systems without batteries. Keep in mind that adding batteries can lengthen the payback period but will increase self-consumption and resilience.
The annual savings on a 6 kW solar system also depend on how much of the solar electricity you use yourself (rather than exporting it). A 6kW system can reduce bills by several hundred pounds per year and, in some cases, above £1,000, depending on household consumption patterns and local sunlight.
Therefore, remember that your exact payback depends on your electricity usage, tariff, and whether you can shift energy-intensive tasks (such as washing, EV charging, and hot water heating) to daytime.
Where to Find the Best 6 kW Solar System?
The 6 kW solar system needs more than 10,000 pounds of investment. With such a high amount at stake, you must choose the components and, more importantly, the installer wisely.
You must get different quotes from various installers, but for the best and MCS-certified installer, MAK Energy is the best among others.
They value quality over quantity, with a team of experienced, professional, and certified engineers boasting years of experience in providing the best solar systems to UK homeowners and businesses.
To get a quote, fill out the form, which takes no more than a minute but can benefit you for life.
What’s next?
The 6 kW PV system is powerful enough to run a larger home with over 6,000 kWh of electricity consumption annually. However, the decision to install such an extensive system must be made wisely, considering the upfront cost, which typically ranges between £9,000 and £12,000, and the battery requirements, which can increase the upfront cost to £12,500 to £20,500.
Keep in mind that almost 40 m² of roof space is required to install the 6 kW solar panels.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does a 6kW solar panel with a battery cost in the UK?
A standard 6kW solar panel system coupled with a solar battery can cost between £12,500 and £20,500.
How many solar panels are needed for a 6kW system?
For 6 kW, the number of panels depends on the per-watt panel size. If you opt for a 250W panel, you’ll need 24 300W solar panels or 15 400W solar panels. The costs and output of a solar panel system can vary depending on several factors.