If you have been waiting for the “right time” to go solar, you are not alone. Many homeowners are asking: is 2026 the best year to install solar panels in the UK? The answer depends on your home, your electricity use, and what support is available right now.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar panels help households lower electricity bills by generating clean electricity on site. And with export payments, VAT relief and simpler planning rules in place, 2026 has several practical reasons to consider making the move.
This guide explains what matters most, and how to decide with confidence.
What is changing in 2026, and why homeowners are asking “why now?”
The biggest reason people consider solar is simple: it reduces the amount of electricity you need to buy.
The Energy Saving Trust explains that lowering household electricity demand and generating your own energy are two of the most effective ways to reduce ongoing costs. Solar does both.
At the same time, the UK continues to add more solar capacity. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes official solar PV deployment statistics on GOV.UK, and the latest releases in [Jan 2026] show ongoing growth, which reflects the fact that many households are still seeing value in installing solar.
So, while 2026 is not a “magic” year, it can be a strong year to act if the current support and pricing landscape suits your home.
What does the guidance say about costs and savings?
Solar savings are mainly driven by how much of your solar electricity you use at home.
The Energy Saving Trust’s solar panel guidance explains that solar panels generate electricity you can use in your home, store for later (with a battery), or export to the grid. That means savings are often higher for households that use electricity during daylight hours.
If you want a more tailored estimate, the Energy Saving Trust solar calculator can help you understand potential savings based on your situation.
For Smart Living Energy customers, we also build a system design around your usage patterns, so you can aim for the best balance of performance, payback and comfort. If you want a quick starting point, our Solar PV Panels service page explains how we approach system sizing and savings.
How exporting electricity can improve the value of solar
Solar panels save you money when you use your own electricity. But exporting surplus electricity can add extra value too.
According to Ofgem’s Smart Export Guarantee overview, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires certain electricity suppliers (SEG licensees) to pay small-scale generators for low-carbon electricity exported to the grid, as long as eligibility criteria are met.
The UK Government also sets out the scheme in its guidance, Smart Export Guarantee: earn money for exporting renewable electricity.
In summary, if your solar system produces more than you use at certain times (often in spring and summer), you can get paid for what you export. That can help improve the overall return.
If you want a simple explanation written for homeowners, you can also reference our own guide, The Smart Export Guarantee Explained, alongside the official sources above.
Why 0% VAT makes 2026 a smart year to install solar
One of the clearest reasons 2026 can be a good year to install is VAT relief.
According to HMRC’s policy paper on the VAT treatment of energy-saving materials, the installation of certain energy-saving materials in residential accommodation in Great Britain is zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027.
That means, for many households, installing solar in 2026 could be cheaper than it may be after the relief ends, depending on what happens next.
If you want the full technical detail, VAT Notice 708/6 on energy-saving materials and heating equipment explains how VAT is applied to qualifying installations.
Smart Living Energy also has a homeowner-friendly summary here: 0% VAT on Energy Saving Materials: What You Need to Know.
Planning permission and practical checks before you install
For many homes, planning permission is simpler than people expect.
According to the Planning Portal guidance on solar panels, solar panels on residential buildings are often considered “permitted development”, meaning you may not need to submit a planning application, as long as the installation meets certain conditions.
There are exceptions (for example, listed buildings or conservation areas), so it is always worth checking early.
It is also wise to make sure your installer meets recognised standards. The MCS “Find an Installer” tool explains that MCS is a UK quality mark for small-scale renewables like solar panels, and it helps consumers identify certified installers.
So is 2026 the best year to go solar?
For many UK households, 2026 stands out as an excellent year to install solar panels, combining lower energy costs, income from SEG export payments and zero-rated VAT on qualifying installations until 31 March 2027.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar helps cut electricity bills by generating clean power at home, and according to Ofgem and GOV.UK, SEG can add value by paying you for what you export.
If you want a clear answer for your own home, Smart Living Energy can help you compare system size, expected savings and battery options, then give you a straightforward quote with no pressure.
Please contact us to find out more.
Email – info@smartliving.energy
Telephone – 0800 008 6209