Solar Calculators &
Savings Tools
Estimate your solar savings, find the right system size, and model your 25-year return on investment — all based on real Yorkshire data.
Typical Yorkshire generation
900–1,050 kWh/kWp/yr
UK electricity rate (2026)
24.5p/kWh
Average payback period
8–11 years
VAT on solar installations
0% until 2027
Solar ROI Calculator
See your projected savings over 25 years with realistic price-rise modelling and export income.
Solar Generation Calculator
Estimate your generation, self-consumption and export
UK average: 3,500 kWh/year
Percentage of generated solar energy you use directly in your home. Higher = more savings. With battery: automatically increases by ~20%.
Smart Export Guarantee rate paid by your energy supplier for electricity exported to the grid. Octopus Flux pays up to 33p at peak times.
0
kWh/year
0
kWh used at home
0
kWh/year
0
× 415W panels
Calculation assumptions
- • Import rate reference: 24.5p/kWh
- • Panel degradation: 0.5% per year over 25 years
- • Yorkshire & Humber irradiance: 900 kWh/kWp/year
- • Battery boosts self-consumption by ~20%
- • 0% VAT applies on domestic solar (current UK policy to March 2027)
Solar Panel Sizing Tool
Answer a few questions about your home and find the ideal system size and panel count.
Solar Sizing Tool
Find the right system size for your home
1 Your household
2 High-electricity appliances
Estimated annual usage
0 kWh/yr
Recommended system
0kWp
0 × 415W panels
Annual generation
0 kWh
Grid export
0 kWh
Roof space needed
~0m²
For a personalised savings estimate, request a free quote.
Compare system sizes
This is an estimate based on typical Yorkshire irradiance and usage patterns. Your surveyor will use shade analysis, roof measurements, and your actual bills to give a precise recommendation.
How to use these tools
Start with the sizing tool
Tell us your household size, appliances, and roof details. We'll recommend the right kWp system based on your expected usage and Yorkshire irradiance figures.
Model your ROI
Enter the recommended system size into the ROI calculator. Adjust your region, battery option, and self-consumption rate to see year-by-year cumulative returns.
Get a precise quote
Our calculators use regional averages. A free on-site survey from our MCS-certified team will give you exact figures based on shade analysis, actual roof measurements, and your energy bills.
Data sources & methodology
Solar irradiance data
Regional figures sourced from the UK Met Office and PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System), based on 10-year averages. Yorkshire uses 900 kWh/kWp/year — slightly below the UK average of ~950 due to latitude and typical cloud cover.
Electricity pricing
Base rate of 24.5p/kWh (Ofgem Q1 2026 price cap). We apply a 4% annual increase, consistent with the 10-year rolling average from 2015–2025. Real future prices may vary.
Panel performance
Based on 415W monocrystalline panels (typical premium panel 2026). Performance ratio of 0.8 accounts for inverter losses, wiring, temperature, and soiling. Panel degradation at 0.5%/year over 25 years.
Self-consumption rates
Industry benchmarks from MCS certification data: without battery 25–45%, with battery 55–85% depending on household occupancy. Battery boost approximated at +20%.
Export tariffs (SEG)
Default of 15p/kWh represents a competitive Smart Export Guarantee rate. In practice, Octopus Flux can pay 33p at peak times; some suppliers offer as low as 4p. You can adjust this in Advanced Settings.
System costs
Based on our own installed prices including all hardware, labour, scaffolding, DNO notification, and MCS certification. Includes 0% VAT currently applicable to domestic solar installations.
Further reading
Solar Panel Grants & 0% VAT Explained for 2026
Everything you need to know about financial incentives for solar panels in 2026, including the 0% VAT scheme, Smart Export Guarantee, ECO4, and other available funding.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? A Simple Guide
A straightforward guide to working out how many solar panels your home needs, based on electricity usage, roof space, and budget.
Solar Panel Payback Period in the UK (2026 Update)
An updated analysis of solar panel payback periods in 2026, factoring in current electricity prices, 0% VAT, and Smart Export Guarantee income.
Octopus Intelligent + Solar + EV Charger: How to Pay Almost Nothing to Charge Your Car
Octopus Intelligent offers 7p/kWh overnight charging for Tesla and compatible EVs. Combine it with daytime solar generation and a smart charger, and most Yorkshire commuters can charge their car for almost nothing year-round. This guide shows exactly how.
The Best Energy Tariffs for Home Battery Storage in 2026
Choosing the right energy tariff can add meaningful annual savings for battery storage owners on top of self-consumption benefits. This guide compares every major time-of-use tariff in the UK for 2026 — with real numbers for Yorkshire battery owners.
Cut Your Bills.
Start Saving Today.
Everything is completely free and no obligation. We survey, design the right system, and quote — you decide if and when to proceed.
- Free property survey & roof assessment
- Bespoke system design & payback report
- Full written quote within 48 hours
- No pushy sales — you decide
Book Your Free Survey
Get a personalised system design & savings report for your property.
No pushy calls · We quote, you decide