Leggett, a UK furniture group, has installed 1.2 MW of rooftop solar across its Midlands factory, enough to power the equivalent of 350 homes each year. The project, delivered by Zestec and Inspired Energy, includes battery storage to capture surplus generation. As reported by Big Furniture Group, the system is expected to cut electricity costs by roughly 30% and reduce carbon emissions by 400 tonnes annually.
For UK homeowners, this is not an abstract corporate story. The same technology, photovoltaic panels plus battery storage, is available for domestic rooftops. And the economic logic is similar: you generate your own power, you use less from the grid, and you get paid for what you export. The difference is scale. A typical 4 kW domestic system (about 10 panels) costs £5,000–£8,000, including installation, according to Energy Saving Trust figures. With the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), households receive payments for surplus electricity, typically between 5p and 15p per kWh, depending on the supplier.
Who qualifies, and who doesn’t
Most UK homes with a south-facing, east-west, or flat roof can host solar panels. But not all roofs are suitable. Shaded roofs, north-facing slopes, or those with complex angles reduce output significantly. A quick check: use the Solar Energy Calculator on the Energy Saving Trust website. If your roof gets direct sunlight for most of the day, you’re a candidate. If you live in a listed building or conservation area, you may need planning permission, though permitted development rights cover most homes in England and Wales.
What it costs a typical 3-bed semi
A 4 kW system on a semi-detached house in Milton Keynes, for example, would generate roughly 3,400 kWh per year. With a battery (typically £2,000–£4,000 extra), you can store about 5–10 kWh for evening use. Without a battery, you export roughly half your generation at SEG rates. With a battery, you might use 80% of what you generate. Payback periods: 8–12 years for panels alone, 10–14 years with a battery, assuming current electricity prices (around 24p/kWh under the October 2024 price cap). The EPC impact: a typical D-rated home can move to C or even B with solar and battery, according to government modelling.
The catch, and why it still works
The catch is upfront cost. At £7,000–£12,000 for a full system, not every household can write that cheque. But there are grants: the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) for low-income households, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) for heat pumps, though solar alone isn’t covered by BUS. Some local authorities offer 0% loans for solar. And the SEG ensures you earn a return on surplus electricity. The Leggett installation shows that even at industrial scale, the numbers work. For a domestic roof, the numbers work too, provided you plan to stay in the house for at least 8 years.
What to do next
If you’re considering solar, start with a free quote from three MCS-certified installers. Ask for a breakdown of generation estimates, battery size, and SEG tariff options. Check whether your roof needs structural reinforcement, older roofs may need upgrading. Apply for any available grants via your local council or the Energy Saving Trust. The deadline for the current HUG round is March 2025 in many areas. Don’t wait: solar panels installed now will pay back before the next price cap review.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, no. Solar panels are considered permitted development in England and Wales, provided they don't protrude more than 200mm from the roof plane. However, listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may require permission. Always check with your local planning authority before installation.
Rates vary by supplier, typically between 5p and 15p per kWh. A typical 4kW system exporting 1,500 kWh per year could earn £75–£225 annually. Check the latest SEG tariff list on the Ofgem website to find the best rate.
