If you live in a 3-bed semi-detached house in Leicester with a south-facing roof, you're in a great position to cut your electricity bills with solar panels. This calculator is designed for typical UK households like yours, giving you a clear picture of potential savings, payback time, and environmental benefits. No jargon, just the facts to help you decide if solar is right for you.
Your Solar Savings at a Glance
For a 3-bed semi in Leicester with a south-facing roof, here’s what a typical 5.4 kWp system could deliver based on your £1,200 annual electricity bill.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| System size | 5.4 kWp |
| Annual generation | 5,130 kWh |
| Annual savings | £718 |
| Bill reduction | 42% |
| Install cost | £5,940 |
| Payback period | 8.3 years |
| CO₂ saved | 1.2 tonnes/yr |
| Export income | £215/yr |
A 5.4 kWp system on your 30m² roof could generate 5,130 kWh per year, saving you approximately £718 annually. The system would pay for itself in around 8.3 years.
How We Calculated Your Savings
We used standard assumptions for a south-facing roof in the Midlands region. Generation is based on the Energy Saving Trust’s typical figures for a 5.4 kWp system. Savings assume you use 50% of the electricity generated and export the rest via the Smart Export Guarantee at a rate of 15p/kWh. The install cost of £5,940 is a typical market price for a system of this size, including VAT at 0% (domestic energy-saving materials).
Government Schemes and Support
You may be eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme if you’re also considering a heat pump. For more energy-saving advice, check the Energy Saving Trust’s solar panel page.
Is Solar Right for Your Home?
Solar panels work best on south-facing roofs with little shade. Your 30m² roof is ideal for a 5.4 kWp system. With a payback of 8.3 years and 25+ year panel lifespan, you could enjoy free electricity for decades. Plus, you’ll cut your carbon footprint by 1.2 tonnes every year.
What Affects Your Savings?
- Roof orientation and pitch
- Local shading
- Your household’s daytime electricity use
- Export tariff rates
Next Steps
To get a precise quote, find an MCS-certified installer near you via the MCS website. They’ll assess your roof and provide a tailored proposal.
How these numbers were calculated
Figures are based on Energy Saving Trust data for a 5.4 kWp south-facing system in the Midlands. Generation (5,130 kWh) uses standard irradiation. Savings assume 50% self-consumption and 15p/kWh export. Install cost is a typical market price. Payback divides cost by annual savings. CO₂ saved uses grid average emissions.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust — Solar panels
- Ofgem — Smart Export Guarantee
- MCS Certified — Find an installer
