Currys and Asda will start selling solar panels from October 2024, a move that could reshape how Britain buys rooftop generation. The exact date remains unconfirmed, but the retail giants are betting that household solar has moved from niche to mainstream.
As reported by Wales Online, the retailers are partnering with established installers to offer packages from roughly £5,500 for a 4kW system. That figure undercuts many specialist quotes by 10-15%, but the devil is in the installation detail.
Who qualifies, and who doesn’t
Supermarket solar will target the mass market: semi-detached homes with south-facing roofs, minimal shading, and easy loft access. Flat roofs, listed buildings, or homes needing roof reinforcement are likely excluded. Currys and Asda will use third-party installers, not in-house teams, so the quality of fitting depends on the subcontractor assigned to your postcode.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates a 4kW system on a south-facing roof in southern England generates 3,800 kWh per year, enough to cut a typical bill by £400-£500 at current prices. But that assumes optimal orientation. East-west roofs produce 15-20% less.
What it costs a typical 3-bed semi
A 4kW system from a supermarket will likely cost £5,500-£6,500 installed, including a 3.6kW inverter and 10 panels. Specialist installers quote £6,500-£8,000 for equivalent hardware from Tier 1 manufacturers. The catch: supermarket panels may be budget brands with 80% efficiency retention after 25 years rather than the 85-90% from premium brands like SunPower or LG.
Battery storage adds £2,000-£4,500. Neither retailer has confirmed battery bundles yet. Without storage, export payments under the Smart Export Guarantee average 5-15p/kWh in 2024, about £150-£250 a year for a typical system.
EPC improvement is real. A C-rated home can move to B with solar, adding £15,000-£20,000 to resale value, according to Nationwide Building Society data. But the system must be MCS-certified to qualify for SEG payments and EPC recognition. Homeowners should verify MCS accreditation before signing.
The small print you need to read
Warranty length is the biggest variable. Specialist installers typically offer 10-year workmanship guarantees and 25-year panel performance warranties. Supermarket deals may cap workmanship at 5 years and use shorter inverter warranties. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate solar installation contracts, so consumer protections are limited to the Sale of Goods Act.
But the real risk is aftercare. If a panel fails in year eight, will Asda’s call centre route you to a qualified engineer, or will you face a 12-week wait? Specialist solar firms have dedicated service teams; retailers do not.
Yet competition will benefit everyone. If Currys and Asda force specialist installers to cut margins, the entire market becomes more accessible. Ofgem data shows 1.7 million UK homes now have solar, double the number in 2019. Retail entry could accelerate that to 3 million by 2030.
What to do now
Wait until October when exact packages are published. Then get three quotes, one from a supermarket, two from MCS-certified specialists. Compare total cost per watt, panel efficiency, inverter brand, and warranty length. Check whether the installer offers a generation guarantee (e.g., “minimum 3,500 kWh year one”). Apply for a quote through the Energy Saving Trust’s tool at gov.uk. Do not sign until you see the full contract terms in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Initial pricing suggests 10-15% savings on like-for-like systems. But supermarket deals may use lower-grade panels and shorter warranties. Always compare total system cost, panel efficiency, and warranty length before buying.
Not necessarily. Without storage, you can sell excess power via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) at 5-15p/kWh. Battery storage adds £2,000-£4,500 and is most valuable if you use more than 50% of generated power at night.
