Costs and benefits Solar panels in 2023
Solar panel costs 2026
Installing solar panels costs on average between €500 and €600 per panel, or €3,100 to €6,750 for a complete set including installation. Total costs depend on the number of panels, the type of system, and the complexity of your roof. In this price guide, you can read about what solar panels cost, what the returns are, and what to look out for during installation.
Table of Contents
- What do solar panels cost?
- Solar panel costs per panel type
- Price-determining factors for solar panels
- Additional costs and surcharges for solar panels
- How does the installation of solar panels work?
- How can you save on solar panels?
- Find the best professional for solar panels
- Frequently asked questions about solar panels
- Book a professional for solar panels
- Useful links
What do solar panels cost?
The costs for solar panels range between €500 and €600 per panel including installation. For a complete set of 6 panels, you pay an average of €3,100, while a larger system of 18 panels comes out to around €6,750. The more panels you purchase, the more favourable the price per panel becomes due to economies of scale in materials and labour.
Costs per solar panel
| Description | Price |
|---|---|
| Price per solar panel (incl. installation) | €500 - €600 |
The price per panel covers both the panel itself and the installation costs, including mounting materials and connection to your inverter.
Solar panel costs per set
| Number of panels | Total price (incl. installation) |
|---|---|
| 6 panels | €3,100 |
| 10 panels | €4,450 |
| 18 panels | €6,750 |
These total prices include the panels, mounting on your roof, the inverter, and all necessary electrical connections. With larger systems, the costs per panel decrease because fixed installation costs are distributed over more panels.
Payback period and financing
The payback period of your investment depends on your own consumption, roof orientation, and current energy prices. Direct self-consumption is more profitable than feeding back into the grid, as you then do not have to buy electricity at a high price. Solar panels can also increase property value and make your home more attractive to buyers who value low energy costs. For those who do not want to invest directly, there are green loans with favourable conditions, municipal energy-saving loans, or rental and lease constructions.
All mentioned prices are excluding VAT. Since 1 January 2023, a 0% VAT exemption applies to solar panels for private individuals, meaning the indicated amounts are equal to what you actually pay. The labour for installation is included in these prices.
Solar panel costs per panel type
The costs for solar panels vary by type of panel. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and provide the highest yield per square metre, but are also the most expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but slightly less efficient, while thin-film panels are the lowest priced but also offer the lowest return.
| Panel type | Efficiency | Power (Wp) | Price per panel | Best application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | 15-22% | 370-450 Wp | €550 - €600 | Limited roof surface, highest yield |
| Polycrystalline | 13-18% | 340-400 Wp | €500 - €550 | Sufficient roof surface, budget-conscious |
| Thin film | 10-13% | 250-350 Wp | €450 - €500 | Special applications, plenty of space |
Price-determining factors for solar panels
The costs for solar panels are determined by several factors. Some are technical, others depend on your specific situation.
Number of panels
The more panels you purchase, the lower the price per panel. With a small set of 6 panels, you pay relatively more per unit than with 18 panels. This is because fixed costs such as travel, setting up equipment, and connecting the inverter are spread over more panels.
Panel type and power
Monocrystalline panels with a high Wp (watt-peak) output are more expensive to purchase but yield more per square metre of roof area. They are more efficient and require less space to reach the same power. Polycrystalline and thin-film panels are cheaper but require more roof area for the same energy yield.
Roof orientation and tilt angle
A south-facing roof with an angle of 30 to 40 degrees provides the highest yield. With an east or west orientation, the efficiency drops by 10 to 15 percent. This affects the payback period, as you generate less energy with the same system. The installation itself does not become more expensive, but you may need more panels to achieve the same output.
Shade
Trees, chimneys, or other obstacles that cast shadows on the panels significantly reduce the yield. Even partial shade on one panel can affect the entire string. In such cases, optimizers or micro-inverters are sometimes used, which entails extra costs.
Roof suitability and construction
Not every roof can support solar panels without preparation. The load-bearing capacity must be sufficient to support the weight of the panels, mounting material, and any snow load. If in doubt, a structural inspection is required, costing extra time and money. Reinforcement of the roof structure is sometimes necessary.
Roof covering
Installation on a tiled roof is standard and takes no extra time. Bitumen roofs or flat roofs require a different mounting with ballast or anchoring. This means more labour hours and sometimes specialist material, which increases installation costs.
Net metering and feed-in tariff
Through the net metering scheme, generated and consumed electricity are offset against each other. This scheme is being phased out and will disappear completely in 2031. After 2031, you will receive a lower feed-in tariff for electricity you give back to the grid. Maximising self-consumption then becomes more important.
Subsidies and VAT
Since 2023, 0 percent VAT applies to solar panels for private individuals. In addition, municipal subsidies and energy-saving loans are available. These schemes significantly reduce the net costs.
Region
In large cities, installation prices may be higher than in rural areas. This is due to higher travel costs, parking fees, and sometimes limited accessibility. Local professionals also know regional regulations.
Roof accessibility
If your roof is difficult to reach or requires working with a cherry picker or scaffolding, the installation will take more time. Narrow streets or inner gardens can also complicate logistics, increasing labour costs.
Timing and preparation
Due to rising energy prices and the phase-out of net metering, investing earlier is more profitable. Ensure the roof is clear and accessible for the installers. Good preparation saves time and therefore labour.
Platform choice
Use a fair platform where you know what you pay in advance. At Zoofy, you get a fixed price without surprises afterwards. The affiliated professionals work with clear agreements and transparent rates.
Additional costs and surcharges for solar panels
The costs for solar panels can be higher due to specific circumstances or adjustments. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
- Inverter installation: The inverter is included in the installation, but has a lifespan of 10-15 years and must then be replaced. String inverters are cheaper and suitable for roofs without shade, while micro-inverters perform better with partial shade but are more expensive.
- Fuse box adjustments: Sometimes expansion of the fuse box is necessary to connect the solar panels correctly.
- Roof reinforcement: With insufficient load-bearing capacity, extra structural work is needed.
- Insurance: Report solar panels to your home insurance. Some insurers charge a higher premium.
- Urgent task: A surcharge applies for urgent work because the professional must adjust their schedule.
- Weekend: Work during the weekend is more expensive than on weekdays.
How does the installation of solar panels work?
- Feasibility check: The installer assesses your roof suitability, orientation, load-bearing capacity, and shade situation to determine if solar panels are feasible.
- Quote and planning: You receive a quote with the number of panels, type of inverter, and total costs including installation.
- Check permit: For most homes, no permit is required. Exceptions are monumental buildings or protected cityscapes.
- Installation: Technicians place rails on the roof, attach the panels, and install the inverter. This takes an average of 1 day for a standard installation.
- Inspection and notification: The inverter and electrical connection are inspected by a certified installer. The installation is reported to the network operator.
- Registration: Register your installation for the feed-in compensation so you get paid for electricity you supply back to the grid.
- Preparation: Ensure the roof is accessible, parking space for the van is available, and pets are inside on the installation day.
How can you save on solar panels?
- Maximise self-consumption: Use energy-intensive appliances such as the washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher during the day when the sun shines.
- Consider a home battery: With a home battery, you increase your self-consumption from 30-40% to 70-80%.
- Maintain your panels: Dirt from dust, leaves, or bird droppings can reduce yield by 5-25%. Have panels cleaned periodically for optimal return.
- Monitor your yield: Use energy monitoring via smart meters or apps to signal problems early.
- Do not plan in the weekend: Installation during the week is often cheaper than in the weekend as no weekend surcharge applies.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Find the best professional for solar panels
- Certified installer: Manufacturers can refuse warranty claims if panels are not installed by a certified party.
- No call-out charges: You only pay for the work itself, never extra for the professional's arrival.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are before the professional begins.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Book a professional directly and choose a time, without waiting weeks for quotes.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay once the work has been completed to your satisfaction.
- Reliable, screened professionals: All affiliated professionals are checked for quality and reliability.
Frequently asked questions about solar panels
What do 10 solar panels cost including installation?
The costs for a set of 10 solar panels are on average around €4,450 including installation. This includes the panels, mounting, inverter, and all necessary electrical connections.
What do 8 solar panels cost including installation?
For 8 solar panels, you pay approximately €3,750 including installation. The exact price depends on the panel type, roof construction, and any extra adjustments to your fuse box.
What do 4 solar panels cost including installation?
A small set of 4 solar panels costs around €2,200 including installation. Note: the price per panel is higher than with larger sets because fixed installation costs are spread over fewer panels.
Do solar panels also work in cloudy weather?
Yes, solar panels also work when it is cloudy, but the yield is then 10-25% of what they produce in full sun.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years. The output gradually decreases by about 0.5% per year.
Is a home battery useful?
With the phase-out of net metering, a home battery is becoming increasingly interesting. Costs range between €4,000 and €8,000.
How do I know if my panels are working properly?
Monitor your yield via an app or the inverter and compare it with the expected yield.
Why are solar panels no longer interesting?
This is not correct. Due to rising energy prices and the 0% VAT scheme, solar panels remain profitable. You usually earn back the investment in 7-10 years.
Do I need a permit for solar panels?
For most homes, no. Consult the online environment portal of your municipality in case of doubt.
What happens during a power cut?
In a power cut, standard solar panels shut down for safety. With a home battery and special inverter, you can continue to have power.
Book a professional for solar panels
Ready to have solar panels installed? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what the costs are in advance, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, screened professional. You only pay once the work is done. Book a professional directly now.