Solar Panel Guides UK 2026

Use this library to find the next answer in your solar project. If you are starting from scratch, read our solar panels for your home buying guide first: it takes you from roof suitability and system sizing to comparing installer quotes. The specialist guides below go deeper into individual costs, products, funding and export options.

What the school solar programme says about no-upfront-cost finance

The Great British Energy Solar Partnership added 100 schools in July 2026 and launched a separate 150-school pilot in which private investors fund, install, and maintain solar panels. Participating schools buy the electricity through a Power Purchase Agreement at a lower rate instead of paying the installation cost upfront.

This is not a household grant and homeowners cannot apply to the schools programme. It does, however, demonstrate the no-upfront-cost PPA model used by some commercial solar providers. Households considering any financed installation should compare the full contract term, electricity rate, ownership, maintenance obligations, and early-exit costs against purchasing a system outright.

Read the official Great British Energy schools announcement

Solar Guides

Which Solar Guide Should You Read First?

• Planning your first installation: start with the homeowner guide, then compare costs and the installation process.
• Comparing quotes: use the panel comparison and installer reviews alongside the equipment specifications in each quote.
• Already generating electricity: explore export tariffs and battery options to make better use of your system.
• Looking for financial support: read the grants guide and follow the relevant scheme's application route.