Been thinking about installing solar recently? There’s never been a better time to futureproof your home from unpredictable energy costs, and stay ahead of the rising price of solar panels in the UK.
Installing before summer not only helps protect you from potential increases on your energy bills, it also means you can avoid the expected increase in the price of solar panels due to China’s VAT export rebate ending on 1 April 2026. As China produces a large share of the world’s solar panels, this change is set to place upward pressure on global solar costs, including here in the UK.
Timing also plays a big part in how quickly you start seeing returns. Around 69% of a UK home’s annual solar generation happens between April and September, thanks to longer, brighter days. Getting installed before summer means you’ll start benefiting from the most productive months of the year right away – reducing your energy bills by up to £1,400 each year*.
Keep reading for everything you need to know before making the move to a greener future with Utilita Home.
Start generating right before the UK’s brightest months
Timing really does matter when you want to install solar panels onto your home. Yes, solar generation works 365 days of the year in the UK. But, around 69% of a typical UK home’s annual solar generation happens between April and September – that’s thanks to longer days, stronger light and more consistent sunshine.
By installing in or just before April, you:
- Start generating during the most productive part of the year.
- Maximise your first six months of savings.
- Cut your grid reliance sooner.
- Accelerate your return on investment.
What’s more, forecasts for the July-Septemeber energy price cap have upped to £1,973 for a typical dual-fuel household, according to new projections from Cornwall Insight. That would be a £332 increase on April’s cap (a rise of roughly 20%).
You’re not waiting around for the sun to show up, you’re ready the moment it does. For many households, starting installation before April boosts their first year energy savings… Sounds good right?
But to understand your return on investement, you first need to understand the price of solar panels. So why should you be purchasing solar before April?
Where are UK solar panles manufactured, and why does it matter?
Most solar panels installed in the UK are manufactured abroad, with China producing a significant share of the global solar supply chain. At Utilita Home, we use highperformance solar panels from LONGi, one of the most reputable and technically advanced PV manufacturers in the world.
LONGi panels are known for efficiency, durability and strong performance in UK climates – but like almost all global manufacturers, LONGi’s production sits within the wider Chinese export framework. That’s where the VAT rebate change comes in.
What’s China’s VAT Export Rebate and what’s changing?
For years, Chinese solar manufacturers have received a VAT export rebate, essentially a financial incentive that reduces the cost of exporting solar products to countries such as the UK.
But from 1 April 2026, this rebate is being removed for solar modules. That means:
- Exporters lose a cost advantage.
- The underlying cost of shipping panels internationally rises.
- Manufacturers may adjust pricing.
- Distributors and installers worldwide may face increased wholesale prices.
Because a significant proportion of UKinstalled panels originate from China, this change introduces upward pressure on global solar panel pricing, which means the price of solar panels in the UK is expected to increase from April 1.
So what does this mean if you’re thinking about going solar? It simply makes getting installed sooner the smarter move, especially with spring just around the corner.
How long does it take to instal solar panels on your home?
If you want to have your solar panels installed before the start of summer, timing is everything!
The time it takes to get solar panels installed depends mostly on the size of your system. For most UK homes, a typical system is 8–16 panels (roughly 3.68kW). These smaller to mediumsized setups generally move quickest through the installation process.
Smaller solar panel systems
- No preapproval needed from your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
- Your installer can fit first, then notify the DNO within 28 days.
- Minimal paperwork for you.
- Fastest route to installation.
Larger solar panel systems
If you want a bigger system made up of 12-20+ panels (roughly 6kW +), for example, a large roof, high electricity use, or pairing with a sizeable battery, there’s an extra step before installation can begin.
This process includes:
- A formal application from your installer.
- Network checks carried out by your Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
- A connection offer once approved.
Typical timelines for larger systems:
- Around 4–8 weeks for approval.
- Some DNOs have up to 45 working days to respond.
The process is a little longer, but it ensures your system runs safely and smoothly. If you’re planning a larger setup and want to take advantage of spring and summer generation, it’s a good idea to start early!
Currently, the UK applies 0% VAT on the installation of energy–saving materials, including solar PV and batteries, until 31 March 2027. That means you pay no VAT at all on your solar installation – a valuable saving that keeps more money in your pocket during the switch to clean energy.
Installing with Utilita Home before the price of solar panels increases
We’re here to make your move to a greener future simple and stress-free. Here are just a few benefits of going solar with Utilita Home:
Flexible payment options
Going solar is more affordable than you might think, especially before April. With flexible monthly finance, nodeposit options, and plans tailored to your budget, you can spread the cost over time while enjoying lower energy bills from day one. It’s a simple, stressfree way to switch to clean energy without the upfront expense.
Premium LONGi solar panels
We’ve partnered with LONGi to bring you highperformance panels designed for efficiency, durability and strong yearround output. LONGi panels are engineered to maximise the power of daylight, even on cloudy spring days, helping you generate more clean electricity, reduce your reliance on the grid, and get the most from your solar investment for decades to come.
Battery storage options
Solar battery storage lets you store excess energy to use later, cutting reliance on the grid and helping unlock higher annual savings. It’s lowmaintenance, weatherresistant, and designed to make your solar system work harder – especially during peak evening use.
Save more with Utilita Optimise
Utilita Optimise is your AIpowered smart battery manager that finetunes your solar battery throughout the day to boost your returns. It learns your household’s energy patterns and market prices, helping you save up to an extra £138* a year on top of your solar savings. Plus, the tech is completely FREE for Utilita Home customers for the first 2 years.
Start your solar panel journey with Utilita Home…
Ready to futureproof youe home, beat the price of solar panels and save up to £1,400* a year on your energy?
Fill out a few quick details about your home to find out how much you could save with our Solar Panel Calculator or Request a Call-Back and we’ll be in touch within 30 minutes (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) to help get you one step closer to solar savings!
*The additional savings attributed to Utilita Optimise are based on a model scenario involving a 5.32 kWh battery that fully charges and discharges once per day. Calculations assume usage against a single-rate electricity tariff of 25.73p/kWh. Optimisation savings are derived using a smart import tariff with a night rate of 7.9p/kWh and a day rate of 25.73p/kWh, alongside an export tariff of 15p/kWh. Actual savings may vary depending on individual usage patterns, tariff structures, and system performance.
**Your estimated combined savings are based on the recommended number of Longi Solar PV 490w panels included in your package and an electricity export rate of 15p per kWh. For a medium electricity usage home in the UK (using roughly 3500 kWh per year) you can save up to £962 per year by installing a 16-panel system with our 5.32kWh battery storage. You can also earn up to a further £444 per year by exporting excess energy back to the grid at an electricity export rate of 15p per kWh. The calculations follow MCS standard procedure and assume a self-consumption rate of 54% for systems with battery storage and 22% for those without. The current unit rate is based on the energy price set by Ofgem at 27.69p/kWh. Actual savings may vary depending on the specific equipment chosen and your precise annual energy consumption. Savings may also vary dependent on your property location and any obstacles which could cause your roof to be in shade, reducing the solar generation as a result.
***Carbon saving calculated based on avoided emissions across scopes 2 and 3. Based on an average household electricity consumption and solar system size. Calculated using the 2023 government emission factors.