12kW Solar System in the UK: A Complete Guide in 2024

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Are you interested in transitioning to solar energy, but worried that it just might not meet your power needs? The good news is, you're wrong!

A 12kW solar panel system is a wonderfully effective and capable energy choice for larger homes and commercial properties. With the capacity to easily power all standard appliances in an average home, you can prioritise the environment while still saving hundreds of pounds on energy bills in the long run.

In this article, we will explore the specs, expectations and benefits of switching to a 12kW solar system today. In addition, Solar Guide can help you save countless hours of research and vetting by connecting you with up to 4 free quotes from professional solar panel installers in your area. This way, you can receive advice, suggestions and price quotes tailored to your specific needs. Simply click the button below to begin!


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12kW Solar system: Solar panels with battery storage in the UK

To begin with, let’s have a look at how solar panel systems actually work. The type of solar panel needed for electricity production is called a photovoltaic solar panel. This shouldn’t be confused with solar thermal panels which are used for generating heat. Below is a diagram that outlines how a solar panel system works to generate electricity for a home:

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Now that we have an idea of how a solar system functions, let’s have a look at what main components make up a 12kW solar panel system with battery storage. A typical solar energy system will require:

  • Solar Panels: A single residential solar panel typically produces around 260-400 watts of power. At 260 watts you would need around 47 panels. A more budget friendly option of 240 watts would see you needing around 50 panels. Alternatively, high efficiency panels (300+ watts) would bring you down to just 40 panels or less!
  • Solar Battery Storage: Used for storing unused or surplus electricity, solar batteries come in very handy for night times and overcast days where electricity production is not as sufficient. In the UK, this can be a lifesaver. Solar batteries come in different storage capacities, and are more expensive as the capacity increases.

A solar system also contains other key components to function, such as a solar converter for converting energy from the sun into electricity, and an electricity metre to monitor the production and consumption of energy. In addition, be sure to check out our article on the amount of solar panels you might need for further guidance.

12kW Solar system: the investment and savings

The million pound question on everyone’s mind is often the same. With all things considered, how much does a 12kW solar system cost?

While setting a fixed price is difficult given the varying factors to be considered, you can expect your investment to range roughly from £12,000 – £13,000, including installation and VAT. Additionally, the price of solar panels vary based on their type, size, and material quality, so take our estimate with a grain of salt.

This steep price might seem daunting at first, but 12kW solar systems also have an impressively high energy output, which in turn means a much quicker payback on your investment.

To make the deal even sweeter, any excess energy output can be used to generate income! Through the UK's Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) initiative, surplus energy you do not use can be sold back to the national grid to make upwards of £900 a year, based on your energy output and usage.

Keep in mind that these rates vary depending on the energy supplier you work with, so it is advised that you research which option is best for you before making a decision.

How much electricity does a 12kW solar system generate in the UK?

The performance of a 12kW solar panel system is reliant on factors such as material quality, solar panel efficiency, the direction of your roof, and the angle of your solar panels for optimum light exposure. In ideal conditions, your solar panel system can produce an estimated 900 to 2000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month, assuming 5 hours of sun exposure a day in the UK.

To maximise the potential of energy generation in the UK, it is best to have an unobstructed south facing view of the sun to guarantee the most light exposure.

For the best case scenario, consulting with a professional installer can go a long way in ensuring you get the best value for your money. Even so, you can still find yourself immersed in weeks of stressful research over solar panel types, materials and installers.

Let Solar Guide ease the pressure and do the vetting for you! Through our network of trusted local installers, we can provide you with up to 4 free quotes from professional installers in your area. That way, you can weigh up the options tailored for your property and choose what works best, all for a fraction of the time spent. Simply click the button below to begin!


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Is a 12kW solar system worth it in the UK?

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Although the initial investment is certainly steep, 12kW solar systems still emerge as a wonderful long term energy solution with countless perks and benefits. In this section, let’s review some of the solar panel advantages discussed throughout the article.

For starters, the high energy capacity of a 12kW solar system, reaching upwards of 900 to 2000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) every month, can comfortably meet all the energy needs of an average home. As the cherry on the cake, any surplus energy you don’t use can also be sold back to the national grid for additional profit via the SEG initiative!

With this in mind, the potential to reimburse your investment is very real. The high energy output of 12kW solar systems ensures a quicker payback on your investment than most other renewable energy systems.

It goes without saying, you will also be doing the environment a huge favour by opting for a renewable energy solution. The industry standard lifespan of solar panels typically is 25 to 30 years, ensuring you with many years of sustainably sourced electricity.

Get quotes for 12kW solar systems

It goes without saying that an investment of this scale requires a great deal of research and planning. To ensure the best possible value for your money, it is highly recommended that you compare quotes from several professional solar engineers accessible to your area.

Most homeowners are compelled to find themselves in an endless cycle of phone calls and quote comparisons, all while potentially missing out on bargain deals. Let Solar Guide take care of the nitty-gritty, so that you are left with only the best deals from the most professional installers.

By filling out our simple 30-second form, we can deliver up to 4 free quotes from local professional engineers right to you. No hassle of endless research, and with zero obligations to accept any of the quotes you receive. Simply click the button below to begin!


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FAQ

How much power will a 12KW solar system produce?

The energy output of a 12kW solar system will depend on factors such as your chosen type of panel, the time of year and the angle to the sun. However, in favourable conditions, a 12kW solar panel system can produce an estimated 900 to 2000 kWh of energy a month.

How many solar panels do I need for 12 kW?

For a 12kW system, the amount of solar panels you need varies depending on the capacity of the panels you opt for. Given that a typical solar panel’s output capacity is around 260-400 watts, you can expect to need around 40 to 50 panels for a 12kW system.

What is the cost of a 12KW hybrid solar system?

Whilst it is difficult to give an accurate price due to various factors of influence, a typical investment for a 12kW solar panel system is around £12,000 – £13,000, including installation and VAT. This range can vary based on factors such as the quality of solar panels, the number of panels needed, and the difficulty of installation.

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