How much does the electrical work cost for solar panel installation?

The electrical work for a typical domestic solar PV installation costs £500 to £1,500 in 2026. This covers the DC isolator (£30 to £60), AC isolator (£25 to £50), meter tails upgrade if needed (£100 to £250), consumer unit connection including a new way with RCBO (£100 to £250), earthing and bonding (£50 to £150), generation meter if required (£80 to £150), and labour for the electrical work (£250 to £600). These costs are on top of the panels, inverter, and mounting system.

Do I need to upgrade my meter tails for solar panels?

It depends on the existing meter tails size and the solar PV system capacity. If the existing meter tails are 16mm² (common in older installations), they may not be adequate for the additional generation load and should be upgraded to 25mm². Modern installations typically have 25mm² tails, which are adequate for most domestic solar PV systems up to 4 kW. Your electrician should assess the tails during the survey and include any upgrade in the quotation.

What is the difference between G98 and G99?

G98 and G99 are Engineering Recommendations that govern the connection of generation equipment to the distribution network. G98 applies to installations up to 3.68 kW per phase (3.68 kW on single-phase, 11.04 kW on 3-phase) and requires a simple notification to the DNO after installation — no prior approval needed. G99 applies to installations above these thresholds and requires a formal application to the DNO with approval before the system can be energised. G99 applications take 4 to 8 weeks for approval.

Do I need MCS certification for solar panels?

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is not a legal requirement for installing solar panels, but it is required if the customer wants to receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for electricity exported to the grid. SEG payments are worth £100 to £300 per year for a typical domestic system, so MCS certification effectively pays for itself. The installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer using MCS-certified products.

Can any electrician do the electrical work for solar panels?

Any competent electrician can carry out the AC electrical work — consumer unit connection, meter tails, earthing, and AC isolator. However, the DC work (from the panels to the inverter) and the overall system design, commissioning, and MCS certification require specific solar PV training and MCS accreditation. In practice, most solar PV installations are carried out by MCS-certified solar companies who have their own electricians or subcontract the electrical work to qualified sparks.

Where should the AC and DC isolators be located?

The DC isolator should be located adjacent to the inverter, within arm's reach, and clearly labelled. It allows the inverter to be safely isolated from the DC supply from the panels. The AC isolator should be located between the inverter and the consumer unit, and must be accessible to the DNO and emergency services. It is typically mounted next to the consumer unit or the meter. Both isolators must be clearly labelled with appropriate warning signs indicating the presence of dual supplies.

What earthing is required for solar PV?

The solar PV system requires protective earthing of all exposed conductive parts — the panel frames, mounting system, inverter casing, and any metallic containment. An earth conductor (typically 4mm² or 6mm² green/yellow) connects all metallic parts back to the main earthing terminal. Additionally, equipotential bonding may be required for the mounting system if it is in contact with the building's structural metalwork. Lightning protection should be considered — an SPD (surge protection device) on both the DC and AC sides is strongly recommended.

How long does the electrical work take for a solar PV installation?

The electrical work for a typical domestic solar PV installation takes half a day to a full day. This includes installing the DC and AC isolators, connecting the inverter to the consumer unit, upgrading meter tails if needed, completing the earthing and bonding, installing the generation meter, testing all circuits, and completing the EIC. If the consumer unit needs replacing or upgrading to accommodate the new solar circuit, add another half day.

COST GUIDE

Solar Panel Electrical Cost: UK Wiring Guide 2026

How much does the electrical work cost on a solar PV installation? This guide focuses on the electrician's scope — DC and AC isolators, meter tails, consumer unit connection, earthing, generation meters, and certification. Real costs for the electrical work that sits on top of the panel and inverter price.

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15 min readUpdated 2026-05-18Andrew Moore, Founder of Elec-Mate

Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.

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Key Takeaways

1The electrician's scope on a solar PV installation covers the DC isolator, AC isolator, meter tails upgrade (if needed), generation meter, consumer unit connection, earthing, and certification. This typically costs £500 to £1,500 on top of the panel and inverter cost.
2This guide covers the electrical work only — not panel mounting, roof work, or inverter installation. The electrical connection is the final stage of a solar PV installation and must be carried out by a competent electrician.
3MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification is required for the customer to receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments. The installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer.
4DNO notification under G98 (for installations up to 3.68 kW per phase) or G99 (for larger installations) is mandatory. G98 is a simple notification; G99 requires application and approval before energisation.
5Under BS 7671 Regulation 411.3.3, RCD protection not exceeding 30 mA is required for the solar PV AC circuit connection. The AC isolator must be accessible to the DNO and firefighters.

01 · Cost Guide

Electrician's Scope on a Solar PV Installation

A solar PV installation involves two distinct skill sets: the roof work (panel mounting, rail systems, weatherproofing) and the electrical work (DC and AC wiring, isolators, consumer unit connection, earthing, metering, and certification). This guide focuses exclusively on the electrical work — the part that falls within the electrician's scope.

Understanding the electrical costs separately is important for two reasons. First, electricians who subcontract to solar installers need to price their electrical work accurately. Second, customers comparing solar quotes should understand what proportion of the cost covers the electrical installation versus the panels and mounting.

The electrical work is the final stage of a solar PV installation. Panels are mounted, DC cabling is run to the inverter location, and then the electrician takes over — installing isolators, connecting the inverter to the consumer unit, completing the earthing, installing metering, testing, and certifying the installation.

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02 · Cost Guide

DC Isolator and AC Isolator

Two isolators are required on every solar PV installation: a DC isolator between the panels and the inverter, and an AC isolator between the inverter and the consumer unit.

DC isolator — £30 to £60 trade. A dedicated DC-rated isolator switch mounted adjacent to the inverter. Must be rated for the maximum DC voltage and current of the string. Typically 600V to 1000V DC, 25A to 32A. Must be load-break rated (can safely interrupt DC current under load). Clearly labelled with "DC ISOLATOR — SOLAR PV" and appropriate hazard warnings.
AC isolator — £25 to £50 trade. A double-pole isolator switch between the inverter AC output and the consumer unit. Must be accessible to the DNO and emergency services — typically mounted adjacent to the consumer unit or electricity meter. Labelled "AC ISOLATOR — SOLAR PV" with dual supply warning labels.
Warning labels — dual supply warning labels are mandatory at the consumer unit, meter position, and all isolator locations. These alert firefighters and DNO engineers that the installation has a second source of supply. Budget £10 to £20 for a complete set of labels compliant with BS 7671 and the fire service requirements.

03 · Cost Guide

Meter Tails Upgrade

The meter tails connect the electricity meter to the consumer unit. In older installations, these may be 16mm² — adequate for the original installation but potentially undersized when solar PV generation is added.

Meter tails assessment — check the existing tails size and condition. 25mm² tails are adequate for most domestic solar PV systems. If the tails are 16mm² or show signs of deterioration, upgrade to 25mm².
Upgrade cost — £100 to £250 for meter tails replacement. This includes the cable (25mm² meter tails, approximately £8 to £12 per metre), the labour to replace them, and coordination with the DNO if the meter needs to be moved or re-sealed.
Henley block — if the solar PV connection is made via a Henley block (service connector block) on the meter tails rather than through the consumer unit, a separate tails assessment and potentially a larger Henley block may be required. Budget £30 to £50 for the Henley block.

04 · Cost Guide

Consumer Unit Connection

The solar PV inverter AC output connects to the consumer unit via a dedicated way. This requires a spare way in the consumer unit and an appropriately rated protective device.

Dedicated RCBO — the solar PV circuit requires its own RCBO at the consumer unit. Under BS 7671 Regulation 411.3.3, RCD protection with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA is required. A 16A or 20A Type B RCBO is typical for domestic solar PV. Cost: £35 to £55.
No spare ways — if the consumer unit has no spare ways, options include replacing the consumer unit with a larger board (see our consumer unit replacement cost guide) or using a Henley block connection on the meter tails to feed a separate small consumer unit for the solar circuit.
Cable from inverter to consumer unit — typically 4mm² or 6mm² twin and earth, depending on cable run length and circuit rating. Cost: £2 to £4 per metre plus containment. A typical domestic run is 5 to 15 metres.
Total consumer unit connection cost — £100 to £250 including the RCBO, cable, containment, and connection labour.

05 · Cost Guide

Earthing and Bonding

Proper earthing and bonding of the solar PV system is critical for safety. All exposed conductive parts must be connected to the main earthing terminal.

Panel frame earthing — each panel frame must be earthed. This is typically achieved through the mounting rail system, which provides a continuous earth path through all panels. Earth bonding clips or lugs connect the rail to the protective earth conductor.
Mounting system bonding — the entire mounting rail system must be bonded to the main earthing terminal. A 4mm² or 6mm² earth conductor (green/yellow) runs from the mounting system to the main earth bar.
SPD (surge protection) — surge protection on both the DC side (between panels and inverter) and AC side (at the consumer unit) is strongly recommended. Many modern inverters include built-in DC SPDs. An AC SPD at the consumer unit costs £80 to £150 and protects the entire installation from transient overvoltages.
Earthing cost — £50 to £150 for the earth conductor, bonding clips, connections, and labour.

06 · Cost Guide

Generation Meter

A generation meter measures the total electricity generated by the solar PV system. While smart meters can now record export data (making a separate generation meter less essential for SEG payments), many installations still include one for monitoring purposes.

Generation meter — £80 to £150 installed. A DIN-rail mounted kWh meter installed between the inverter AC output and the consumer unit. Provides an accurate record of total generation. Some inverters have built-in metering that can replace a separate meter.
Export meter — if the customer does not have a smart meter, an export meter may be needed to record electricity exported to the grid for SEG payments. However, most energy suppliers now require or provide a smart meter for SEG, which records export automatically.

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07 · Cost Guide

Total Electrical Costs for Solar PV

Here are realistic total costs for the electrical work on a solar PV installation in 2026. These costs are for the electrical connection only — panels, inverter, mounting system, and roof work are separate.

Small system (up to 4 kW, existing tails adequate) — £500 to £900 total. DC isolator: £30 to £60. AC isolator: £25 to £50. Consumer unit connection (RCBO + cable): £100 to £200. Earthing and bonding: £50 to £100. Generation meter: £80 to £150. Labels: £10 to £20. Labour: £200 to £400.
Medium system (4 to 8 kW, tails upgrade needed) — £800 to £1,300 total. As above plus meter tails upgrade (£100 to £250) and longer cable runs. AC SPD recommended (£80 to £150). Additional labour for tails work.
Large system (8+ kW, consumer unit upgrade needed) — £1,200 to £2,500+ total. May require consumer unit replacement (£750 to £1,200 additional), meter tails upgrade, AC and DC SPDs, and G99 DNO application. Complex installations with battery storage add further cost.

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08 · Cost Guide

MCS Certification

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the quality assurance scheme for renewable energy installations in the UK. MCS certification is required for the customer to receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.

MCS installer certification — the installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer. MCS certification requires specific training, insurance, and adherence to the MCS installation standards. The MCS certificate is issued by the installer upon completion.
MCS product certification — all major components (panels, inverter) must be MCS-certified products. This ensures they meet the required performance and safety standards.
For electricians — if you want to carry out complete solar PV installations (not just the electrical connection), you need MCS certification. This involves completing an MCS-approved training course, having appropriate insurance, and registering with an MCS certification body. The investment pays for itself quickly given the strong demand for solar PV installations.

09 · Cost Guide

DNO G98/G99 Notification

All grid-connected solar PV installations require notification to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The notification process depends on the size of the installation.

G98 (Up to 3.68 kW/phase)

Simple notification — no prior approval needed
Submit form to DNO within 28 days of commissioning
Covers most domestic installations (up to 3.68 kW single-phase)
3-phase: up to 11.04 kW total (3.68 kW per phase)
Free — no application fee
No waiting period before energisation

G99 (Above 3.68 kW/phase)

Formal application required before installation
DNO must approve before system can be energised
Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks typical
May require network study or reinforcement
Application fee varies by DNO (typically £0 to £300)
Required for larger domestic and commercial systems

For electricians and solar installers, submitting the G98/G99 notification is a standard part of the commissioning process. Keep records of all DNO notifications and approvals as they form part of the installation documentation.

10 · Cost Guide

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Payments

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires licensed electricity suppliers with 150,000+ customers to offer a tariff for exported electricity from small-scale renewable generation. This provides ongoing income for the solar PV system owner.

SEG rates (2026) — export tariffs range from 3p to 15p per kWh depending on the supplier and tariff type. Fixed-rate tariffs provide certainty; variable or "agile" tariffs pay more during peak demand periods but less at other times.
Typical annual income — a 4 kW domestic system generating 3,400 kWh per year and exporting approximately 50% earns £50 to £250 per year from SEG payments, depending on the tariff rate. The main financial benefit of solar PV comes from self-consumption (avoiding buying electricity at 28p+ per kWh) rather than export payments.
Requirements — to receive SEG payments, the installation must be MCS-certified and a smart meter must be installed to record export data. The customer registers with their chosen SEG supplier after the installation is complete.

11 · Cost Guide

For Electricians: Quoting Solar PV Electrical Work

Solar PV electrical work is a growing market for UK electricians. Whether you are subcontracting to solar companies or working towards MCS certification to offer complete installations, the electrical connection work is well within a qualified electrician's competence.

Survey the Existing Installation

Before quoting, assess the existing meter tails (size and condition), consumer unit (spare ways available), earthing arrangement (TN-C-S, TN-S, or TT), and the cable route from the proposed inverter location to the consumer unit. These factors determine whether additional work (tails upgrade, board replacement, earthing upgrade) is needed.

EIC and Documentation

An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) must be issued for the new solar PV circuit. Complete it on site using Elec-Mate's EIC app — include all test results, circuit details, and the schedule of items tested. The EIC forms part of the MCS commissioning documentation.

Consider MCS Certification

If you are regularly carrying out solar PV electrical work, consider getting MCS-certified to offer complete installations. The training investment (typically £1,000 to £2,000) and annual certification fee are quickly recovered through higher job values. MCS-certified electricians can offer the complete package from survey to commissioning.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Electrical Costs

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Solar Panel Electrical Cost: UK Wiring Guide 2026

Key Takeaways

Electrician's Scope on a Solar PV Installation

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

DC Isolator and AC Isolator

Meter Tails Upgrade

Consumer Unit Connection

Earthing and Bonding

Generation Meter

Price the job in minutes, not evenings

Total Electrical Costs for Solar PV

Quote solar PV electrical work accurately

MCS Certification

DNO G98/G99 Notification

G98 (Up to 3.68 kW/phase)

G99 (Above 3.68 kW/phase)

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Payments

For Electricians: Quoting Solar PV Electrical Work

Survey the Existing Installation

EIC and Documentation

Consider MCS Certification

Quote and certify solar PV electrical work

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Electrical Costs

How much does the electrical work cost for solar panel installation?

Do I need to upgrade my meter tails for solar panels?

What is the difference between G98 and G99?

Do I need MCS certification for solar panels?

Can any electrician do the electrical work for solar panels?

Where should the AC and DC isolators be located?

What earthing is required for solar PV?

How long does the electrical work take for a solar PV installation?

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