Could solar reduce your electricity costs?
Thinking about solar? Let’s estimate the electricity you could use at home and what you might earn from exporting the rest. You can change the assumptions to fit your plans.
Figures reviewed June 2026 and updated monthly where appropriate. All results are estimates.
A typical UK home is around 3–4 kWp.
Share of solar power you use at home.
What you pay for grid electricity, in pence per kWh.
Your Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rate, in pence per kWh.
This tool assumes a typical UK yield of about 900 kWh per kWp each year. Actual generation varies with region, roof orientation, shading and the season. Results are an estimate, not a guaranteed figure.
Estimated annual generation
3,150 kWh
Bill savings (self-used)
£425
Total estimated yearly saving
£662
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Solar can cut your grid electricity use, but unit rates and export deals change. Compare suppliers and keep an eye on the forecast to make the most of what you generate.
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How the Solar Savings Calculator Works
The calculator estimates yearly generation by multiplying your system size in kWp by a typical UK yield of about 900 kWh per kWp. It then splits that generation between the electricity you use at home and the electricity you export, valuing the self-used share at your unit rate and the exported share at your Smart Export Guarantee rate.
Why Self-Consumption Matters
Electricity you use at home is usually worth far more than electricity you export, because home unit rates are higher than typical export rates. Shifting use to daylight hours — or adding a battery — raises your self-consumption and increases your savings.
What Affects Solar Generation in the UK
Real-world generation depends on your region, roof orientation and pitch, shading from trees or buildings, and the time of year — UK panels produce far more in summer than winter. The typical yield used here is an average across the year, so your own figure may be higher or lower.
What Is the Smart Export Guarantee?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is the scheme under which suppliers pay you for surplus electricity you export to the grid. Rates vary between suppliers and tariffs, so it is worth comparing SEG offers alongside your import tariff.
Related PowerGuardian Tools
Estimate just your annual SEG export income from your system size and tariff.
Estimate the ROI and payback of adding a home battery to your solar setup.
Get paid for exported solar — how SEG tariffs work and who pays the most.
How home batteries work, what they cost and whether adding storage pays off.
Estimate your full annual bill from kWh usage, unit rate and standing charge.
Estimate heat pump running costs and compare with your current heating.
Estimate your potential smart meter savings range from your habits.
Where energy prices are heading over the months ahead.
Make the Most of Your Energy
Use PowerGuardian tools and guides to understand your bills and get more value from solar and the grid.
View Energy Guides