2kW Solar Systems in the UK: Costs, Savings, Pros & Cons (2025)

If you’re keen to switch to a solar panel system but only own a small home, a 2kW solar system could be the perfect choice. These solar setups are great for flats or properties with 1-2 bedrooms as they offer one of the lowest energy outputs available.

In this article, we’ll explore the use of 2kW solar panels in the UK and all the costs involved. We’ll also determine whether you need a solar battery and help you get the highest savings from your installation. 

Want to start comparing costs for your new solar panels? We can help. Our network of qualified, vetted solar panel installers is ready to offer you their best possible price. We know finding a company you can rely on can be a long and tiring hours-long process, so we've made it simple. 

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A 2kW (kilowatt) solar panel system in the UK is best suited for smaller households, typically those with 1-3 occupants. This system size is ideal for properties that consume very little energy, approximately 1,700kWh per year (or approx. 8kWh daily). 

These systems are capable of powering a variety of appliances in a small home, such as:

You should note, however, that depending on your location and weather conditions it may not be possible to power your entire home using energy from a 2kW solar panel system alone. If you do have a large energy demand, consider a bigger system such as a 4kW solar panel system or a 6kW solar panel system. These are capable of powering homes with 3 - 6 bedrooms, which may be more appropriate.

Solar panel costs can range from £2,500 - £3,500 for a complete 2kW system installation. However, you may wish to include a solar battery as part of your system, which can add between £3,500 and £5,000 to the total cost. 

A solar battery will help to store any excess energy you generate during the day for use at night or as a backup power supply. A 2kW system will need a battery between 4 and 5kWh in size to cover all your energy needs.

Due to the small nature of this solar array, you may find there is not a lot of excess energy being generated to store. Factors such as the location of your home, the solar panel angle, and even the solar panel type (e.g. material) can also impact just how much energy your panels can generate.

Below is an overview of estimated costs for a 2kW solar panel system with a battery.

A 2kW solar panel system can offer significant savings on electricity bills for UK homeowners. Choosing to power your home appliances on solar energy could save you up to £450 per year, based on a system that generates between 1,700 - 2,000kWh.

In the long term, you can save approximately £11,250 after a 25-year period. That means with a 2kW system that costs between £2,500 - £3,500, you can break even on your initial investment in just 7 years.

In addition to these savings, you can earn money by selling any excess electricity back to the grid. This is part of a scheme called the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Through this scheme energy suppliers will pay a set tariff for each unit of electricity you export back into the grid - this can range from around 10p to 30p.

To make the most of this scheme, however, you need a solar panel system that will produce more energy than you are likely to use yourself. You will also need a solar battery to store the excess energy. 

As 2kW systems are very low energy producers, it’s unlikely that they will produce much excess electricity in order for you to benefit fully from SEG payments. Those with larger households may have larger roof areas and be able to generate more electricity. 

If you would like to see prices for larger solar panel options, we have helpful guides for a 5kW solar panel system and a 12kW solar panel system. These are great for homes with 4 or more bedrooms and are best used alongside a solar battery.

Another way to save on the cost of solar panel systems is with solar grants and incentives. There are several ways to access support in the UK to install a new solar system, however, these are dependent on meeting set eligibility criteria. 

We’ve outlined some of these schemes below:

While not everyone will qualify for these grants, they can significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation for eligible households. It's recommended that you check with local authorities and energy suppliers for the most up-to-date information on available grants and eligibility criteria.

We also recommend that you get quotes from several local solar installers to get more tailored guidance and support. This way, you can compare prices, get advice on the best solar panels and find a service that suits your needs. 

Finding qualified installers you can trust can be a challenge. It can take days, or weeks, to submit forms and wait for someone to reply. Why not avoid all this stress, and let us do the hard part for you?

Simply fill in our 30-second form, and we’ll connect you with up to 4 qualified, vetted installers from your area. It’s completely free to do with no obligations attached. 

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There are many benefits of switching to solar energy, but there are also things you need to consider before you can go ahead with an installation. To help you weigh up the pros and cons of a 2kW system, we’ve outlined some of the advantages and disadvantages of solar panels below:

A 2kW solar panel system offers a balance of benefits and drawbacks. It's particularly suitable for smaller households looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills, but potential buyers should carefully consider their energy needs, available space, and financial situation before making a decision.

The number of solar panels that make up a 2kW solar system varies depending on the wattage of individual panels. Here's a breakdown of the typical panel configurations for a 2kW system.

Typically, 4 - 6 solar panels are required for a 2kW setup, but this will depend on whether you opt for 350-watt or 450-watt panels. You will also need approximately 10 - 14m² of roof space to adequately install this amount of panels. 

Your roof's location and direction will also determine how much sunlight your panels will absorb - the better the angle, the more you can expect. If your roof gets very little sunlight exposure, you may find you need more panels to reach the levels of energy generation you require.

A 2kW system will perform most optimally with a south-facing roof with an angle of 30 - 40°, as this will ensure the best sunlight coverage. 

As solar panel technology advances, the efficiency of panels continues to improve, potentially reducing the number of panels required for a 2kW system in the future.

If you live in a small household, like a flat or a two-bedroom property, it might be worth considering a 2kW solar panel system. Solar panels with a battery can offer many benefits, from reducing your carbon footprint to saving you up to £450 on energy bills. 

However, to get the most from this renewable energy source, you should ensure that you have at least 10m² of suitable roof area that gets adequate sunlight. As this system is one of the smallest available, you need to ensure you can get the most out of it to make a positive impact on your home's energy use. 

So, are solar panels worth it? If you’re looking to drastically reduce your emissions and cut down your energy bills, solar panels are a fantastic way to do so. If you’re able to meet the investment cost, you can enjoy at least 25 years of free energy by installing solar panels.

In the long term, you can save up to £11,250, and there are even opportunities to gain more from your system through payment schemes like the SEG. All you have to do is ensure you get the right system for your energy needs - which is when you need the help of the experts. 

A qualified solar installer can help you assess your home and your needs to choose the right solar panel system, but finding reliable installers can feel like an uphill battle. Wading through online reviews and hard-to-navigate websites. 

Why not let us help instead? By filling in one simple form, we can connect you with up to 4 local installers (all vetted and approved) from your local area. They’ll offer you competitive quotes to compare so you can find the best deal.

Skip all the stress and start saving on your solar journey today. Just click the link below to begin!