Published by Electrotec Power Solutions Ltd | Crawley, West Sussex | Updated April 2026
If you’re a homeowner in Crawley looking at solar panels in 2026, this guide is for you. As a local MCS-certified solar installer based at Manor Royal, Crawley since 2011, Electrotec Power Solutions has helped thousands of West Sussex homeowners make the switch to solar — and we want to give you the honest, practical information you need to make the right decision.
Below we cover what solar panels actually cost in Crawley, how much you can realistically save, what grants and incentives exist right now, and whether battery storage and EV charging are worth adding to your system.
1. How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Crawley?
Based on MCS-certified installation data for West Sussex, a typical 4.5kWp solar panel system with a 5kWh battery costs around £11,000–£12,500 fully installed in 2026. For larger homes or higher energy usage, systems of 6–10kWp with expanded battery capacity can run from £14,000 to £22,000 depending on specification.
| System Type | Typical Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Solar panels only (4–5kWp) | £6,500–£8,500 |
| Battery storage retrofit | £3,500–£6,000 |
| Combined solar + battery | £10,000–£14,000 |
| EV charger added to solar | £800–£1,200 |
All residential solar and battery installations are currently zero-rated for VAT — a significant saving versus most other home improvements, and one that effectively takes 20% off every quote you receive.
2. How Much Could I Save on My Bills?
The average household energy bill in Crawley runs at approximately £2,150 per year. With a properly designed solar and battery system, most homeowners see annual savings of £700–£1,200, with the highest-performing setups — particularly those on a smart tariff like Octopus Intelligent Go — achieving even greater reductions.
West Sussex benefits from some of the highest solar irradiance levels in the UK, meaning Crawley homes generate more usable energy per panel than most of the country. A well-designed 4.5kWp system here typically produces around 4,000–4,500kWh per year.
Typical payback periods for a combined solar and battery system in this area are 6–9 years, after which savings represent a pure return on investment across the remaining 15–25 years of system life.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Any surplus electricity you generate and don’t use can be sold back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee. As an approved Octopus Energy partner, Electrotec can help you access Octopus Flux — one of the most competitive export tariffs currently available — potentially earning you an additional £300–£600 per year on top of your bill savings.
3. Grants & Incentives Available in 2026
Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
In 2025, Crawley Borough Council received £5.7 million in Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund government funding. This scheme supports solar PV, insulation and heating upgrades for social housing tenants. If you’re in council or housing association accommodation, contact Crawley Borough Council directly to check whether your property is included.
0% VAT on Solar and Batteries
This applies to all private homeowners. All residential solar panel and battery storage installations currently attract 0% VAT, whether you’re installing a brand new system or adding a battery to existing panels.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Once your MCS-certified solar system is installed, you’re legally entitled to be paid for electricity you export to the grid. Electrotec can advise which provider offers the best rate for your setup.
Green Finance Options
For homeowners who want to spread the cost, Electrotec can arrange 0% green loan options depending on your mortgage provider, as well as flexible finance through our approved credit partner. Many customers find that monthly repayments are offset — or even exceeded — by their energy savings from day one.
4. Is Battery Storage Worth It in Crawley?
For most Crawley homeowners, the answer is yes — and the numbers back it up.
Without battery storage, solar panels only benefit you when the sun is generating more than you’re consuming — typically between 9am and 4pm. Any surplus is exported to the grid at a relatively low rate, while you still pay full price for electricity in the evenings.
With a battery system, that surplus is stored and used overnight, replacing expensive peak-rate grid power with your own free solar electricity. In a typical household, battery storage can double your self-consumption rate from around 30–35% up to 70–80%, dramatically improving both your annual savings and your payback timeline.
Our most popular battery system for Crawley homes is the FoxESS EP series — available from 10.4kWh, scalable up to 41.6kWh, with a 10-year warranty, IP65 rating and full app monitoring. We also install Tesla Powerwall for homeowners who prefer the Tesla ecosystem.
5. What About EV Charging in Crawley?
Crawley is seeing strong growth in EV ownership, particularly across newer developments such as Gatwick Green and Forge Wood. If you drive an electric vehicle — or plan to switch — combining an EV charger with solar and battery storage creates the most cost-effective home energy setup available.
With an integrated solar, battery and EV charging system you can:
- Charge your vehicle primarily on free solar-generated electricity during daylight hours
- Draw from stored battery power for overnight top-ups
- Benefit from smart tariffs like Octopus Intelligent Go, which can bring overnight charging costs down to as little as 7p/kWh
As an approved Octopus Energy partner, Electrotec handles the full setup — charger installation, tariff registration and system integration — so everything works together from day one.
6. Why Choose Electrotec for Solar in Crawley?
Electrotec Power Solutions Ltd is headquartered at Manor Royal, Crawley — not a national call centre or a franchise operation. We’ve been installing solar panels, battery storage and EV chargers across West Sussex since 2011, with over 2,000 completed installations across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Our full accreditation portfolio:
- MCS — mandatory for grid-connected solar and SEG eligibility
- NICEIC — electrical safety certification
- RECC — Renewable Energy Consumer Code, giving you legal protection as a consumer
- PAS 2030 & TrustMark — recognised quality standards for energy efficiency installations
- CHAS — health and safety accreditation
We are approved partners with Tesla, FoxESS, SolarEdge and Octopus Energy, giving our customers access to industry-leading equipment at competitive prices. Every installation includes bird protection, 24/7 system monitoring, free remote software updates and iOS/Android app access as standard.
7. Common Questions from Crawley Homeowners
Do solar panels work in cloudy weather?
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunshine. West Sussex consistently delivers enough annual solar irradiance to make solar panels a strong financial investment — battery storage means you capture and use every kilowatt generated, even on overcast days.
How long does a solar installation take in Crawley?
A standard residential solar and battery installation is typically completed in one to two days, including scaffolding, panel fitting, inverter and battery installation, monitoring setup and full sign-off.
Will solar panels add value to my home?
Yes. Research consistently shows that homes with solar panels command a premium over comparable properties. With energy costs remaining elevated and buyer awareness increasing, a certified solar installation is increasingly valued by estate agents and buyers across West Sussex.
I already have solar panels — can I still benefit?
Absolutely. We offer battery retrofits and system upgrades for existing solar installations, including customers still on the old Feed-In Tariff (FIT). If your inverter is ageing or your system is underperforming, we can assess whether an upgrade would improve generation and savings.
Can I get a quote without committing?
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation solar assessment — at your home or virtually — with a full written specification and costings provided. No pressure, no hard sell.
8. Get Your Free Solar Assessment in Crawley
Whether you’re ready to go ahead or just beginning to explore your options, Electrotec’s local team is ready to help with honest advice and a free assessment.
📍 Electrotec Power Solutions Ltd
Unit 11 Raleigh Court, Manor Royal, Crawley, RH10 9PD
🌐 electrotecpowersolutions.co.uk
📞 Contact us or use our online enquiry form — we aim to respond within one working day.
Electrotec Power Solutions Ltd holds MCS, NICEIC, RECC, PAS 2030, TrustMark and CHAS accreditations. Approved partner: Tesla | FoxESS | SolarEdge | Octopus Energy. Trading since 2011. 2,000+ installations across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Costs and savings figures are based on MCS installation data for West Sussex (2025–2026) and Crawley Borough Council published grant information. Individual results will vary depending on property type, energy consumption, roof orientation and tariff selection.
