10kW Solar Panel Systems In The UK: Costs, Output, Pros and Cons
A 10kW solar panel system costs around £10,000 to £14,000 in the UK, fully installed with 0% VAT, and most homes pay £11,000 to £13,000. It uses 22 to 25 panels, needs about 50 to 60 m² of roof, and in Southern England and South Wales typically produces 8,800 to 11,000 kWh a year. Expect savings of around £900 to £1,600 a year, or up to £2,300 with a battery and an EV or heat pump.
10kW solar panel systems are roughly twice the size of a typical home installation, and they’re not for everyone. But for large, all-electric households, families running an electric car and a heat pump, farms, and landlords with big shared houses, a 10kW system can wipe out a huge chunk of the electricity bill.
At this size, the practical details matter far more than with a smaller system. You’ll need plenty of roof, approval from your network operator, and possibly a limit on how much you can export.
In this guide we’ll walk through honest costs, real output for our region, realistic savings, the grid rules, and the pros and cons, for homeowners and landlords across Southern England, Greater London, South West England and South Wales.
What can you expect from a 10kW solar panel system in the UK?
From a 10kW solar panel system in the UK, you can expect 22 to 25 panels producing around 8,800 to 11,000 kWh a year in our region, for an installed cost of £10,000 to £14,000. It suits large homes using 7,000 kWh or more a year, typically those with an EV, a heat pump or both.
| What you need to know | A typical 10kW system |
|---|---|
| Installed cost (0% VAT) | £10,000 to £14,000 |
| Cost with a 13 kWh battery | £15,000 to £20,000 |
| Number of panels | 22 to 25 |
| Roof space | About 50 to 60 m² of usable roof |
| Total weight | Roughly 550 to 650 kg including mounts |
| Yearly output (South and South Wales) | 8,800 to 11,000 kWh |
| Average daily output | About 26 kWh (around 43 kWh in June, 9 kWh in December) |
| Typical yearly savings | £900 to £1,600 without a battery |
| Typical payback | 7 to 13 years |
| Grid approval | G99 on a single-phase supply, often with an export limit |
| Panel lifespan | 25 to 30 years or more |
| Carbon saved | Roughly 1.3 to 1.9 tonnes of CO2 a year |
How big 10kW really is
The 10kW figure, also written as 10kWp, is the system’s peak power at any one moment in ideal test conditions, not its yearly output. For context, the average new UK home installation is under 5kW. A 10kW system is closer to what you’d see on a large detached house, a farmhouse or a small business.
Thinking about a large solar system for your property? EE Renewables provides expert solar panel installation across Southern England, Greater London, South West England, and South Wales, including areas like London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol, and Cardiff. Use our online tool to get a free solar panel installation quote today.
How much does a 10kW solar panel system cost?
A 10kW solar panel system costs around £10,000 to £14,000 to buy and install in the UK in 2026, with most homes paying £11,000 to £13,000. That works out at roughly £1,000 to £1,400 per kW, noticeably cheaper per kW than a smaller system.
| System | Typical installed price (0% VAT) |
|---|---|
| 10kW solar panels only | £10,000 to £14,000 |
| 10kW solar plus a 10 kWh battery | £14,000 to £19,000 |
| 10kW solar plus a 13 to 15 kWh battery | £15,000 to £20,000 |
| 10kW solar plus a Tesla Powerwall 3 and Expansion unit | £18,000 to £24,000 |
These are approximate prices based on typical quotes in our region. We’ll confirm your exact price after a survey.
Where your money goes when investing in a 10kW solar panel system
| Part of the job | Rough cost |
|---|---|
| Solar panels (22 to 25) | £3,500 to £5,000 |
| Inverter (6 kW to 10 kW, single or three-phase) | £1,200 to £2,500 |
| Roof mounting and fixings | £900 to £1,400 |
| Electrical work, protection and generation meter | £900 to £1,500 |
| Scaffolding, often across several roof faces | £700 to £1,800 |
| Design, labour, MCS registration and G99 paperwork | £2,000 to £3,000 |
Why bigger systems cost less per kW
Scaffolding, the survey, the electrician’s time and the paperwork cost much the same whether you fit 12 panels or 24. Once those are paid for, each extra panel adds relatively little. That’s why a 10kW system usually costs well under twice the price of a 5kW one.
What pushes the price up for a 10kW solar panel system
The biggest extras at this size are a three-phase supply upgrade, if your network operator requires one, ground-mounting frames and trenching, and structural work on older roofs. Slate roofs, awkward access and optimisers for shaded sections add cost too. A good quote lists each item separately.
How much electricity does a 10kW solar panel system produce?
A 10kW solar panel system produces around 8,800 to 11,000 kWh of electricity a year across Southern England and South Wales. The UK-wide average is closer to 8,500 kWh, because northern areas get less sun.
10kW solar panel system output in our regions
Approximate yearly output from a south-facing 10kW system with no shading:
| Area | Approximate yearly output (10kW system) |
|---|---|
| Greater London | 9,000 to 10,000 kWh |
| Brighton, Southampton and the South Coast | 9,750 to 10,750 kWh |
| Oxford and the Thames Valley | 9,000 to 10,000 kWh |
| Bristol, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall | 9,500 to 11,000 kWh |
| Cardiff and South Wales | 8,750 to 10,000 kWh |
Your installer must give you an MCS output estimate, which is deliberately cautious. If your network operator sets an export limit, your usable output may be a little lower, which we explain below.
10kW solar panel system output month by month
Here’s roughly what a south-facing 10kW system in the South of England produces through the year:
| Month | Approximate monthly output | Average per day |
|---|---|---|
| January | 330 kWh | 11 kWh |
| February | 480 kWh | 17 kWh |
| March | 800 kWh | 26 kWh |
| April | 1,080 kWh | 36 kWh |
| May | 1,250 kWh | 40 kWh |
| June | 1,280 kWh | 43 kWh |
| July | 1,280 kWh | 41 kWh |
| August | 1,100 kWh | 35 kWh |
| September | 850 kWh | 28 kWh |
| October | 600 kWh | 19 kWh |
| November | 380 kWh | 13 kWh |
| December | 280 kWh | 9 kWh |
| Year | About 9,710 kWh | About 27 kWh |
A bright June day can top 50 kWh, while a dull December day might give you only 4 or 5 kWh. Around 70% of the year’s output arrives between April and September.
Roof direction and split arrays
| Roof direction | Share of best possible output | Approximate yearly output (10kW) |
|---|---|---|
| South | 100% | 9,700 kWh |
| South-east or south-west | About 95% | 9,200 kWh |
| East or west | About 80 to 85% | 7,800 to 8,250 kWh |
| North-east or north-west | About 65 to 70% | 6,300 to 6,800 kWh |
Few homes have 60 m² of south-facing roof, so many 10kW systems are split across two or more roof faces, such as east and west. That spreads generation across the day, which can actually help with export limits, because you produce less at the midday peak.
How many panels and how much space does a 10kW system need?
A 10kW system needs 22 to 25 modern solar panels, covering roughly 43 to 48 m². With the gaps installers leave around roof edges, you’ll want about 50 to 60 m² of usable, unshaded roof, which usually means a large detached house or panels split across several roof faces.
| Panel size | Panels needed | System size | Panel area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400W | 25 | 10.0 kW | About 48 m² |
| 430W | 24 | 10.32 kW | About 46 m² |
| 450W | 22 | 9.9 kW | About 43 m² |
| 500W | 20 | 10.0 kW | About 44 m² |
Higher wattage panels save space, which matters at this size. But if your roof is large, more panels of a slightly lower wattage can cost less overall.
Weight and roof strength
A 10kW array weighs roughly 550 to 650 kg including its mounting system. That sounds a lot, but it’s spread across the whole roof at around 12 to 15 kg per m², which most sound roofs handle well. For a system this size, your installer should check the roof structure carefully, and older or altered roofs may need a structural engineer’s assessment.
Flat roofs and outbuildings
Garages, extensions, barns and stables can all host panels. Flat roofs need tilted frames, which must be spaced apart to avoid shading, so they need more area per kW. Many rural customers in Devon, Somerset and the Welsh valleys put part of a 10kW system on an outbuilding.
Ground-mounted systems
If you have land, a ground-mounted array avoids roof limits entirely and can face due south at the perfect angle. It costs more because of the frames, trenching and cabling back to the house, and it usually needs planning permission at this size. For farms and large rural plots, it’s often the best option.
What grid approval does a 10kW solar panel system need?
A 10kW solar panel system on a typical single-phase home needs G99 approval from your local network operator before it’s installed. The operator may approve full export, or set a limit on how much you can send to the grid at once. With a three-phase supply, things are often simpler.
Single-phase homes and export limits
Most UK homes have a single-phase supply. Anything with an inverter above 3.68 kW on one phase needs a G99 application, and for 10kW that’s almost certain. Depending on your local network, the operator may allow your full inverter output, or cap your export, sometimes at around 3.68 kW to 5 kW. Every application is decided case by case.
What “clipping” means for you
If your export is capped, electricity you can’t use, store or export on a sunny midday is lost. This is called clipping. The good news is it only happens for a few hours on the brightest days, so the yearly loss is usually modest. A battery, daytime EV charging or a solar diverter that heats your hot water tank soaks up much of that surplus.
Three-phase supplies
Some larger homes, farms and new builds already have a three-phase supply. This spreads the system across three phases, so a 10kW system can often connect with fewer restrictions, sometimes under the simpler G98 process if each phase stays within the limit. Upgrading a single-phase home to three-phase can cost several thousand pounds and take months, so it’s rarely worth doing for solar alone.
Inverter size
On a single-phase supply, a 10kW array usually runs through an inverter of around 6 kW to 8 kW, or sometimes two smaller inverters. On a three-phase supply, an 8 kW to 10 kW three-phase inverter is common. Your installer will match the inverter to your supply, your export allowance and any battery.
How long approval takes
G99 approval typically takes several weeks and can stretch to two or three months in busy areas. Your network operator depends on where you live:
- UK Power Networks: London, Brighton and much of the South East
- SSEN: Oxford, Southampton and central Southern England
- National Grid Electricity Distribution: Bristol, the South West, Cardiff and South Wales
We handle the full application for you and design the system around whatever export allowance you’re given.
What can a 10kW solar panel system run?
A 10kW solar panel system can run a large household, an electric car and a heat pump’s summer hot water on a sunny day, producing around 27 kWh on an average day and 40 kWh or more in summer. Across a year, it generates enough to cover the electricity use of most all-electric family homes.
10kW solar panel system: A sunny summer day’s use
Here’s how 40 kWh of solar could be used on a bright day in a busy home:
| Use | Approximate electricity used |
|---|---|
| Everyday appliances, cooking, lighting and laundry | 10 kWh |
| Home office for two people | 2 kWh |
| Electric car charging, about 50 miles of driving | 15 kWh |
| Heat pump, hot water in summer | 3 kWh |
| Charging a 10 kWh home battery for the evening | 10 kWh |
| Total | About 40 kWh |
Homes that use this much electricity
A typical high-use UK home uses about 4,100 kWh a year. Add an electric car at around 2,000 to 2,500 kWh and a heat pump at 3,000 to 4,500 kWh, and you’re quickly at 9,000 to 11,000 kWh. That’s the kind of household a 10kW system is built for.
Electric cars
A 10kW system can cover a large share of one or even two EVs from spring to autumn, especially if the cars are at home in the day. A solar-aware charger, such as a myenergi zappi, tops up the car using spare solar automatically.
Heat pumps
Heat pumps use most of their electricity in winter, when a 10kW system still produces 9 to 13 kWh on an average day. That won’t cover all your heating, but it makes a real dent, and it’s far more than a smaller system can offer. Pairing with a battery and a cheap overnight tariff covers much of the rest at low cost.
How much can a 10kW solar panel system save you?
A 10kW solar panel system can save you around £900 to £1,600 a year without a battery, combining lower bills with export payments. With a battery, an EV or heat pump and a smart tariff, savings of £1,800 to £2,300 a year are realistic.
A realistic example
Take a south-facing 10kW system producing 9,700 kWh a year, in a home with an EV and heat pump using 9,000 kWh:
- Solar used at home: about 3,100 kWh (32%), saving roughly £800 at around 26p per kWh.
- Solar exported: about 6,600 kWh. At 12p per kWh that’s around £790, or about £330 at a basic 5p rate.
- Total: roughly £1,150 to £1,600 a year, before any export limit.
In a home without an EV or heat pump, you’ll use less directly and export more, so export rates matter even more.
Export payments
With a 10kW system you’ll export thousands of kWh a year, so your export tariff can be worth more than your bill savings. Smart Export Guarantee rates range from a few pence to around 15p per kWh on fixed tariffs, with time-of-use tariffs paying more at peak times. Shop around, and remember any export limit will reduce what you can sell on the sunniest days.
Payback period for a 10kW solar panel system
| Scenario | Typical cost | Yearly savings | Rough payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10kW solar only, average-use home, basic export rate | £12,000 | £900 to £1,100 | 11 to 13 years |
| 10kW solar only, high-use home, good export rate | £12,000 | £1,300 to £1,600 | 7 to 9 years |
| 10kW solar plus a 13 kWh battery, EV or heat pump, smart tariff | £17,000 | £1,800 to £2,300 | 7 to 9 years |
Over 25 years, a 10kW system could save roughly £20,000 to £38,000 at today’s prices, after allowing for a replacement inverter.
What size battery suits a 10kW solar panel system?
The battery that suits a 10kW solar panel system is usually around 10 to 15 kWh, rising to 15 to 20 kWh for homes with a heat pump and more than one EV. Size it to your evening and overnight use, not to the panels, because even a large battery can’t store everything a 10kW system makes in summer.
| Household | Battery size to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large home, no EV or heat pump | About 10 kWh | Covers a busy evening at a sensible cost |
| Home with an EV or heat pump | 13 to 15 kWh | Covers evening use plus some car charging or heating |
| All-electric home with two EVs | 15 to 20 kWh | Makes the most of cheap overnight rates in winter |
| Export-limited system | Modular, starting around 10 kWh | Soaks up midday surplus that would otherwise be clipped |
What it costs
Fitted alongside the panels, a battery of this size typically adds £4,000 to £7,000. Installing both together is cheaper, because a hybrid inverter can run both and you avoid a second visit. Brands we fit include Fox ESS, Sigenergy and the Tesla Powerwall 3.
Why a battery matters more at 10kW
With a big array and a possible export limit, a battery does two jobs. In summer it captures surplus that might otherwise be lost to clipping. In winter, on a smart tariff, it charges overnight at around 7p to 9p per kWh and powers your home through the evening, which is when heat pumps and EV households spend the most.
A cheaper way to use surplus
A solar diverter sends spare electricity to your hot water cylinder instead of the grid. It costs a few hundred pounds and works well alongside, or instead of, a smaller battery if you have a hot water tank.
Is 10kW the right solar panel system size for your home?
A 10kW system is the right size for your home if you use around 7,000 kWh or more a year, or soon will, and have 50 to 60 m² of suitable roof or land. For most homes using under 5,000 kWh, a 5kW to 6kW system with a battery gives a better return.
| System size | Panels | Yearly output (South and South Wales) | Typical installed cost | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW | 11 to 13 | 4,400 to 5,500 kWh | £6,500 to £8,500 | Three to five bed homes |
| 6kW | 13 to 15 | 5,300 to 6,600 kWh | £7,500 to £9,500 | Larger homes with one EV |
| 8kW | 18 to 20 | 7,000 to 8,800 kWh | £9,500 to £12,500 | Big homes with an EV or heat pump |
| 10kW | 22 to 25 | 8,800 to 11,000 kWh | £10,000 to £14,000 | All-electric homes, farms and HMOs |
| 12kW | 26 to 28 | 10,500 to 13,200 kWh | £13,000 to £16,500 | Very high use, often three-phase |
Signs 10kW is right for you
- Your yearly usage is above about 7,000 kWh, or will be once you add an EV or heat pump
- You have a large roof, several usable roof faces, outbuildings or land
- You’re happy to wait a few weeks for G99 approval
- You plan to stay in the property for ten years or more
When a smaller system plus a battery wins
If your usage is closer to the UK average, a 10kW system will export most of what it makes, often at low rates and possibly with an export cap. In that case, a 5kW or 6kW system with a 10 kWh battery can save almost as much for several thousand pounds less.
The case for filling your roof
On the other hand, panels themselves are now inexpensive, and scaffolding and labour are already paid for. If you have the roof and expect your usage to grow, adding extra panels now is usually cheaper than coming back later.
What are the pros and cons of a 10kW solar panel system?
The pros and cons of a 10kW solar panel system weigh big savings, the lowest cost per kW and enough output for EVs and heat pumps against a high upfront cost, a lot of roof space, and grid approval that can come with an export limit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Produces around 8,800 to 11,000 kWh a year in the South | Upfront cost of £10,000 to £14,000 |
| Lowest cost per kW of any home system size | Needs 50 to 60 m² of usable roof or land |
| Saves around £900 to £1,600 a year, or more with a battery | G99 approval can take weeks and may cap your export |
| Enough output for EVs, heat pumps and large families | Export limits can waste some midday output |
| Earns large export payments on sunny days | Too big for average-use homes, which export most of their output |
| Still produces 9 to 13 kWh a day in winter | Heavier load on the roof, so a structural check is wise |
| Cuts your carbon footprint by roughly 1.3 to 1.9 tonnes a year | Ground-mounted systems usually need planning permission |
| Future-proofs the home for an all-electric life | The inverter usually needs replacing once in the system’s life |
For all-electric homes, farms and large households with the space, the pros clearly win. For average-use homes, a smaller system plus a battery is usually the better buy.
Are there any grants or schemes for a 10kW solar panel system?
There are no universal grants for a 10kW solar panel system, but 0% VAT, the Smart Export Guarantee and the Warm Homes Plan can all bring down the cost or boost your returns.
0% VAT until March 2027
Solar panels and batteries installed on homes in Great Britain currently carry 0% VAT. The relief is due to run until 31 March 2027, after which it’s set to rise to 5%. On a £12,000 system, that would add about £600, so there’s a real incentive to install sooner.
The Smart Export Guarantee
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for the electricity you export. Suppliers with at least 150,000 domestic customers must offer a tariff, and it covers systems up to 5 MW, so a 10kW home system easily qualifies. You’ll need an MCS certificate and a smart meter that records exports. Because a 10kW system exports so much, choosing a good export tariff makes a big difference.
The Warm Homes Plan
The government’s Warm Homes Plan is rolling out support for home energy upgrades, including solar panels. It combines grants for lower income households with low or zero interest loans for others.
Older schemes such as ECO4 and the Home Upgrade Grant have now closed. In Wales, the Warm Homes Nest scheme supports eligible lower income households, mostly with heating and insulation.
Businesses and farms
If the system is for business premises or a farm, different VAT rules may apply, and some business finance or tax allowances could help. It’s worth speaking to your accountant before you commit.
Do you need planning permission for a 10kW solar panel system?
You don’t usually need planning permission for a 10kW solar panel system on a house roof, because it’s normally permitted development. Ground-mounted 10kW systems are different and usually do need planning permission.
Roof-mounted systems
Roof panels count as permitted development as long as they don’t stick out more than 20cm from the roof surface or sit higher than the highest part of the roof. The main exceptions are:
- Listed buildings: listed building consent is almost always required.
- Conservation areas: stricter rules apply to panels visible from the road, common in parts of Bath, Brighton, Oxford and central London.
- Flats: you’ll need the freeholder’s permission, and sometimes planning consent.
Ground-mounted systems
Permitted development only covers small ground-mounted arrays, with a limit of around 9 m² of panels for homes. A 10kW array needs roughly 45 m², so a ground-mounted system this size will normally need a planning application. It’s usually straightforward on rural plots, but it adds a few weeks to the timeline.
Outbuildings
Panels on garages, barns and other outbuildings are generally treated like roof panels on the house, but listed farm buildings and properties in national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty can have extra rules. Planning rules in Wales are broadly similar but not identical, so we check the local position for every job.
How long does a 10kW solar panel system last?
A 10kW solar panel system lasts 25 to 30 years or more, with the inverter typically replaced once in that time. Output falls very gradually rather than stopping suddenly.
Panel warranties
Quality panels usually carry a 25 to 30 year performance warranty, guaranteeing around 85% to 90% of their original output by the end, and a product warranty of 12 to 25 years covering manufacturing faults. Most lose about 0.4% to 0.5% of their output a year.
Inverters
Inverters typically last 10 to 15 years, with warranties of around 5 to 12 years. A larger or three-phase inverter for a 10kW system usually costs £1,200 to £2,500 to replace. Some systems use two smaller inverters, which means a fault only takes out half the array.
Maintenance
Maintenance stays light even at this size. Rain keeps most roof panels clean, although ground-mounted arrays, farm roofs and homes near busy roads may benefit from an occasional clean. With more panels, monitoring matters more, so check your app regularly, and consider optimisers if parts of the array are shaded, as they make faults easier to spot panel by panel.
Is a 10kW solar panel system worth it?
A 10kW solar panel system is worth it for high-use households, all-electric homes, farms and businesses with enough roof or land. In the South of England and South Wales it typically pays back in 7 to 13 years, and the lowest cost per kW of any home size makes the long-term return very strong. For average-use homes, it’s usually more than you need.
It’s a great fit if you:
- Use 7,000 kWh or more a year, or will once you add an EV or heat pump
- Have 50 to 60 m² of suitable roof, several roof faces, outbuildings or land
- Can use a good share of the power during the day, or add a battery
- Plan to stay in the property for ten years or more
Think carefully if you:
- Use close to the UK average and are out during the day
- Live in an area where your network operator is likely to set a tight export limit
- Only have a small or heavily shaded roof
Is a 10kW solar panel system worth it for landlords and businesses?
A 10kW solar panel system can be well worth it for landlords of large HMOs, blocks with a shared supply, farms and small businesses, where daytime electricity use is high. The more of the solar you use on site, the faster it pays back.
Large HMOs and shared houses
Shared houses with six or more tenants often use as much electricity as two or three family homes, much of it during the day. If bills are included in the rent, you keep the savings directly, which can make a 10kW system pay back quickly. Solar also gives a strong boost to your EPC rating, which matters with government plans for privately rented homes in England to reach EPC band C by 2030. Rules in Wales can differ.
Farms, holiday lets and rural properties
Farms, stables, workshops and holiday let complexes across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and South Wales often have big roofs, land for ground mounting and daytime demand. A 10kW system suits many of these sites, and three-phase supplies are more common on farms, which can make grid approval easier.
Small businesses
Shops, offices and workshops use most of their electricity during working hours, which lines up neatly with solar output. Business premises may have different VAT treatment and tax allowances, so check with your accountant.
Practical points
- Export payments: agree in writing who registers for and receives SEG payments.
- Access and consent: check freeholder, lender and any tenant agreements before installation.
- Insurance and paperwork: tell your insurer, and keep the MCS certificate and G99 approval with your property records.
Ready to get a free solar panel installation survey from EE Renewables?
EE Renewables provides expert solar panel installation across Southern England, Greater London, South West England, and South Wales, including areas like London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol, and Cardiff. Use our online tool tool to get your solar panel installation quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 10kW solar panel system take a home off-grid?
A 10kW solar panel system can take some low-use rural homes off-grid, but it’s hard for most households. December output is roughly a fifth of June’s, so you’d need a very large battery, a generator or wind turbine for winter, and careful use. For most homes, staying connected with a battery is far better value.
How long does it take to install a 10kW solar panel system?
Installing a 10kW solar panel system usually takes two to three days on site, or longer for ground-mounted arrays. Before that, allow several weeks for G99 approval, plus planning permission if you’re mounting panels on the ground. From first survey to switch-on, most projects take one to three months.
Can you pay for a 10kW solar panel system monthly?
Yes, you can spread the cost of a 10kW solar panel system with a loan or finance plan. Compare the interest rate and total amount repayable, check the lender is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and look at whether Warm Homes Plan loans are available to you. Some providers also offer solar subscriptions with no upfront cost.
Can a 10kW system power an annexe, outbuilding or swimming pool?
A 10kW system can help power an annexe, workshop, garden office or pool pump, as long as they’re on the same electricity supply. Pool pumps and outbuildings used in the daytime are a great way to use surplus summer solar. Separate buildings with their own meter need a separate system or special wiring.
Are DIY 10kW solar panel kits worth it?
DIY 10kW solar panel kits are rarely worth it. A system this size needs G99 approval, careful electrical design and safe roof work, and a DIY installation won’t be MCS certified, so you can’t claim Smart Export Guarantee payments. Given how much a 10kW system exports, losing those payments usually wipes out any saving.
