When it comes to money-saving advice in the UK, few voices are as trusted as Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com.
His guidance has helped millions of people make smarter financial decisions—and that includes investing in solar panels.
So, what does Martin Lewis say about solar energy? Is it worth the cost? And how can you take advantage of the savings?
In this article, we’ll break down Martin Lewis’s advice on solar panels, how it applies to your home, and how Fit Solar can help you make the most of solar energy in 2025.
1. Does Martin Lewis Recommend Solar Panels?
Yes—but with caveats, as he often explains. Martin Lewis is broadly supportive of solar panels if they suit your home and lifestyle.
According to a recent MoneySavingExpert guide, solar panels can pay for themselves over time, especially when paired with battery storage or when you’re at home during the day to use the electricity you generate.
He’s also clear on this point: solar panels should be seen as a long-term investment, not a quick win.
Over 15 to 25 years, you can expect to reduce your energy bills significantly—especially with rising electricity prices.
2. Key Points from Martin Lewis on Solar Panels
Here are some key takeaways from his advice:
Solar panels can be worth it if:
- You’re home during the day to use the electricity.
- You stay in the same house long enough for the savings to stack up.
- You’ve already made your home energy efficient (e.g., insulation, double glazing).
- You understand the payback period, which is typically 10–15 years depending on usage.
Battery storage is a great add-on, but more costly upfront:
Martin has also discussed how solar batteries help you store unused energy for later use—maximising self-sufficiency and savings.
If you're out during the day and use most energy at night, a battery can make solar much more worthwhile.
Want to learn more about batteries? Visit our page on home battery storage or see how long they last.
3. How Much Can You Save with Solar Panels?
Martin Lewis points out that savings can vary based on your home size, energy usage, and system efficiency. To make your own estimate, try our free Solar Panel Calculator.
As a rough guide:
- A typical 3-bedroom home might save £400–£800 per year.
- Add a battery, and you could use 70–90% of your own solar energy.
- Over 20+ years, this can mean £10,000+ in savings, even after installation costs.
4. Other Martin Lewis Advice on Solar Panels
Understand Export Tariffs
Martin Lewis highlights that you can get paid for any excess electricity you export back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
While rates vary, this helps shorten your payback period.
Check if Your Roof Is Suitable
He also stresses that not every roof is right for solar. Orientation, pitch, and shading all matter.
Want to know if your roof is a good fit? Read our guide: Can Solar Panels Be Installed on All Roof Types?
5. Fit Solar Can Help You Follow Martin’s Advice—And Save
At Fit Solar, we help UK homeowners make smart, informed decisions about going solar. We offer:
- Free personalised quotes
- High-efficiency solar panel installations
- Battery storage systems tailored to your needs
- Guidance on SEG tariffs and system optimisation
- Full support with roof assessments, planning, and grid connection
Whether you're following Martin Lewis’s advice or just want to lower your energy bills, we can design a system that makes solar work for you.
In Summary:
Martin Lewis says solar panels can be a great investment—if they suit your circumstances.
And with rising electricity prices, improved solar tech, and growing export opportunities, 2025 is a great time to get started.
The key is to work with a trusted installer who can tailor a system to your home and maximise your return.
Let’s Talk Solar
Contact Fit Solar today for a free quote, or use our Solar Panel Calculator to see how much you could save by following Martin Lewis’s solar advice.
Free guide
There is a wealth of excellent information available online regarding solar energy; however, there is also plenty of misleading content out there.
With that in mind, we've created this handy guide for you to download for FREE. We hope it provides you with a clear overview of what solar PV and battery storage are, how they work, and how they can benefit you.