Fact Check: "The average cost per kW for PV installations on new builds was lower than retrofits in 2024-25, according to DESNZ"
What We Know
The claim that the average cost per kilowatt (kW) for photovoltaic (PV) installations on new builds was lower than for retrofits in the 2024-25 period is derived from data reported by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). According to a report, the median cost for small-scale PV installations was approximately GBP 1,876 ($2,550) per kW, but it does not explicitly differentiate between new builds and retrofits in the context of this average cost (source-4).
Additionally, the DESNZ report indicates that for larger installations (10-50 kW), the average cost per kW was roughly the same for both new builds and retrofits, suggesting that there may not be a significant cost advantage for either category during this period (source-1).
Analysis
The evidence from the DESNZ report indicates that while there is a general trend towards lower costs for PV installations, the specific claim that new builds are cheaper than retrofits is not clearly supported. The report states that the costs for larger installations are roughly equivalent for both new builds and retrofits, which contradicts the claim. This suggests that the claim may be an oversimplification or misinterpretation of the data.
Furthermore, the reliability of the sources must be considered. The DESNZ report is a government publication, which typically provides credible and authoritative data. However, the interpretation of the data can vary, and it is essential to analyze the context in which the information is presented. The lack of explicit differentiation in the cost data for new builds versus retrofits raises questions about the validity of the claim.
Moreover, other sources, such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), provide benchmarks and cost estimates for PV systems but do not directly address the comparison between new builds and retrofits for the specified period (source-2). This absence of direct evidence further complicates the verification of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that the average cost per kW for PV installations on new builds was lower than for retrofits in 2024-25 lacks sufficient evidence to be confirmed. The available data from DESNZ indicates that costs for larger installations are roughly the same for both categories, which contradicts the claim. More specific data or a clearer breakdown of costs would be necessary to validate or refute the claim definitively.
Sources
- Solar Costs 2024-25
- Residential PV | Electricity | 2024
- Solar Photovoltaic System Cost Benchmarks
- UK small-scale solar costs tumble as competition heats up
- How much does a 25 kW solar panel system cost in 2024?
- Solar Panel Cost in 2025: Pricing and Savings Breakdown
- New Homes (Solar Generation) Bill 2024-25
- Solar Panel Cost In 2025: It May Be Lower Than You Think
