Given the UK's typical solar exposure[0], and the quality of panels you can pickup at a supermarket, this has gotta be a net negative for a family right?
The idea that you need constant, overhead, wall-to-wall sunshine isn't really true for current systems. In fact, somewhere nearer the equator the effeciency drops significantly for PV systems (even if the total power output increases slightly) as the "extra" light isn't really useful.
That will net you a whole $100 a year, probably less in most places
The UK's most southerly city, Truro, is still only at 50.26°N, but that's still further north than the border between the US and Canada.
The actual problem is how small such systems are. I can't imagine supplying more than 5-20% of your total use. Yes it's savings, but potential is far larger.
Meanwhile in the U.S., public utilities are trying to delay balcony solar:
https://www.npr.org/2026/03/12/nx-s1-5737287/solar-panels-ut...
Perhaps ironically, Utah, a state with a strong republican legislature and governor, has legalized its use with unanimous approval. Vermont too, other state have bills pending.
