If you're planning to install an electric sauna, or already have solar panels on your home, you may be wondering whether the two work well together.

The answer is yes. An electric sauna can be powered using electricity generated by solar panels, and for many UK homeowners, solar PV can significantly reduce the cost of running a sauna. While most homes won't power every sauna session entirely from solar energy, a well-designed solar PV system—particularly when combined with battery storage—can make regular sauna use much more energy efficient.

As more homeowners invest in solar panels, home batteries, heat pumps and electric vehicles, an electric sauna is increasingly becoming another appliance that benefits from self-generated renewable electricity.

How Much Electricity Does an Electric Sauna Use?

The amount of electricity a sauna uses depends primarily on the size of the heater.

Typical domestic electric sauna heaters include:

Sauna Size	Typical Heater Output
2-person sauna	3–4.5kW
4-person sauna	6kW
6-person sauna	8–9kW
Large outdoor sauna	9–12kW

These figures represent the heater's maximum output while the sauna is warming up.

Once the sauna reaches the selected temperature, the thermostat automatically cycles the heating elements on and off to maintain the heat. As a result, the heater does not continuously draw its full rated power throughout your session.

A typical 60 to 90-minute sauna session generally consumes around 4–8kWh of electricity, depending on the heater size, insulation quality, outside temperature and session length. A well-insulated sauna will always be more efficient because it loses heat more slowly.

How Much Electricity Do Solar Panels Generate?

The amount of electricity your solar panels generate depends on the size of the system, roof orientation, shading, weather conditions and your location within the UK.

According to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), a typical 4kWp domestic solar PV system generates approximately 3,200 to 4,400kWh of electricity each year. On a bright summer day, that system may produce between 3kW and 4kW of electricity at any one time, while larger 5–6kWp systems can generate considerably more.

Although solar generation varies throughout the day and across the seasons, many homes already produce enough electricity to offset a significant proportion of an electric sauna's energy consumption.

How Solar Panels and an Electric Sauna Work Together

Solar electricity is always used by your home first before any surplus is exported to the National Grid.

For example, if your sauna heater requires 6kW, your solar panels are generating 4kW, and the rest of your home is using 1kW, then:

• 4kW is supplied by your solar panels.
• 3kW is automatically imported from the grid.

If your solar panels generate more electricity than your home is using, your sauna can effectively operate entirely on solar power during that period.

For most homeowners, the objective isn't complete energy independence—it's reducing the amount of electricity purchased from the grid.

Why Battery Storage Makes a Difference

Battery storage allows surplus electricity generated during the day to be stored and used later.

This is particularly useful because many homeowners prefer to use their sauna during the evening, when solar panels are producing little or no electricity. Instead of importing electricity from the grid, the sauna can draw power that was generated earlier in the day and stored in the battery.

For households that use their sauna several times a week, battery storage can significantly increase the proportion of renewable electricity used throughout the year.

Will Solar Panels Reduce Sauna Running Costs?

In most cases, yes.

The more electricity your solar panels generate while your sauna is operating, the less electricity you need to buy from your energy supplier.

The greatest savings are typically achieved by homeowners who:

• Have a well-insulated sauna.
• Use their sauna during daylight hours.
• Have a larger solar PV system.
• Have battery storage.
• Maximise their use of self-generated electricity.

Even if your solar panels don't provide all the electricity required, every kilowatt-hour generated by your system helps reduce your overall energy costs.

Planning a Sauna and Solar Installation Together

If you're considering both a sauna and solar panels, it's worth planning the two systems together.

This allows you to:

• Install the correct electrical supply for your sauna heater.
• Route underground cables before landscaping is completed.
• Leave capacity for future battery storage.
• Choose an appropriately sized heater for your property.
• Invest in a well-insulated sauna that minimises energy consumption.

Thinking about both projects at the same time can reduce installation costs and help maximise the long-term efficiency of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can solar panels power a sauna completely?

Yes. If your solar panels are generating enough electricity—or you have sufficient energy stored in a home battery—an electric sauna can operate entirely using renewable energy.

Do I need battery storage?

No. However, battery storage makes evening sauna sessions much more practical because electricity generated during the day can be stored and used later.

Will solar panels eliminate my sauna's running costs?

Not entirely. During winter or prolonged cloudy periods you'll usually still import some electricity from the grid. However, solar panels can significantly reduce the amount you need to purchase over the course of the year.

What size solar system is best?

A larger system will naturally generate more electricity, but even a typical 4kWp domestic installation can make a meaningful contribution towards powering an electric sauna.

Final Thoughts

Electric saunas and solar panels are an excellent combination. As more UK homeowners invest in renewable energy, battery storage and energy-efficient homes, using self-generated electricity to power an electric sauna is becoming an increasingly practical option.

While relatively few households will operate every sauna session entirely from solar power throughout the year, a well-designed solar PV system can substantially reduce running costs, particularly when paired with battery storage and a well-insulated sauna.

If you're planning an outdoor sauna, it's worth considering how it fits into your wider home energy strategy. A high-quality electric sauna powered, even partially, by renewable electricity offers a more sustainable way to enjoy regular sauna bathing while making better use of the energy your home already generates.

Sources: Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS); Energy Saving Trust; MCS Foundation; UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).