Earlier this month, the UK government announced its plan to invest £1.8 billion in energy-saving home upgrades through the Warm Homes Plan. The goal is to help 170,000 homes, especially those with lower incomes, to reduce their energy bills and improve energy efficiency and living conditions. The funding promises to provide essential upgrades to insulation and renewable energy solutions to social housing and those who need it most. 

It is a powerful initiative, with the UK government aiming to not only address the problem of fuel poverty in vulnerable communities but also lower the carbon footprint of thousands of households as the country strives to meet its Net-Zero goals.

What is the Warm Homes Plan?

The new government energy upgrade program is happening thanks to two initiatives the UK has already implemented. These aim to enhance energy efficiency and fight fuel poverty around the country. Both are at the core of the UK’s broader strategy to meet Net-Zero targets.

Warm Homes: Local Grant

This part of the plan provides funding to local authorities in England to help implement energy performance improvements and install low-carbon heating solutions in households with low incomes. Ultimately, this will help them reduce their bills, increase their disposable income, and improve the living conditions of residents in such areas.

Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund

The fund aims to support local social authorities and housing associations in upgrading the energy efficiency of local homes. Insulation, heating systems, and other measures are financed through this initiative to help social housing reduce its emissions and alleviate fuel poverty.

The plan is for the new funding for energy-saving upgrades to be distributed to housing authorities and social housing providers through these two branches of the Warm Homes Plan.

What Are the Key Energy-Saving Upgrades?

How do you create energy-efficient homes? There are several key upgrades that can be implemented. The best part is that they not only reduce household carbon footprints but also can lower our energy bills at a time when they only seem to be rising. Thanks to such measures, residents can feel more comfortable in their homes throughout the year while at the same time being active participants and contributors to the country’s broader environmental goals.

Here are the upgrades the government aims to introduce:

Insulation

Good insulation is still one of the best ways to reduce heat loss in your home during the cold winter months. And, of course, keeping the heat at bay and your home cooler in the summer. Upgrading homes with proper insulation can cut heating costs by as much as 30% and help people enjoy a more stable temperature year-round.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are an increasingly popular solution for providing your home with sustainable, renewable power. Solar energy can reduce our reliance on electricity from the grid, automatically lowering energy bills and, of course, decreasing our carbon footprint.

Battery Storage

There is also an added benefit to the mix. The excess energy that is often generated from solar panels can be stored using additional battery storage and sold back to the grid. This is part of another government scheme that offers citizens further opportunities for more savings. This could contribute to better living conditions and more disposable income for social housing residents.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps basically transfer heat from the air or ground to heat your home. It is an innovative and alternative solution to the traditional heating systems we currently rely on. They tend to use significantly less energy than electric and gas-powered systems, and it is estimated that they could save households up to £1,000 a year on heating bills.

Double Glazing

Double glazing on windows will trap the heat inside the house and keep the outside noises out. It is an excellent upgrade for households in colder climates (just like the UK) as it can reduce your need for constant heating. Again, this will lead to a less pricey energy consumption bill at the end of the month and reduced carbon emissions.

With such measures in place, thousands of UK homes will have the chance to save money, improve their lives, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Benefits for Low-Income Households

Low Energy Costs

The progressive rise in energy bills is a major financial burden for many families. Thanks to the home efficiency upgrades, people with lower incomes will significantly reduce their heating and electricity costs, alleviating some of the financial stress and keeping the home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Support from Local Government and Housing Providers

Local governments and housing providers are trusted to introduce the new upgrades. Their role will also include identifying eligible households, overseeing the installation process of the selected measures, and being fully responsible for delivering the benefits of the government scheme to those who truly need it most. Councils are already working closely with renewable energy companies and insulation providers to roll out improvements quickly and effectively.

Tackling Fuel Poverty

The rise in fuel poverty has been a big challenge for the UK government in recent years. The upgrades aim to reduce the country’s reliance on expensive fossil fuels and move away to more sustainable, energy-efficient measures that can bring more comfort to the less fortunate. Moreover, households are given the autonomy to generate their own power or benefit from cleaner heating solutions. The goal is to provide relief and some energy security for vulnerable families across the country.

These upgrades have been a long-awaited step, leading to a more affordable and sustainable living environment and more comfort for residents with lower incomes.

If you have more questions about the new energy-efficiency upgrades or eligibility, we advise you to contact your local housing authorities to learn more.

A Long-Term Impact & Sustainability

By introducing this new action plan, the UK government acknowledges the importance of sustainable solutions for the environment and the well-being of its citizens. 

Solar panels play a huge role in the new scheme. Integrating solar power reliance into social housing will pave the way for more homes to opt for more sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. 

With lower bills, greater energy independence, and a reduced carbon footprint, solar panels are one of the keys to a greener, more resilient future for communities nationwide.

Thinking about making the switch to sustainable energy? Get in touch with our team, and together, we can explore the possibilities for a brighter, more sustainable future. 

How many solar panels do I need?

The quick answer:

There is no quick answer. The beauty of solar panel installation is that it can be tailored to your exact requirements.

How many solar panels you need is determined by several factors like the size of your property, your household’s lifestyle, and the time of day that you typically use the most energy. No single household is likely to have the same requirements as the next.

That’s why it’s always best to talk to a solar panel installation expert so they can guide you based on your individual needs.

However, if you’re dipping your toe into the world of solar and are just curious, we’ve highlighted some key questions and considerations below.

Take a closer look at each of the factors so that you can start exploring a solar system that complements your property, maximises energy efficiency and saves you as much of your hard-earned cash as possible.

Can solar panels power a house?

In short, yes. Solar panels can power your house but every property is unique so the type and size of system you need can vary greatly. There are several factors that can make your requirements very different to those of even your closest neighbour.

One important factor that impacts how many solar panels you need is the size of your home. If you live in a large property, it’s likely that your household energy demand will be higher than that of a smaller home. Having lots of people living at home, owning lots of electrical appliances and having more rooms to heat during the winter can all cause high energy consumption. Ofgem suggests a property with 1-2 occupants will have an average annual electricity use of 2,200 kWh, while a household of 4-5 people typically uses 6,700 kWh.

Such a big difference in energy demand from home to home inevitably impacts the number of solar panels you need. Large homes usually require more panels and often have space available on the roof and elsewhere for them to be installed. However, this doesn’t mean that solar systems aren’t available to you if you only have limited space to work with. Systems have been developed that efficiently optimise the use of space so smaller households can rely on solar panels to meet their energy demand.

The efficiency of solar panels themselves is constantly improving. A single standard panel is capable of producing between 546-874 kWh per year, meaning 4 panels could meet the average electricity usage of a small home, although you’re likely to need a few more for your entire energy demand. Even the smallest of properties will usually have enough space for a system of that size.

There will inevitably be times when your panels produce more energy than you need at that very moment. Rather than it going to waste, solar panel battery storage can be installed to store any excess energy for use outside of daylight hours. This means that you don’t necessarily need the number of panels it takes to meet your absolute maximum energy output. Instead, fewer panels can be used to keep your batteries topped up at times when you’re not consuming energy.

Another space-saving benefit of battery storage systems is that they are stackable in series. Each device can be seamlessly connected to the next without the need for external cabling. Not only does this maximise your storage capacity, it also ensures your system is as compact as possible.

Contacting our experts is the best way to understand how many solar panels you need and what type of system your property requires, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Can solar panels heat a house in the UK?

It’s safe to say we aren’t always blessed with glorious sunshine here in the UK. The winters are long and the rest of the year is unpredictable at best. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that heating our homes is what we use most of our household energy for. Working out whether solar panels can heat your house depends on the capacity of your system and the amount of energy you use, but they can certainly make a significant contribution.

Thanks to the introduction of battery storage, surplus energy produced during the summer when you don’t have the heating on can be stored and used once the temperature drops. While solar PV output will inevitably decrease in the winter, it never reaches zero so you will always have an incoming supply on top of any energy you’ve already stored. Even if you can’t fully rely on solar panels for heating, the contribution they make reduces your dependence on the grid supply, giving you greater energy independence and making you less susceptible to steep energy price hikes.

Not only does your wallet feel the benefits, but the planet too. Unlike traditional methods, solar panels take advantage of the sun’s infinite supply of renewable energy meaning no harmful greenhouse emissions are produced. By installing solar panels you can play your part in helping the environment even while you’re tucked up at home with the heating on high.

Will solar panels save me money?

If you purchase the correct solar PV system for your home then you’ll save money regardless of how many solar panels you need. In terms of solar PV cost, our prices for averaged-sized systems typically range from £4,000 to £10,000. Naturally, if you require a lot of solar panels then this will involve a larger upfront cost, but the greater capacity will enable you to produce and store more energy, meaning you’ll make larger savings in less time. These savings will balance out the initial cost and speed up your return on investment.

How long it takes to make your money back will depend on the size, type and how effectively you utilise your solar system. All things considered, we find that customers make their money back in 4-12 years but usually fall within the 6-10 year range. This is largely thanks to the savings you’ll make on your energy bills (between 20%–80%), but also through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. The SEG presents solar panel users with the opportunity to sell any excess energy they’ve stored back to the grid. Whether you keep your energy for later use outside of daylight hours, or choose to sell it, you’ll still be making great savings.

We understand that you might have come across several factors during your research into solar panels that imply your savings will be far more limited, especially if you invest in a high number of solar panels. Many of these factors either aren’t true or are blown widely out of proportion, so we’ve cleared them up for you.

Firstly, yes, there is some truth to the fact that having your solar panels face directly south will offer maximum efficiency. Not every property offers an absolutely perfect location but you’re only likely to experience a noticeably lower output if your panels are in a very unsuitable position. Improvements in solar panel technology mean they’re now efficient enough to produce an adequate amount of energy even if they aren’t in the prime location. Our trusted experts will work with you to identify a spot that maximises efficiency and complements your property’s layout, regardless of how many solar panels you need.

Secondly, that ideal location doesn’t need to be a huge roof. Of course, space on your house’s roof will often be used if it’s available and you require a high number of panels, but most properties have plenty of other options, whether it’s on the ground or on other buildings like sheds and garages. Again, our experts inspect properties both large and small to find the best solar solution for you.

And finally, solar panels aren’t only effective in the blazing sun. Sunny days present the opportunity for maximum efficiency but panels still absorb light when it’s overcast or rainy, so don’t let the UK climate put you off. The only time panels don’t produce energy is during the night but storage batteries ensure you can use renewable solar energy at any hour of the day.

Solar PV offers numerous benefits, including 20–80% savings on your energy bills and more energy independence from the grid.

For those of you curious about how solar panels work, in this article, we shine (ahem) sunlight on how solar PV captures solar rays and converts them to energy to power your home. And, in turn, how it converts to more cash in your wallet.

Let’s dive in.

First things first, how do solar panels actually work?

In short, solar panels work by absorbing energy from the sun and converting it into power. There are a few different types of panels but Solar PV panels, the type you’re likely to be most familiar with, can be used to produce the electricity you use on a daily basis. The process of how that happens involves several stages.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels consist of cells that incorporate layers of semiconducting material. When light shines on these cells, electricity flows across the layers. Sunny conditions are ideal for solar power generation — the greater the intensity of light, the greater the flow of electricity.

The materials and processes that go into creating solar panels are constantly changing to allow for constant efficiency improvement. For example, researchers at NASA are currently developing a solar cell that could reach over 40% efficiency. This comes less than a year after the 30% threshold was crossed. Improvements like this ensure that while blazing sunlight provides optimal conditions, solar panels are now more than capable of sufficiently meeting energy demand when it’s overcast or even raining. So don’t panic, your solar panels will still work well during the 75% of the year that it isn’t sunny here in the UK (at least we have good pubs).

How are solar panels connected to my home electrics?

Solar panel installation is quick and simple. Once our experts have inspected your property, identified how many panels and the type of system you need, and finalised any additional requirements with you, our VAT-free installation can typically be completed in 6–8 hours. This includes both positioning your panels and connecting them to your electrics so that you can start benefitting from renewable, infinite energy as soon as possible.

Solar panels are connected to your home through an inverter that converts DC power sent from your panels to AC power that can be safely used around the property. Every converter has a maximum capacity so it’s essential you have one that’s capable of handling the output from your solar panels. If they’re producing too much energy, then your supply will be capped by the inverter and your solar system won’t perform to its full potential, wasting energy and increasing the length of time it takes for you to make your money back.

Our trusted advisors will help you find the inverter you need to get the very best out of your solar PV system, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What are solar batteries and how do they work?

Another key component of how solar panels work is storage batteries. As well as being connected to your home so you can use solar energy as it’s being absorbed, we also highly recommend connecting your panels to a series of batteries that can store excess energy for use when you need it. Perhaps you’re away from home or enjoying a long summer’s day in the garden. In either case, there isn’t much need for energy such as heating your home. Rather than the energy absorbed by your solar panels being wasted, it can be stored in batteries until you’re ready to use it outside of daylight hours. This might be that very evening, or if you want to save it until the winter when you have the heating on for most of the day, then you can do that too.

Each individual battery can be connected in series without the need for external wiring. This keeps the system as compact as possible, ensuring it can still be installed on properties that have limited space. One factor you’ll need to consider is how many batteries you need in relation to the number of panels you have. Too many batteries and you’ll never come close to producing the amount of energy needed to fill them. Conversely, having too many solar panels will cause you to produce more energy than you have the capacity to store, meaning energy would be wasted. Again, our trusted advisors can help to achieve the best panel-to-battery ratio for you.

The way solar panels and batteries work also involves them being connected to the national grid. You’re probably wondering how and why that’s the case when one of the main benefits of installing solar panels is the greater energy independence you receive from the grid. Well, there’s a very good reason. If you’ve managed to store more energy in your batteries than you could ever possibly use, the Smart Export Guarantee scheme (SEG) gives you the option to sell that energy back to the grid, presenting another great way to speed up your return on investment.

I understand how solar panels work, but why do I need them?

Solar panels harness the infinite power of the sun and offer several fantastic benefits, both financial and environmental. On top of money received through the SEG, installing a solar system reduces your reliance on the grid supply. As of January 2024, around 4 in 10 adults in the UK said it was very or somewhat difficult for them to afford their energy bills. Even if you don’t produce enough energy to fully meet your household demand, you’ll still make huge savings on your energy bills and limit your susceptibility to price hikes. Savings can be so great that we find our customers usually make their money back on their initial solar panel investment within 6–10 years.

If the financial advantages of solar panels alone haven’t swayed you, then consider how they can help the environment too. Solar energy is clean and renewable as the process doesn’t produce any of the harmful greenhouse emissions that come with other traditional methods. Once solar panels have been installed, you can reduce your carbon footprint without making any drastic changes to your lifestyle, all to the benefit of our planet.

If you’re reading this you must be thinking about whether solar panels are worth it before deciding to go ahead with the switch to renewable solar energy. That’s great! You’ve already started your journey towards energy independence.

Installing solar panels will help you save money by significantly reducing your energy bills, and save the planet by cutting your your greenhouse emissions.

In this article, we explore the financial and environmental benefits that make solar panels a worthwhile investment.

Why solar panels are good for your wallet and the environment

Solar panels are worth it thanks to the various financial and environmental benefits they offer. The cost of our solar installations typically ranges between £4,000 to £10,000 but the exact amount will depend on the size of your solar system and any unique requirements of your particular property. This initial cost already presents great value for money which only improves with all the savings solar panels allow you to make over time.

Ofgem recently increased the energy price cap meaning the maximum amount people could pay on their energy bills rose by 5% for the first quarter of 2024. And in such uncertain times, this could further rise. By installing solar panels your household will be less dependant on the grid’s energy supply, limiting the impact you feel from energy price hikes like this one.

The emergence of solar PV battery storage is one of the main reasons why there’s now less reliance on the national grid. Rather than only being able to use solar energy as it’s being absorbed by your panels, it can now be stored in batteries for later use. So, whether you aren’t at home or just aren’t using any electrical appliances at that moment, your energy can now be saved for when you really need it. Again, this slashes your energy bills because you don’t have to purchase any, or much less energy for use outside of daylight hours.

If you’ve managed to store more energy than you feel you could possibly need, you also have the option to sell it to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. Payments are relative to how much energy you give to the grid, so sell more energy to receive more money. Utilising solar panels and battery storage in tandem, whether you eventually decide to use or sell your stored energy, can help you save anywhere between 20–80% on your energy bills.

As well as being great for your wallet, solar panels are also good for the planet, presenting a variety of environmental benefits. They work by absorbing the sun’s energy, which is both renewable and infinite (barring any sort of apocalyptic global catastrophe). Unlike traditional methods of energy production, harnessing solar power doesn’t produce any harmful greenhouse emissions reducing your contribution to climate change even while you’re relaxing in the comfort of your own home.

How long will it take to make my money back?

The time it takes to see the benefits is key to deciding whether solar panels are worth it. We find that our customers typically make their money back in anywhere from 4–12 years but often fall in the 6–10 year range. However, the exact time it takes depends on you having the best solar solution for your needs and being able to utilise it to its full potential.

Having the right balance between solar panels and storage batteries is key to achieving that. It isn’t worthwhile to purchase lots of solar panels if you don’t have sufficient battery capacity. Much of the energy will simply go to waste. Likewise, it doesn’t make financial sense to invest heavily in batteries if your panels will never come close to filling them. Find the right balance between solar and battery is a crucial step for maximising energy bill savings.

Our team of trusted advisors will help to ensure solar panels are worth it for you by establishing how many panels you need and the ideal number of batteries, all while installing a system that complements your property and lifestyle. Get your free no-obligation quote today.

Are solar panels as good in the UK as other countries?

One of the main concerns we come across when speaking to people looking into solar panels is whether they will work well in the UK. It’s completely understandable if you’re wondering the same thing. After all, solar panels rely on the sun which isn’t exactly something our little island has an abundance of. However, it’s nowhere near as big of an issue as you might think.

Of course, solar panels would undoubtedly work at their maximum efficiency if the sun was sizzling down on them 24/7. As great as that would be, we unfortunately have clouds and night time to contend with. Overcast conditions may slightly hinder your solar panel’s ability to absorb light, but it certainly doesn’t prevent it entirely. You’ll still receive an adequate supply of energy so don’t write off solar panels just because you don’t live somewhere in the Mediterranean.

The ability of your solar panels to absorb light even in sub-optimal conditions has been achieved through continuous improvements in solar PV technology. In 2023 research groups across the globe achieved a key milestone by creating a solar panel with 30% efficiency. This is just one of the many technological boundaries researchers have crossed over time, reducing the importance of ideal weather conditions on solar panel performance.

The only time your solar panels won’t be producing any energy is during the night, but that’s not a problem either. Solar batteries ensure energy absorbed during the day can be used outside of daylight hours to prevent it from going to waste. You can even store energy gathered in the long summer days for use in the winter when you’re likely to spend more time at home with the heating on.

So, are solar panels worth it?

If you want to save money and protect the planet then it’s clear solar panels are worth it, even in the UK. Less reliance on the grid gives you greater energy independence, helping you to slash your energy bills all while cutting back on your greenhouse emissions.

Solar panels help you save up to 80% on your energy bills and are also an excellent option for anyone trying to live greener. Solar panels are good for the environment for several reasons.

Solar power is the world’s most abundant source of renewable energy but its environmental benefits don’t end there. In this blog we’ll explore solar’s ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions as well as all the lesser-known ways that solar panels positively impact our planet.

Firstly, let’s address the elephant in the room

Lithium. A material that has a bad rep for the harm it can cause to the environment, and for good reason. We don’t hide the fact that we use lithium-ion batteries, but we are very keen to highlight why we use them and how their qualities can actually help us to maximise the positive environmental effect of our solar panel systems.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute states that a lithium-ion battery has an energy density ranging from 200-400Wh/L compared to just 50-80Wh/L of the commonly used lead-acid battery. This means that our batteries are capable of storing much more energy, placing less reliance on the grid supply which largely comes from harmful fossil fuels.

The improved efficiency that lithium offers ensures that the positives of using it far outweigh the negatives. Without it, all the following benefits that come from using our solar panel systems would not be as greatly felt.

Ultimately, the use of solar panels has a net positive for the environment.  Here’s why.

1. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Once you have the right solar panel system installed it’s possible to fully meet your household energy demand using solar energy. This energy can be stored in batteries and either sold back to the grid for payment, or saved for use outside of daylight hours.

Not only does this mean that you have a greater supply of energy than you’re ever likely to need, it also ensures that the amount wasted is kept to an absolute minimum.

Every year a portion of the National Grid’s energy is wasted through transmission before it reaches our homes. According to Statista, this equated to around 25 TWh, or 8% of all the electricity the grid produced that year, meaning that a significantly higher volume of greenhouse emissions are being produced than is necessary.

Efforts are being made to make the grid more environmentally friendly. More energy is being provided through renewable sources than ever before but the outdated system prevents them from being used to their full potential. 

For example, edie suggests the grid wasted 1.35 TWh of wind energy last winter, enough to power 1.2 million homes, because it didn’t have the capacity to store it. Valuable resources are used and emissions produced to build and run turbines, only for a huge amount of the energy to be wasted. Avoiding energy waste is just one of the reasons why solar panels are good for the environment.

2. Air and water pollution reduction

Despite the government’s efforts, much of the grid’s energy still comes from burning natural gas. The National Grid confirmed that gas accounted for 32% of the electricity used in 2022.

This percentage is decreasing but still remains a long way off reaching net-zero. Great volumes of harmful pollutants like carbon and sulphur dioxide are being expelled into our atmosphere, impacting the quality of our air and water.

Solar panels do not produce any of these harmful pollutants once they’re installed. You would be helping both humans and nature thrive off a cleaner, healthier ecosystem.

3. Conservation of natural resources

If you’re still trying to decide whether solar panels are good for the environment then consider this if nothing else: the power of the sun is limitless. (Well, we’ve got approximately five billion years before  the sun begins to die, so plenty of time before colonising Mars.) Harnessing that power can be achieved sustainably through the installation of solar systems.

Other traditional methods of producing energy rely on finite resources like coal, oil and natural gas. Not only will these resources eventually run out, the process of extracting them also damages ecosystems, reduces soil quality, and adds unsightly eyesores to our landscape.

Solar panel systems can be relatively compact and placed in locations that best suit you. This minimises their visual impact while they produce renewable and almost infinite energy.

4. Land use efficiency

The visual impact of solar panels can also be kept at a minimum thanks to the abundance of suitable locations on offer within the built environment. A variety of surfaces, including rooftops, car parks, and other unused spaces are all excellent options for solar panel installation.

Being able to incorporate solar systems into residential, built-up areas reduces the need to expand. This preserves both natural habitats and our stunning countryside landscape.

5. Mitigation of climate change

Using solar panels here in the UK is part of a much bigger picture. Traditional energy production emits carbon dioxide which is the largest contributor to climate change.

The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions estimates that CO2 accounts for about 76% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Reducing the volume produced is a huge part of our global mission to limit climate change. Your decision to harness the sun’s energy without producing harmful pollutants will help to achieve that.

6. Lower water consumption

Water consumption can often be an afterthought when it comes to energy production but it’s just as important as other environmental considerations.

Water is becoming an increasingly valuable resource with shortages being felt all around the world. At the current consumption rate, the World Wildlife Fund predicts that two-thirds of the global population could face water shortages by 2025.

Nuclear, coal, oil, gas, and biofuel power plants all use a huge amount of water for cooling to keep the system running at optimal efficiency. Unlike these methods, solar panels do not require cooling so don’t contribute to the depletion of global water.

This means that by installing solar PV you would be helping both the people and ecosystems whose lives depend on Earth’s natural water supplies.

7. Energy Independence

Energy independence is another key factor to consider when deciding whether solar panels are good for the environment. We already know that solar panels offer fantastic financial benefits by reducing your reliance on the grid, and the environmental benefits are just as great. Much of the grid’s energy is produced via fossil fuels, but the issue is compounded by the fact that the majority of these are imported. In 2022, the UK imported 37% of its primary energy, with oil and gas accounting for over 90% of those imports.

The process of transporting these fossil fuels further increases their overall greenhouse gas production. Living more independently from the grid by installing solar panels would reduce your reliance on imports, significantly lowering your carbon footprint.

8. Long-Term Sustainability

It’s impossible to completely remove your carbon footprint when switching to any renewable energy source because of the resources and energy required to produce them. However, the extensive lifespan of solar panels makes them a brilliant option for long-term sustainability.

Solar panels typically range from 25-30 years or more without suffering a significant dip in efficiency. Once they’re installed you won’t have to worry about replacing them for a very long time, which is great for both your pocket and the planet.

9. Job Creation

Speaking of financial benefits, the solar panel industry creates employment opportunities across several sectors, including manufacturing, installation, maintenance, research, and development. 

All of these environmentally-friendly jobs support the growth of the green economy and help solar panels reach new communities, broadening the use of green energy across the globe.

10. Technological Advancements and Innovation

By choosing solar panels, you help the solar PV market grow. As the market grows, solar panel manufacturers can invest more in research & development to improve their products. Your money ensures solar systems are always improving in terms of efficiency, accessibility, and affordability so that they can be more widely used, all to the benefit of the environment.

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory created a silicon solar cell with an efficiency rating of 39.2%, up from the previous highest of 17.8% in 2012. This significant improvement highlights what is possible within a relatively short space of time. The more people who take advantage of these improvements by purchasing modern solar panels, the greater the impact on our planet.

Solar panels are good for the environment, providing a range of net positive benefits. These include reduced greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change, protection of ecosystems through more efficient land use and resource conservation, and less reliance on imported fossil fuels thanks to long lifespans and ongoing technological advancements.

Firstly, congratulations! If you’re exploring the cost of UK solar panels and the benefits of installing solar PV in your home, you’re already one step towards energy independence.

Solar PV offers lots of benefits, with savings of between 20–80% on your energy bills and protection against energy price hikes. There’s also the bonus of selling the excess energy you produce back to the grid.

In this article, we’ll explore the costs, benefits and return on investment from the most abundant energy source on earth.

How much are solar panels?

The panels themselves only make up a portion of how much a solar panel installation will cost. Prices will inevitably vary between providers who base their costs on several different factors. The most obvious of those is the size of the panel. Larger panels generally bring greater costs, but it’s important to remember that you will require fewer of these panels to receive a similar output to smaller panels, potentially balancing out the cost.

Solar panels that look similar in shape and size can also be greatly different in terms of quality. The efficiency of a solar panel is determined by the percentage of solar energy hitting the surface that’s converted into electricity for general use. This could’ve been as low as 15% in the past but has seen a general rise to 20–22%, or even 22–24% on the higher end.

The efficiency of a solar panel at the start of its life is an important point to consider, but you must be aware that they won’t remain at their maximum efficiency forever. While degradation is less of an issue following the rollout of N-Type solar technology, which utilises phosphorus for its ability to remain pure for longer, panels will still lose efficiency over time. Some panels may stay as high as 92% after 25 years while others will fall significantly quicker. Both the efficiency and degradation rate will come into play when determining the cost of UK solar panels.

How much is solar panel installation?

At Everyone’s Energy, we’re proud to provide a VAT-free service to keep the cost of your solar panel installation to an absolute minimum. Our prices for averaged-sized systems typically range from £4,000 to £10,000.

How much a solar panel installation costs is partly determined by the number of panels you require. However, this isn’t the only aspect of the job that you’ll have to pay for.

Installing solar panels is the same as having any other work done on your home whereby it takes both time and materials. Scaffolding is required to provide access to your roof while electricians and engineers are needed to ensure your panels are properly connected to your electricity network.

These are just the standard requirements of any solar panel installation but other considerations may also be involved. For example, certain types of roofs can offer unique challenges, groundwork may need to take place to lay cables for the connections, or you might have specific demands such as not wanting the panels to be in a particular spot. All of these factors can influence the price.

For an accurate quote, chat with one of our trusted advisors, who can guide you on precisely what your home will need.

How many solar panels will I need for my house?

While some properties may require more, the number of solar panels usually ranges from 4–20 per home. This is partly determined by the size of your property and your energy consumption, but it isn’t as simple as just installing the number it takes to meet your household demand.

An inverter is a vital part of any solar system and greatly impacts the number of panels you need. The device works by converting the direct current sent by the panels to alternating current that your home appliances run on. Your inverter will have more or less capacity to convert energy depending on its size, meaning under-sizing your inverter would result in your output being capped below the maximum potential of your solar panels.

Thankfully, advancements in both panel and inverter technology mean this is less of an issue than it once would have been. Even customers with limited space now have several options available to them and contacting our advisors is the best way to find the right one for your needs.

How long does solar panel installation take?

There is no long waiting period when it comes to installing solar panels. Our experienced team makes the process as straightforward as possible, with fast and simple VAT-free installation in just two days. This means you’ll be reaping the benefits of cheaper energy bills in next to no time.

Completing an installation efficiently relies upon us knowing exactly what we need to do prior to attending the job. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our advisors so we can discuss the requirements of your property and lifestyle.

Are solar panels a good investment?

Understanding their purpose is key to answering whether solar panels are a good investment. They generate electricity by absorbing sunlight, an unlimited source of energy, which comes with several long-term benefits.

Solar panels can significantly reduce your energy bills, particularly during winter months. In the summer and possibly throughout the rest of the year it is likely that you’ll generate excess energy that can either be stored for use outside of daylight hours via a battery storage solution, or expired back to the grid for payment. Both options can help you save anywhere between 20-80% on your bills!

It isn’t just your wallet that will feel the benefits of solar panels. Turning to this renewable form of energy will also lower your carbon footprint so you can rest assured that you’re playing your part in helping the environment.

Will solar panels save me money?

If you want solar panels to save you money then you need to be in it for the long run given their up-front cost. Customers can expect to make their money back in anywhere from 4-12 years but usually fall in the 6–10 year bracket on average.

One of the most important factors that influences your rewards is ensuring you find the right balance between the number of solar panels and the number of batteries. Having an abundance of panels will help you generate a lot of energy but you’ll only be able to use it during daylight hours if your battery storage capacity is insufficient. It’s likely you’d still have to pay for energy during darker hours limiting the amount of money you can save.

Conversely, investing in lots of batteries if you aren’t producing the energy to store in them is not worthwhile either. Falling into either of these traps will quickly make you decide that solar panels are expensive.

If you have the right balance then solar panels can futureproof your energy security. According to the Office for National Statistics, the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) January 2022, 79% of respondents cited higher gas and electricity bills as the primary cause for a rise in their cost of living. These are exactly the kind of energy price hikes you can avoid by installing solar panels.

Society has also taken great strides towards wider use of electrical technology in recent times, whether it be electric vehicles, modern appliances or otherwise. By following this trend your energy consumption is only likely to increase, which would ordinarily result in higher bills. Purchasing solar panels early will allow you to avoid these price increases and reduce the time it takes to make your money back.

With fast and VAT-free solar panel installation from just £4,000 and 20–80% savings on your bills, it’s time to give solar PV the green light.

Having the opportunity to future-proof your energy production isn’t limited to a minority few. Advancements in solar panel and battery technology mean a solution can be found for virtually any property, irrespective of what direction your home faces, how large your roof is or how much sun you see. All we recommend is that you contact one of our professional, trustworthy advisors so we can offer the best solution for you.