The Benefits of Solar Panels

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Maximize Your Savings With Solar Panels
• Annual/Immediate Savings
• Lifetime Savings
• Benefit from Government Incentives
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
• Increase Your Property Value
• Property Value Boost
• Enjoy a High Return on Investment
• Return on Investment (ROI)
• Decreasing Costs And More Efficient Panels
• Benefits of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Is there a downside to having solar?
• Is solar worth it in the UK?
• Are solar panels worth it in 2024?
• Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels in the UK?
• How Do Solar Panels Work: Step By Step

Introduction

With energy bills rising, the current cost-of-living crisis and the emphasis on renewable and sustainable energy solutions, the benefits of solar power have never been greater. Solar panels, in particular, have emerged as one of the most consistent and effective ways for ordinary homeowners to save thousands on their electricity bills and practically reduce all carbon-emitting energy in your home to >1%.

Know all the HOWs, WHATs and WHYs to getting Solar Panels in one place.

Maximize Your Savings With Solar Panels!

Annual/Immediate Savings

UK Homeowners typically save between 90%-100% (£200 to £450!) per month on their electricity bills with solar panels. This results in substantial savings over the 25 to 30-year lifespan of a typical solar panel system while continuing to consume the same amount of energy you would normally use in your daily life! It is realistic – because of the current revolution in panels efficiency – that the majority of homeowners in the UK will now completely reduce their electrical bill to £0 if they switch to solar!

Lifetime Savings

Over the lifetime of the average solar panel system in the UK, homeowners can save between £22,000 to £35,000 on energy bills. These savings can be even higher in regions with higher electricity rates or more sunlight. Areas with greater sunlight exposure (such as in Kent) benefit greatly as they can export excess energy back to the Grid and make even more money!

Benefit from Government Incentives

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows homeowners to receive payments for excess electricity generated by their solar panels and exported to the grid. These payments can significantly offset the initial installation costs of your solar panel system. For example: Octopus Energy have in some cases paid homeowners £2-£5 per day for excess energy (all the while reducing their bill to Zero and providing enough energy for their daily needs). Imagine the savings over the average 30 year lifetime of a solar system!

Increase Your Property Value

Property Value Boost

Statistics from Estate-selling businesses show that Installing solar panels can increase your home’s value by up to 4%. For example; a home valued at £250,000 could mean an increase of £10,000 in property value, offering a substantial AND immediate return on your investment. This is one of the most undervalued benefits to getting solar because you receive the cost of investment back by increasing the value of your property; to both renters and potential buyers!

An effective Tax-Write-Off!

If your home is registered as a business location with the UK companies house, you can install solar panels with the purpose to invest in your business! As the official UK government website states, the AIA allows businesses to deduct up to 100% of the price of your solar system and install! This makes solar panels an effective tax-write-off. Not only is it a smart investment to your business identity and reputation, but also consider the monetary gain!

Enjoy a High Return on Investment

Return on Investment (ROI)

The average ROI for a solar panel system ranges from 8% to 12% per year. This means you can recoup the initial installation cost within 7 to 12 years, after which you can enjoy free electricity for the remaining lifespan of the solar panels. If you are fortunate enough to live further south in the UK, homeowners can recoup their costs in a minimum of 5 years!

Decreasing Costs And More Efficient Panels

The cost of solar panels has dropped by more than 70% over the past decade, making solar energy more accessible and financially viable for homeowners. The technology behind panels have also advanced, allowing them to be more efficient in generating electricity (more explained below).

Benefits of Monocrystalline Solar Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are made from high-purity silicon, ensuring superior conversion of sunlight to electricity. They offer high efficiency, typically ranging from 15% to 22%, which is higher than other types of solar panels on the market. They cost more to produce, however. We only provide customers with the latest Monocrystalline panels, whereas some other providers still use Polycrystalline Panels (cheaper, older and less efficient) – so beware of other providers.

In terms of other major benefits, monocrystalline solar panels have a higher lifespan than other panels. They also help reduce carbon footprints by 1.5 to 2 tonnes of CO2 per year, contributing to environmental sustainability – much greater than Polycrystalline panels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a downside to having solar?

While solar panels offer numerous benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider:

• Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels can be significant. This can be offset by long-term savings and government incentives. There are also finance options available to help reduce the initial cost.
• Weather Dependence: Solar energy production is dependent on sunlight, so less energy is generated on cloudy or rainy days. However, in comparison to physical obstructions (such as the position of your home, trees, and other buildings), this impact is in fact quite minimal; modern systems are efficient enough to still provide considerable savings regardless of the UK’s unpredictable weather.
• Space Requirements: Sufficient roof space is needed to install a solar panel system that meets your energy needs. Not all homes may have the necessary space or orientation for optimal solar energy production. Our specialist will assess this for you and talk you through your best options.

Is solar worth it in the UK?

Yes, definitely! Solar panels are worth it in the UK. Despite the UK’s variable weather, solar panels can still generate a significant amount of electricity throughout the year. The financial benefits are always immediate and long-term (over 3 decades of savings on energy bills and getting payments from the Smart Export Guarantee). This makes solar a no-brainer investment for many homeowners who can afford the upfront cost.

Are solar panels worth it in 2025?

Absolutely. With continued advancements in solar technology, decreasing installation costs, and ongoing government incentives, solar panels remain a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice in 2025. Homeowners can expect substantial savings while experiencing a relatively hassle-free experience; scaffolding, installers, and electricians are all organized by us.

Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels in the UK?

No, in fact, having solar panels can make it easier to sell your house. Homes with solar panels are often seen as more attractive to buyers due to the potential for reduced energy bills and increased property value. Studies have shown that homes with solar installations tend to sell faster and at a higher price compared to those without.

How Do Solar Panels Work: Step By Step

At the heart of solar panels lies the photovoltaic effect. This effect involves the generation of electricity when certain materials are exposed to light. The Majority of Solar panels are made out of silicon and its atomic structure allows it to become electrically charged when exposed to sunlight.

Here’s how it works, step by step:

1. Photon Absorption: When photons, particles of light, strike the surface of a solar panel, they transfer their energy to the electrons within the silicon atoms.
2. Electron Excitation: This energy excites the electrons, causing them to break free from their atomic bonds and create an electric current.
3. Electric Field Generation: Solar panels are made up of layers of silicon cells, typically arranged in a grid-like pattern. An electric field at the junction between these layers drives the freed electrons towards the n-type layer and creates a voltage difference, generating electrical current.
4. Electricity Collection: Metal conductive plates within the panel collect the generated electricity and transfer it out of the panel.
5. Conversion to Usable Electricity: This direct current (DC) electricity flows into an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity suitable for use in homes and businesses.

The panels don’t need direct sunlight to work, and they will generate electricity on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunshine, the more electricity generated. Solar panel systems tend to be made up of between 6 to 12 panels, with each panel generating around 400 to 450W of energy in strong sunlight. Most homeowners find themselves able to sell surplus electricity to the grid or store it for later use.

Average UK statistics show that the mostly all home owner will reduce their monthly electricity bill by 90% once they install solar. Interestingly, the average homeowner in the UK create too much electricity and sells their surplus energy back to the grind (and get a reasonable price for it too!).