Should I Get Solar Panels for My House?
Everybody knows that solar panels are good for the environment, and that they are one of the best renewable energy sources on offer.
If solar energy is on the horizon for you, then you’re also in good company. Natwest conducted research which found that 55% of homeowners said they have plans to make eco-friendly improvements to their properties.
But if you’re in doubt and asking the question ‘should I get solar panels for my house?’, perhaps you haven’t heard about all of the other benefits that come along with them.
Here’s a quick rundown of the upsides to investing in solar energy for your home…
Firstly: How do solar panels work?
Before we even answer the question ‘should I get solar panels for my house?’, it’s important that you understand exactly what they are.
Unlike other fossil-fuel based forms of energy, solar power is completely renewable. As long as the sun exists, there will always be solar energy. That can only mean good things for reducing carbon emissions, and being more responsible towards the environment.
Solar power is produced by the energy captured from the sun’s light.
The sunlight is trapped in photovoltaic cells (PV cells), and that sunlight is then converted into electricity which is appropriate for supplying electricity to domestic appliances.
Just like that, you’ve got your own renewable energy source connected up to your home.
And yes, solar panels still work even on rainy days. They just need exposure to the sun’s light, not necessarily strong sunlight. What’s more, any energy you have stored in your solar battery can be depended on for less sunny days and for use in the hours of darkness.
How much do solar panels cost to install?
Perhaps you’re asking ‘should I get solar panels for my house?’ because you’re concerned about the cost of installation.
We will be honest with you – solar panels are not cheap. In fact, the installation process is the most expensive part of going solar.
However, spending money on solar panel installation should be considered as an investment as the panels really do pay off in the long run.
Panels on top of the roof are the cheapest option, while tiles are the most expensive for the equivalent system. In any case, you should make sure that the location of the panels is adequate for placing roof racking, and that there is nothing that could potentially obstruct the sun’s light from the panels. That way, you’ll get maximum output from your panels.
Once you have your solar panel system installed, you won’t have to worry too much about maintenance.
Solar panels can endure for decades, as long as you take care of the basic maintenance.
Most solar panel warranties last 25 years, so if something does happen to your panels, you will most likely be covered.
Will installing solar panels really save me money?
The length of time it takes for your solar panels to pay for themselves really depends on how much energy you use in the home.
We recommend that, if you want to minimise the payback time, you should try to reduce your energy consumption at home.
Only using running appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines in the sunniest parts of the day will make your energy usage more efficient. By using them at the sunniest parts of the day, you’ll use more solar power and become more independent from the National Grid.
Using a solar battery is also a great way to ensure that even at nighttime you’re not reverting back to National Grid energy. Instead, you’re using solar energy stored up during the day.
If you have smart controls, you’ll be able to make sure appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, and electric vehicle only charge using solar power, which helps to maintain less dependence on the grid.
Speaking of dependence on the grid, did you know that you can actually claim money back from the National Grid?
Making money from your solar panels
If you find that your solar system generates excess energy which you don’t use, then that surplus will go back into the national energy grid. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) was launched in January 2020, and is one of the surest ways for you to make money from your solar panels.
The electricity suppliers will pay you money for each unit of power you export to the grid. You can select the best SEG tariff available, whether fixed or variable. If you need more advice on this matter, get in touch with us today, we’re happy to help.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a household in London could save around £295 a year on its energy bills by having solar panels installed if there is usually someone at home all day, and could save an additional £90 a year by selling surplus energy under the Smart Export Guarantee.
You’ll agree that that sounds good at a time when energy bills are rising rapidly and the cost of living is higher than ever.
Do solar panels increase your house’s value?
One of the lesser known advantages of solar panels is that they actually increase the value of your home!
It should come as no surprise when you consider the skyrocketing energy bills and increasing concerns about the climate crisis. We are all reconsidering our approach to energy generation.
More and more people see a house with solar panels as an attractive investment.
So if you get solar panels installed on the roof of your house, you can be assured that you’re making a solid home improvement, and you’re joining an estimated one million households that have made solar investments across the UK.
Are there any downsides to solar panels?
If you’re asking the question ‘should I get solar panels for my house?’ you’re probably concerned about potential downsides to the investment.
As with everything in life, there are pros and cons.
We have already looked at just a few of the advantages to investing in solar panels.
The main downside to solar panels is the initial cost of installation. You will, however, eventually see returns. How long that takes depends on your household energy consumption.
If you’re wise about your energy usage, you’ll find that the investment in solar was well worth it.
Whether you’re still asking ‘should I get solar panels for my house?’, or you’ve decided to investigate further, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of dedicated, friendly experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to point you in the right direction.
