The appearance of photovoltaic solar (PV) panel placed on UK roofs is an increasingly and more regular view, but are these panels worth the investment?
We’ve listed the top advantages of solar panels in order to determine if it’s the most suitable renewable technology for you.
Are solar panels worth the investment?
There’s never been a better time to take advantage of solar power. Here are the top 7 solar panel advantages and tips on how you can get the most price on your solar panel installation.
1. Save money with lower electric bill
When you produce your own energy, you will require less energy from your supplier and also save money. The more energy you generate, the less you’ll need to fret about rising prices for energy.
Many households manage to cut their electric bills by 40-50 percent!
Yes, solar panels still generate energy throughout cold winter months and during cloudy days. However, they are most efficient during summer.
2. Maximise Savings with a solar battery
The addition of a solar battery in your solar system will boost your electricity savings more.
If your system produces more energy than it’s using, it will transmit it back into the Grid. However, if you’ve installed solar batteries within your system, it can conserve this energy. This means you’ll get free energy even when sun isn’t shining. This means you’ll be able to save even more on energy costs.
3. Lower carbon emissions
Solar panels do not produce carbon dioxide as they operate which means they can drastically reduce the impact of your home’s energy use on the environment.
When electricity is generated with fossil fuels such as natural gas or coal, it produces greenhouse gases, which harm our planet The more electricity we can produce using renewable sources the better for us all.
If that’s not enough incentive the fact that eventually, the fossil fuels we use will eventually run out (some studies suggest that this could happen as early as 30-60 years from now). The sun, however, is an endless power source.
If we could harness this, it would mean that the sun generates enough energy to power the entire world for a whole year!
4. Charge your electric car using free energy
You can also make use of the solar energy you get for free to power your electric vehicle which can further cut your carbon footprint and reduce your the cost of fuel. In terms of solar panel benefits this is a huge one!
A small EV emits around fifteen tonnes of carbon dioxide from the construction phase up to scrapping, as contrasted to an average of 32 tonnes in a car that is powered by diesel or petrol. The expense of charging your car with electricity can save you money when compared to refilling with diesel or petrol.
The solar PV system you choose to install is required to generate enough kWh to run your vehicle and your home. We suggest that you speak with an expert installer to determine the best solution.
5. There are no running costs, minimal maintenance and long-lasting
Once your solar panels Essex are installed, there’s no operating costs to be concerned about. At times, it’s a good idea to get clean your panels to ensure they’re getting as much light as is possible. If there are trees in your yard, it’s worthwhile to check that they’re not blocking your panels. Apart from that it’s not necessary to do the other tasks.
Most solar panels available on available today are protected by a 20-25 years warranty. If anything technical should go wrong and you’re worried, you’ll be able to rest knowing that the issue will be fixed without cost.
It is important to note that your solar PV system is likely to include an inverter, which is the system which converts the solar energy into electricity that can be utilized in your home. The inverter is typically protected by a warranty of 5-10 years . This means that it is likely that you will need to replace it at some point in the lifespan of your system.
6. Technology for solar is now more effective than ever before
The majority of solar panels (in residential installations) have efficiency levels of 14-20% , however this could rise to 22% in the most efficient manufacturers working at their highest efficiency. The efficiency of solar panels could be affected if they’re situated or angled wrongly. To get the most energy savings, the panels must be placed on a roof that is facing south at an angle between 30-45 degrees.
The varying characteristics of British weather makes it difficult to know how much sun we’ll receive and, consequently, how much power the panels will produce. Solar panels don’t require direct sunlight to be effective, but they must be properly installed at the correct position and at the right position towards the sun. In the event that your rooftop is surrounded by trees or other structures, this can reduce the efficiency of the panels.
7. Installation is less expensive than ever
Innovations of solar technologies, a growing demand, and a crowded market mean that the cost of solar panel installations has decreased significantly; it’s nearly 50% less expensive to set up solar panels today than it was ago.
While buying the solar panel isn’t cheap it is important to keep in mind that you might be able to recover at least a portion of the initial cost over time with savings on energy bills. Installing solar PV systems has decreased significantly in recent years , and there are many more manufacturers than ever before offering affordable prices. If you think about the fact that your system could last for up to twenty years or more, this is an excellent long-term investment.
Different types of solar panels
Solar PV
Solar panels are huge frames that are usually placed on your roof. They generate electric power for your home by using solar energy. The most popular forms of solar panel are polycrystalline or monocrystalline, but there are also thin-film solar panels.
Monocrystalline panels are composed of one silicon crystal. They usually are black and are believed to be the highest efficient solar PV panel.
Polycrystalline panels consist of a mixture of several silicon crystals that have been that have been melted and give blue-colored appearance.
Solar panels made of thin films are new on the market and contain a very small layer of Amorphous Silicon, which makes the panels smaller and more flexible, as well as more efficient in low-light conditions. They tend to be less expensive than crystalline panels , however they are not as reliable or well-tested.
Solar PV Tiles as alternative to installing solar panels onto your roof it is today possible to set up solar PV tile. They utilize the same technology used in conventional solar panels, however they are specifically designed to blend with the structure of your home, making them an element of the roof.
Solar Thermal
Panels that use solar energy are like solar PV panels, however instead of creating electricity for your home, they make use of the solar energy to heat the water in your home.
The right choice that will work best for you isn’t something to be attempted without expert advice. We suggest you look at the opinions and estimates of three distinct MCS approved (or similar) installers to determine the most effective solution at a reasonable price.
What happens during the solar installation?
Scaffolding could need to be installed to allow the installers to quickly and safely gain access to your roof
Frames and hooks will be affixed to roof timbers to hold frames in its place
They will be positioned on the frame using strong clips, before electronic wiring of solar panels onto the inverter.
The inverter converts DC panel’s input into AC output that can be used at home. This output can be connected with your electricity provider and the National Grid. National Grid
After they have completed all relevant quality and safety checks, the installer will supply you with all necessary documentation. The installer must then be able to register your device with MCS or another similar scheme. Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or another similar scheme.
Are solar panels worth the investment in your own home?
As we’ve learned that there are numerous benefits for installing solar panels.
You’ll see a reduction in your electricity costs (or heating costs if you put up solar thermal solar panels)
The carbon footprint of your carbon footprint will diminish.
Electric vehicle charging at no cost
They require very little maintenance
Comparatively to the previous years, they’re at their lowest cost. Compared to previous years, they’re at their lowest ever
We recommend comparing estimates from at minimum three installers to find the most competitive value for your solar system. A professional should visit your residence and look over the site of the project in order to provide you with an accurate estimate of how much a brand new solar installation will cost. Once you’ve decided on an installer, they’ll develop a plan of the installation prior to starting the installation.