The UK is well on its way to adopting renewable energy sources, and solar panels are a pretty obvious choice for homeowners & businesses. Its not just the right thing to do for the planet but its also sensible for the wallet. Advances in solar tech mean you can now make a solid investment despite our gloomy climate. We take a closer look at just how worthwhile solar energy is for the UK, and walk you through the process of setting it up.
Are Solar Panels Worth Putting Your Money Into in the UK?
Cut Down on Your Electricity Bills
The argument for solar power has got a lot stronger over the years, especially when it comes to making the most of your cash in the UK . Yes, the initial outlay can be hefty – £5,000 to £8,000 for a typical home system to be exact – but the savings really do add up. If you’ve got a well positioned solar panel system cutting your electricity bill by 50-70% is not out of the question – and with a 25 year guarantee on quality equipment, you can see that its a worthwhile investment. Considering that quality solar equipment carries a guarantee of 25 years, the investment is more than worthwhile. And for businesses , the case for solar is even more convincing – they use loads of power during the day, when solar power is at its strongest, so the payback is even quicker.
Make a Real Difference to the Environment
But its not just about the cash (although, let’s be honest that’s a pretty big draw). Solar panels mean anyone can make a serious contribution to reducing their carbon footprint too. The average home solar system does its bit to prevent a whacking 1.3-1.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions, or roughly 30 trees worth every year – so for any organistion with ESG goals, installing solar panels is like giving themselves a big tick in the right box.
Get Off the Grid (for good)
And last but certainly not least there’s the added bonus of being able to produce your own energy. With solar panels & a battery system, you can cut your reliance on pricey grid electricity and keep on truckin’ even when the power goes out. Which is just as well given the state of the energy market lately.
Choosing the Right Solar Panels
There are basically three types of solar panels available in the UK right now, and each has its own unique advantages to consider.
Monocrystalline Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels come out on top in terms of efficiency, with rates ranging from 18% to 22% – they do a lot better in low light conditions too, which is handy given our UK climate. They also make the most of the space available on your roof, which is a big plus for properties with limited space.
Polycrystalline Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are a lot more affordable, and come with efficiency rates between 15% and 17%. They’re not as efficient as monocrystalline units, but they’re a great value for money, especially if your property has got plenty of roof space to play with.
Thin-Film Panels
Thin-film solar panels are pretty rare in the UK residential market right now, but they might be worth considering in certain situations – for example, if you’re looking at installing solar panels on a commercial building that’s got some weight restrictions on it, thin-film panels are much lighter than their crystalline counterparts.
Things to Keep an Eye On
So, you’re buying solar panels – first of all, make sure you check out the efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the more electricity you’ll get out of them, especially on cloudy days in the winter months. And don’t forget to take a look at the temperature coefficient – if you’ve got a panel with a low coefficient, it’ll perform better when it’s nice and warm out.
The company’s reputation and the warranty they offer are also key – you want to know that the panels are going to be reliable over the long-term. Always go with a manufacturer that’s well-established and will give you a 25-year performance warranty – that way, you can be pretty certain the panels will still be working at 80-85% capacity all those years later. And of course, the warranty on defects in the manufacturing process should last at least 10-12 years.
Make sure any equipment you get is certified to UK and European standards – and make sure it’s got the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation, which will help you get most of the incentives on offer.
Incentives and Planning Permission
Local authorities might be offering grants or subsidised loans to help with the cost of renewable energy installations – especially if you’re installing into social housing or in certain areas around the country. It’s always worth checking in with your local council to see if they’re offering any kind of scheme.
In terms of planning permission, most domestic installations are considered ‘allowed development’, which means you can get away without getting permission as long as you stick to the rules – solar panels shouldn’t stick out from the roof more than 200mm, for example. But if you’re installing into a listed building or conservation area, you’ll need to get permission from the council. And of course, if you’re installing commercial solar panels, you’ll need to get planning permission for both the panels and any ground mountings you might need.
Building Regulations compliance is a must, and the fitters will need to get the system certified to make sure it meets the right electrical safety standards. MCS installers will usually sort out the paperwork for you when the installation is done.
Installation Considerations
When it comes to installing solar panels in your home, the advice is clear – leave it to the professionals. And they’re the ones who’ll make sure your system is MCS-approved, which is not only a guarantee of quality but also unlocks Smart Export Guarantee payments. So, expect the installation of an average domestic package to take between a day and three days to complete.
Your installer will also carry out a site survey beforehand to assess the lay of the land, so to speak. They’ll take a close look at your roof’s orientation, pitch and structure to make sure you’re getting the most out of your solar panels. And we all know that south-facing roofs with a 30 to 40 degree pitch work best, but those that face southeast or southwest are more than okay too. East and west-facing installations will give you a bit less bang for your buck though, at around 15 to 20% less energy.
The structural assessment is an important bit of the job too – it’s a chance to check that your roof can take the extra weight of the solar panels, which normally amounts to around 10 to 15 kilograms per square metre in standard installs. But, if you’ve got an older roof, you may need to do a bit more thorough work to make sure it’s up to the task.
You’ll also need to get a generation meter and possibly an export meter, but it’s worth noting that smart meters can do the job just as well. And while it’s not mandatory, adding battery storage to your system right from the start is a good idea, even if it does add a bit more upfront cost. Having a battery system in place means you can store excess energy for when you need it most – evening time – and boost your self-consumption from 30% to a whopping 70%.
Key Takeaways
The truth is, solar panels are a sound investment for just about any building in the UK, both residential and commercial. And it’s not just about the money you’ll save – they’re also good for the planet and give you independence from the grid. The technology just keeps getting more efficient, and the variety of panels out there means there’s one to suit just about any situation or weather condition.
