With rising energy bills threatening to cause widespread fuel poverty in the UK, there’s never been a better time to assess your own energy needs and explore potential ways of keeping your costs down.
Solar panels may be something you’re seriously considering, as not only can they generate power, but they can also earn you money as you sell your energy back to the Grid. However, solar panels are a pricey investment, so you need to be sure that they are really right for you and your home before you commit.
To help you decide, here are some facts about solar panels that will hopefully reveal whether they are the ideal energy-saving option for your unique circumstances.
You Could Save £300-£500+ On Your Energy Bills
According to the Energy Saving Trust, an average household with a 4.2 kilowatt-peak solar panel system on their roof could reduce their energy bills by £300- £550+ (based on October 2022 figures).
Of course, the exact amount you can save will depend on certain factors, such as how much electricity your household uses and how much time you spend at home. To get a clearer indication of what you could save, you can use the EST’s solar energy calculator.
The Amount You Can Earn Is Variable
If one of the main reasons you’re considering investing in solar panels is because you are hoping to make some extra money, unfortunately, you shouldn’t expect large sums to come your way.
Because different energy companies offer different tariffs, there is no set price for selling your energy back to the grid. Some suppliers will pay just 1p per kWh, while others will pay over 20p per kWh. Even if you are on a more generous tariff, however, once you factor in the amount of solar energy you will be using yourselves, you can probably expect to earn somewhere between £80 and £120 per year with your panels. As a result, it could potentially take you up to 15 years to recoup your investment, so you have to be in it for the long haul in order for your solar panels to be worthwhile.
Your House Needs To Be Suitable
Not every home can have solar panels installed. In order to gain any real benefit from your solar panels, your house should tick the following boxes:
- The roof must receive direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm.
- The roof should be south-facing, for maximum results.
- The roof must be in a good state of repair to ensure straightforward installation.
- The roof must be spacious enough to accommodate the panels.
You also need to think about planning permission. While this is not generally required, you should still check with your local council before going ahead.
Getting Your Solar Panels Installed
If your roof meets all of the requirements for solar panels and you are keen to go ahead, you should contact qualified installers such as AMP Manchester, and ask for a quote for solar panel installation.
Once everything has been arranged, it should only take one or two days for your panels to be put in place. Just don’t forget to register your panels and obtain an MSC certificate, as you’ll need this to register for payments from your energy supplier.