In 2024, the benefits of installing solar panels in the UK are more compelling than ever. With the cost of solar panels decreasing, government incentives in place, and the undeniable environmental benefits, there’s no better time to consider this renewable energy source for your home.
Solar Panels in the UK: A Smart Investment
Solar panels are a renewable energy source that converts the sun’s rays into electricity. Even on cloudy days, visible light is sufficient to produce energy. Over 4,000 solar panels are installed in the UK every month, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Cost of Solar Panels in the UK
The cost of solar panels UK has dropped by 83% since 2009, making them one of the most affordable renewable energy sources on the market. Typical solar photovoltaic (PV) system costs between £8,000-£12,000, and a solar thermal system costs around £5,000 – £8,000.
Solar Panels and Batteries: A Powerful Combination
By pairing your solar panels with a battery storage system, you can store excess energy generated during the day to power your home later. This means you can use solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining, making your home less reliant on the National Grid and saving you even more money on your energy bills.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels
Installing solar panels in the UK offers benefits like reduced energy bills, lower carbon footprint and increased property value. Here are the best points for the benefits of installing solar panels.
Savings on Energy Costs
The primary way solar panels save you money is by reducing your reliance on the grid for electricity. Once installed, solar panels generate electricity every time the sun shines, directly powering your home. This means less electricity drawn from the grid, leading to lower energy bills.
Direct Savings on Energy Bills
The amount you save will depend on the size of your solar panel system and your energy usage. A typical UK household with a 4.2 kilowatt-peak system can save up to* £1000 per year on their energy bills. This means that over the lifespan of your solar panels (which is typically 25-30 years), you could save up to* £25,000 – £30,000 without taking into account energy inflation.
Solar Panels and Battery Storage Systems
Pairing your solar panels with a battery storage system can lead to even greater savings. Any excess energy generated by your solar panels can be stored in the battery system for later use. This means you can use solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining, further reducing your reliance on the grid and saving you even more money on your energy bills.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is another way solar panels can save you money. Under the SEG, you can sell any unused solar-generated electricity back to the grid. This not only helps to offset the cost of your solar panels but also turns your solar panel system into a source of income. Depending on the amount of excess electricity you generate, this could add up to between £100 and £200 each year.
In addition to these schemes, the UK government has also reduced VAT on solar panels to 0% until April 2027, making solar panels an even more affordable option.
The Environmental Impact of Solar Panels
One of the most significant benefits of solar panels is their positive impact on the environment. Solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning it doesn’t deplete our natural resources like fossil fuels do. By installing solar panels, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future.
Solar panels also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional electricity production methods often rely on burning fossil fuels, which releases harmful gases into the atmosphere. Solar panels, on the other hand, produce clean, green energy from the sun, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and helping to combat climate change.
Solar Panels and Property Value
Installing solar panels can also increase the value of your property. A study by the National Association of Realtors in the US found that solar panels can increase a home’s value by up to 14%. While the UK market may differ slightly, the trend towards energy-efficient homes is clear. Homebuyers are increasingly looking for properties with green features, and solar panels are at the top of the list.
The Future of Solar Panels in the UK
The future of solar panels in the UK looks bright. With the cost of solar panels continuing to decrease and government incentives in place, it’s expected that more and more homeowners will make the switch to solar energy. This not only benefits individual households but also contributes to the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.