Housing Solar Panels: Powering UK Homes into the Future

What are Solar Panels and How Do They Work?

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that turn sunlight into electricity. They’re made up of multiple solar cells, which are connected and packed together in a frame to form a solar panel. When sunlight hits a solar cell, it excites the electrons within the cell, causing them to flow through the material and create an electrical current. This current is then collected and sent through a charge controller to ensure the energy is safe and efficient for use in the home. The electricity is then converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) by a solar inverter so it can power your appliances and lights.

Why Solar Panel Installation

Save Money on Your Energy Bills

One of the main reasons homeowners go for solar panels is to save on their energy costs. By generating your own clean electricity, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your energy bills. How much you save depends on how much energy you use, the size of your solar panel system and how much sunlight your roof gets.

Clean, Renewable Energy

Solar PV panels produce clean electricity, reducing your carbon footprint. By switching to solar, you’re helping the UK’s renewable energy goals and reducing your dependence on fossil fuels.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee replaced the feed-in tariff scheme, allowing homeowners to earn money by exporting excess electricity back to the grid. This means any extra energy your solar system produces can be sold to energy suppliers, offsetting your installation costs over time1.

Solar Panel Installation Process

Assessing Your Home

Before installing panels, a solar panel installer will assess your property to see if it’s suitable. They’ll look at:

• Roof size, strength and orientation (south-facing roofs are best)

• Roof covering and condition of roof tiles

• Space for the solar inverter and potential battery storage

• Your current energy consumption and energy bills

Choosing a Solar Panel Supplier

Choosing the right solar panel supplier is key to a successful solar panel installation. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Certification and Experience: Look for a supplier certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and with experience in installing solar panels in your area. This means they meet industry standards and have a proven track record.

• Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for referrals from friends and family to see what the supplier’s reputation and quality of work is like. Positive feedback from previous customers is a good indicator of reliability.

• Price and Services: Compare prices and services offered by different suppliers to get the best deal. What’s included in the price? Installation, maintenance, any additional features?

• Warranty and Maintenance: What’s the warranty and maintenance service like from the supplier? A good warranty and after-sales service can save you money and hassle in the long run.

• Consultation and Assessment: Does the supplier offer a free consultation and assessment to see if your home is suitable for solar panels? This can give you valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.

Installation

The solar panel installation process involves:

1. Mounting the panels on your roof

2. Installing the solar inverter (converts direct current to alternating current)

3. Connecting the system to your fuse box and smart meter

4. Setting up monitoring systems to track energy production

Most installations take 1-2 days to complete, depending on the size of the system2.

Cost and Finance

The cost of solar panels varies depending on the size of the system and the quality of the components. A typical residential solar panel system in the UK can cost between £4,000 and £6,000 for a 3kW system and up to £7,000 - £9,000 for a 4kW system2.

While the upfront cost may seem high, consider the long-term savings on your energy bills and the potential income from the Smart Export Guarantee. Many homeowners find their solar PV system pays for itself within 9-12 years2.

If you can’t afford the upfront cost, there are finance options available:

• Solar loans from banks or specialist lenders* Rent-a-roof schemes (although these are less common now)

• Government grants for low-income households or those receiving Universal Credit

UK Grants and Incentives for Solar

There are several grants and incentives in the UK to encourage homeowners to install solar. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Energy suppliers must offer a tariff to households that export surplus energy back to the grid. You can earn money from the excess electricity your solar generates.

• Energy Company Obligation (ECO): The ECO scheme funds energy efficient measures, including solar panels, for low-income households. Reduces energy bills and improves energy efficiency.

• Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI): The RHI scheme supports households that install renewable heating systems, including solar thermal systems. Helps offset the cost of installation and promotes renewable energy.

• Green Deal: The Green Deal scheme finances energy efficient measures, including solar panels, for homeowners who want to improve their home’s energy efficiency. You pay back over time through your energy bills.

Getting the Most out of Your Solar

To get the most from your solar:

1. Use energy efficient appliances to reduce overall consumption

2. Consider a solar battery for energy storage

3. Time your energy use to match peak solar hours

4. Look into solar PV with heat pumps for a full renewable energy solution

Solar with a Home Battery

Solar with a home battery stores excess energy generated by your solar during the day and uses it at night or during power cuts. Here are the benefits:

• More Energy Independence: With a home battery you can store excess energy generated by your solar and use it when you need it, reducing your reliance on the grid.

• Lower Energy Bills: By storing excess energy generated by your solar you can reduce your energy bills and save money on your energy consumption.

• Improved Energy Efficiency: A home battery optimises your energy use by storing excess energy generated by your solar and using it when you need it.

• Grid Resilience: By storing excess energy generated by your solar you can reduce the strain on the grid during peak hours and improve grid resilience. Solar with a home battery can get the most out of your solar installations, giving you more control over your energy use and further reducing your bills.

Planning and Permissions

In most cases solar panel installation is permitted development and doesn’t require planning permission. However:

• If you live in a conservation area

• For listed buildings

• If the panels protrude more than 200mm from the roof slope

Always check with your local council before proceeding with installation1.

Residential Solar Future

As technology advances we’re seeing some exciting developments:

• More efficient solar PV panels

• Solar roof tiles for new build properties

• Advanced battery storage solutions

• Smart home integration for optimised energy use

With the UK government’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050 residential solar panels will be crucial to our energy future.

Conclusion

Housing solar panels is a sustainable, cost-effective solution for homeowners who want to reduce their bills and environmental impact. Although the upfront cost is high the long term benefits of generating your own clean energy make solar a worthwhile option for many UK households. As we move towards a greener future solar is a bright prospect.