Understanding Solar Panels

What are Solar Panels?

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are a key component of a solar power system, which harnesses renewable energy from the sun to generate electricity. Solar panels are made up of many small photovoltaic cells, which are made from semiconducting materials like silicon. These cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the surface of the panel and are connected together to form a circuit.

When sunlight hits a photovoltaic cell, it excites the electrons in the material, causing them to flow through the circuit and create an electrical current. This current is then collected and sent through an inverter, which converts the DC power into AC power that can be used in homes and businesses.

Solar panels are a popular choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. They are a clean and renewable source of energy, producing no emissions or pollution during operation. With the cost of solar panels decreasing over the years, they have become a more affordable option for many homeowners and businesses.

Ways to save money on your energy bills with solar panels.

It is already common knowledge that adding solar can reduce your energy costs. We've broken down our top six ways that installing solar panels can reduce your energy costs.

From using solar PV efficiently, storing energy with batteries, and to powering your car with sunlight, you could save on your bills.

How can you save more on your energy bills with solar panels?

Solar panels generate your own electricity for your home. This reduces your need to buy electricity from expensive energy companies and helps manage electricity consumption.

Understanding and optimizing the performance of your solar energy system can further enhance these benefits. While solar energy won’t cover your entire bill, solar panels with a battery can meet up to 80% of your energy needs.

So how much could you save?

For instance, in the UK, the average home uses 3,100kWh of electricity annually, costing about £88 per month. By effectively managing excess solar energy through storage solutions, you can optimize the utilization of surplus energy produced by solar panels.

With a 4kW solar system and storage, you can generate 3,600kWh, saving around £1,524 each year for 25 years, not including earnings from the SEG tariff.

What are the benefits of using generated solar energy for your home?

• Power energy hungry appliances for free, like washing machines, kettles, and microwaves

• Lower your carbon footprint

• Reduce your dependence on costly energy companies

• Enjoy the low maintenance benefits of a solar PV system, such as minimal upkeep and easy care tips like trimming nearby trees and cleaning panels

Installing Solar Panels

How to Install Solar Panels

Installing solar panels requires careful planning and execution to ensure a safe and efficient installation. Here are the general steps involved in installing solar panels:

1. Assess your energy needs: Determine how much electricity you want to generate and how many solar panels you need to achieve that goal.

2. Choose the right solar panels: Select solar panels that are suitable for your energy needs and budget. Consider factors like efficiency, durability, and warranty.

3. Prepare your roof: Ensure your roof is in good condition and suitable for solar panel installation. Consider factors like roof size, orientation, and shading.

4. Install the mounting system: Install a mounting system that will hold the solar panels in place. This can include a racking system, clamps, and anchors.

5. Install the solar panels: Install the solar panels on the mounting system, ensuring they are securely fastened and properly aligned.

6. Connect the panels to the inverter: Connect the solar panels to the inverter, which converts the DC power into AC power.

7. Connect to the grid: Connect the solar power system to the grid, allowing you to sell excess energy back to the utility company.

8. Test and inspect the system: Test and inspect the solar power system to ensure it is working efficiently and safely.

It is recommended to hire a professional solar panel installer to ensure a safe and efficient installation.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency

Using Solar Energy Wisely

To maximize energy efficiency, it’s essential to use solar energy wisely. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your solar power system:

1. Use energy during the day: Use energy during the day when the sun is shining, and your solar panels are generating electricity.

2. Shift non-essential loads: Shift non-essential loads like laundry and dishwashing to during the day when the sun is shining.

3. Use energy-efficient appliances: Use energy-efficient appliances to reduce energy consumption and maximize the benefits of your solar power system.

4. Monitor your energy usage: Monitor your energy usage to identify areas where you can improve energy efficiency.

5. Consider energy storage: Consider energy storage options like batteries to store excess energy generated during the day for use during the night or during power outages.

6. Maintain your solar panels: Regularly maintain your solar panels to ensure they are working efficiently and safely.

7. Optimize your solar panel angle: Optimize your solar panel angle to maximize energy production, taking into account factors like latitude, climate, and shading.

By following these tips, you can maximize energy efficiency and get the most out of your solar power system.

How can you save money on electricity bills by storing cheaper electricity with a home battery storage system?

Installing a home battery storage system allows you to charge it during cheaper off-peak hours, like with Economy 7 tariffs such as Octopus Go, and manage your electricity supply efficiently.

You can then use this stored energy during peak-demand times when electricity rates are highest.

In fact, you can have a storage battery without panels and save money this way!

This also helps top up your solar batteries, especially during low generation periods like winter.

For example: charging a 9.5kWh GivEnergy battery at the current Octopus Go off-peak rate (12p per kWh) would cost you £1.14.

However, consuming the same amount of energy at the standard rate (35.06p per kWh) would cost £3.33, which is nearly three times more.

Charging your solar batteries is one of the ways solar energy can save you money on your energy bill.

How can you use solar energy to heat your hot water and save on your energy bill?

Lower your hot water bill by adding an iBoost or solar diverter to your system. Warm up your water for free!

If you have a hot water tank and solar panels, you can use your solar energy to heat your water at no extra cost. By installing a solar diverter you can make sure you don't waste any of your surplus solar power.

Typically, solar panels send 10-20% of their generated energy back to the grid. With an average 4kW solar panel system, this amounts to around 360kW of energy. By diverting this excess energy to heat your hot water, you can save about £122.40 on your yearly energy bill.

Is it cost-effective to charge your electric car with solar panels?

More people are buying electric cars, and charging them at home is getting popular.

Installing a home EV charger is a smart choice because it's cost-effective, and using your solar panels to charge your car is even cheaper.

For instance, with an average annual mileage of 8,100 miles and an energy price of 34p/kWh, it can cost between 9.1p to 14.2p per mile to charge at home, depending on your electric car.

This can add £750 to £1,150+ to your energy bill. However, by using solar power to charge your EV, you can save money on your energy bill.

Can you sell excess solar energy produced from panels?

Solar energy can help you save money by paying you for extra energy. When your solar panels and battery have surplus energy, it goes back to the grid. You'll get paid for this energy through the Smart Export Tariff. It's a way to earn extra money to offset your energy bill.

For instance, a 4kW system typically generates around 3,600kWh of electricity annually, and you might export about 10% of it, which is roughly 360kW of energy. This means the average solar system owner can expect to receive about £54 a year from these payments. Right now, Octopus Energy offers the best rate at 15p/kWh for renewable energy sent back to the grid.

Find the best paying SEG tariffs here.

How can installing solar panels reduce your energy bills for your home or business in the UK?

If you're a homeowner or business owner in the UK interested in discovering the benefits of solar energy for reducing your energy costs, we invite you to reach out to our dedicated team here.

As leading experts in solar panel installations in the UK, we offer personalized system designs, quotes, and financial projections. These projections will give you a clear understanding of how installing solar panels can not only lower your energy bills but also help you recover your investment over time. To explore further insights into solar panels, don't forget to explore our comprehensive solar panel guide.