Are you considering installing solar panels on your property?
As concerns about our carbon footprint begin to rise, more people are installing solar panels on their residential properties. But whether this process is worthwhile is another matter altogether.
Installing solar panels requires a significant up-front investment, and you will not get your money back immediately. An expert can guide you on how much it could save you each year and how long it will take to recoup your cash.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of installing solar panels? How much will it cost, and will it still be worth it in 2024?
Keep reading for our answers to all the questions above.
Are Solar Panels suitable in the UK?
Yes, solar panels are entirely suitable for use in the UK. The weather in the UK provides more than enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective – even on cloudy days.
Do I need planning permission to install solar panels in my house?
In the majority of cases, solar panels do not require planning permission for you to get them installed. The only times you may need permission are if your house is a listed building located within a conservation area or if your solar panels will hang off the side of the roof.
You must own the building it is being installed onto; otherwise, you do not have the right to install these all on your own.
You will typically require more than one panel to generate enough electricity to use domestically or sell unused energy to the grid. This means that your roof must be reasonably sized, not too small. Otherwise, the conditions for getting solar panels are not overly strict.
If you have any further questions about installing solar panels, it is recommended that you speak to a specialist in this area. They can provide an accurate quotation of what can be done, how much it will cost, and the amount it could save you.
How much do Solar Panels cost to install?
The answer to this question can vary significantly depending on your choice of installer, the number of panels you want to implement, the complexity of the task (i.e. the way the roof is positioned) and more.
According to online figures, you can expect to pay anywhere between £5,000 and £13,000 for the supply and installation of solar panels. With more complicated requirements and a ‘premium’ service, you will be at the higher end of this price bracket—or perhaps even above it.
The International Renewable Agency (IRENA) reported that the cost of solar panels decreased by 93% globally between 2010 and 2020. Companies are generally getting quicker at installing solar panels, too, as there is now a wider workforce of skilled installers due to the growing interest in implementing these in residential houses.
Will installing Solar Panels save me money?
Lots of people consider installing solar panels an ‘investment’ that will earn them money in the future. But is this an accurate way to view it?
Solar panels will reduce your electricity costs, but the amount it saves you each year can vary. Comparing your savings with your usual costs enables you to calculate how long it will take to get a return on your investment.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
For people who install solar panels, the option is always to sell excess electricity to the grid. The ‘Smart Export Guarantee’ (SEG) scheme has a set rate for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity you generate from solar panels, but don’t use it yourself. This could earn you anywhere up to £170 per year.
Solar Panel Grants
It may also be possible to benefit from funding/a grant to get solar panels installed. For example, the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4), amongst other schemes, could be worth investigating to see if help is available. Some energy experts can provide specific guidance on the latest legislation.
You may want to calculate your expected bill savings before installing the solar panels so you can set clear expectations on how much difference it will make.
Advantages of installing Solar Panels
If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, you may be wondering what advantages make the investment worth it. We have a breakdown of these advantages for homeowners, including affordability, emergency power, and environmental benefits.
Affordability
As mentioned in this blog, solar panels are now more affordable than ever. Not only has the up-front cost gone down, but there are schemes available to help afford the installation. You may also be able to make consistent year-on-year savings that give you a return on investment.
Emergency Power
Solar panels can also enable you to operate independently of the grid, which is helpful if the grid goes down. In this instance, you may be able to tap into your existing electricity supply, which can be beneficial in an emergency.
Environmental Contributions
Solar panels will usually reduce your carbon footprint because you generate more electricity through ‘renewable’ sources. If they are well-fixed onto the roof of your house, then you may also find that this adds to the value of your property – not just because of the cost savings, but because it looks good to be thinking about the environment.
Disadvantages of Installing Solar Panels
Cost
Solar panels represent a sizeable up-front cost, with the average price estimated at around £7,000. It can take a long time before you make your money back on the investment—and often, this only happens because of the inflated house price when the time comes to sell.
Home Aesthetics
Some people argue that solar panels are unattractive and can negatively impact the aesthetics of your property. If your roof is shaped in an unusual way, it can sometimes look peculiar.
Debatable Benefits
There is varying debate about how eco-friendly solar panels genuinely are. After all, when you consider the manufacturing, transport, and installation of the panels, this can sometimes cancel out much of its positive environmental effect.
Installing solar panels can also be challenging if you have a tenanted property, as navigating around your tenants’ schedules is not always straightforward.
Things to look out for when choosing a Solar Panels installer
You should look carefully at the credentials of any solar panel installer that you speak to. After all, this is a sizeable investment, and you want the work done correctly.
There are specific qualifications that your choice of installer should have. The most common example is that they are ‘MCS’ certified, as this can demonstrate that they are a high-quality company.
Like any service provider, you should also check their online reviews, ask for examples of work they’ve completed in the past, and get a quotation from several companies before deciding.
So, are Solar Panels worth it in 2024?
Although solar panels can be expensive at first, it is possible to get a return on investment within 15 years, after which it will undoubtedly be worth it. If you plan to live in your property for a very long time, you can reap the benefits of this investment.
On the other hand, if you are struggling financially in the short term, solar panels may not be a top priority. There are dozens of other things that you could use this money for, and speaking to a financial advisor may give you a broader perspective on all your choices.