So, you’ve been seeing all the positive conversations around solar energy—the potential savings it can bring, how it can help you gain energy independence, and even the advantages it provides toward being environmentally conscious.
But what is actually so great about solar energy? We did the work for you and listed the top 4 reasons to help you make a better decision.
Here are the many benefits of rooftop solar panels for homeowners, popular rooftop solar solutions that you should check out, and how you can go about getting one for your home.
1. Are the benefits of rooftop solar panels worth the investment?
The average cost of a rooftop solar panel solution in the UK is around £5,000 to £11,000. While the cost may change depending on the scale of the system, household energy consumption, and other physical factors, it is overall a rather costly investment.
So, is it worth it? Here are the benefits of rooftop solar panels that you should consider to answer this question.
They help you save on energy bills
With a rooftop solar solution, a household in the UK can save between £170 to £565 on electricity bills annually. Additionally, initiatives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) from the government also allow you to potentially generate money by selling surplus electricity back to the national grid.
They are worth the return on investment
Depending on household consumption, the solar energy solution you opt for, and financial incentive schemes, you can see a positive return on your investment in as little as 6-10 years. For households with lower energy usage, the payback period could be 10 years or more. The system will also last more than 20 years, generating energy for years to come.
They help you become energy-independent
One of the best things about solar energy is the energy independence and self-sufficiency it provides. With solar energy, you can power your home, heat water, and even charge your EVs. You don’t have to worry about power disruptions either if you invest in battery storage on-site.
They help you reduce your carbon footprint
Sustainability and environmental friendliness are popular topics of conversation in this day and age. Solar energy can help you contribute to a greener future with reduced carbon emissions that come with renewable energy usage. It is an eco-friendly individual’s best friend.
2. Popular rooftop solar products for households
So, there’s already plenty you can do with a solar panel installation by itself. However, you can also complement it with some additional solar products to bring down your energy bills even more and get the most out of your investment.
Here are some of the solar products that we recommend you look into, to reap the ultimate benefits from your solar solutions.
Solar battery
This one’s a no-brainer. Solar batteries allow you to store the excess energy generated from your solar panels and make use of it as and when you need energy. This will give you a steady supply of energy and help you maximise the energy production and usage of your solar panels. While the initial investment is high, it’s worth it.
Wall charger
If you have an EV, a wall charger is a godsend. With one, you can charge your EV easily with the energy from your solar panels. However, a solar battery is still needed to power the wall charger. So, if you’ve invested in a battery, getting one can help you further reduce energy costs and limit your reliance on the grid.
Energy management system
An energy management system is very useful if you want to control exactly how you are using the energy generated from solar panels. Most systems offer pre-configured energy management strategies like automatic, solar-optimised, and time-optimised options. You can choose which appliances to power and regulate overall energy usage.
Heat pump
With the winter season going on in the UK, this is another great use of solar energy. You can power a heat pump with the energy stored in your solar battery to heat your home during these colder months. Not only will this help you significantly reduce your energy bills, it will also help you reduce your carbon footprint.
3. How to find a solar panel installer for your project
When looking for a solar panel installer to undertake your rooftop solar installation project, there are some considerations you should make. These will help you make sure that you can get all the benefits of rooftop solar panels.
Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you should take when choosing a solar panel installer all by yourself:
- Understand the nature of your project
- Understand the financial incentives available to you
- Read reviews for the installers you are considering
- Talk with neighbours who have solar panels installed
- Check installer licence and certifications
- Get multiple quotes from different installers
- Speak with installers about your project
Or, you can join Solar Save Club, answer a few questions about your house and energy consumption, and find reliable solar installers in your area to help you on your journey. Click here to get started.