Mention the idea of solar power to most and chances are they’ll think you’ve mistaken them for someone that lives in a country that’s actually sunny. If we’re honest, it’s not as if the UK is blessed with the best weather in the world…far from it…so until they figure out a way of creating energy from drizzle and moaning, there’s not a great deal most folks can do, right?
Wrong.
What comparatively few seem to realise is that solar power is actually all about daylight and not direct sunlight. Even on days when the sun doesn’t even bother to make an appearance, solar panels can still soak up all that lovely natural light and transform it into even lovelier electricity.
So that’s the question answered of whether solar energy is realistic for UK homes, but in terms of whether it’s a good idea to go ahead with an installation, here’s a quick overview of the ins and out of solar panels for the modern UK home:
South Facing Roof
Generally speaking, you’ll only be able to benefit from roof-mounted solar panels if your home has at least one surface of the roof facing no more than 45 degrees from the south. In addition, it needs to be a roof that picks up the light for the whole of the day and doesn’t end up in the shade for hours on end. Some shade at certain times of the day isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but the longer the panels are out of the light, the less benefit you’ll get from them.
Feed In Tariff
Another little-known fact is that for each unit of electricity you produce, the government will actually pay you for it – even though you’re using the energy yourself! The exact amount they pay out changes from time to time so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it, but still…it’s free money for no effort on your part!
Bills Are Reduced
Of course, the primary benefit that comes with installing solar panels is that of paying out much less each month, quarter and year for electricity. Chances are you won’t be able to produce all of the electricity you need, but on average you’ll save in the region of £150 each year and this will only increase as energy prices keep going up.
Panel Prices Are Going Down
The more abundant and readily available solar panels are, the cheaper they become. As of right now, a solar panel installation including all parts and labour costs about 50% of the price just a few years ago. So if you’ve not looked into the idea for a while, you might be in for a pleasant surprise.
It Might Be Free
And finally, there are plenty of schemes up and down the UK today where all costs are met by the company providing the solar panels, on the condition that they get the cash paid out by the government through the Feed in Tariff initiative. And as you still get to save energy generated free of charge by the panels, you yourself make huge savings and don’t have to spend a penny on anything!