Advantages of Solar Panels

• Lower Electricity Bills: Solar panels generate free electricity, cutting down on energy costs.

• Earn Money Back: Sell excess energy to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

• Reduce Carbon Footprint: Solar energy decreases reliance on fossil fuels.

• Year-Round Efficiency: Effective even in cloudy conditions, especially with technological advancements.

• Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep is required after installation.

• Grid Independence: Generate your own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid.

• Affordability: Solar panels are becoming more cost-effective.

• Cost Savings: Solar energy can lead to significant savings.

• Increased Home Value: Installing solar panels can boost your property value.

• Climate Versatility: Solar systems work well in various climates.

1. Renewable Energy Source Solar energy is a renewable resource, available worldwide and daily. As long as the sun exists, which scientists estimate will be at least another 5 billion years, solar energy will be accessible.

2. Reduces Electricity Bills Using solar panels can reduce your energy bills since some of your energy needs will be met by the electricity generated by your solar system. Savings depend on the system size and your energy usage. You can also receive payments for surplus energy sent back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

3. Diverse Applications Solar energy can generate electricity (photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal). It is useful in areas without access to the energy grid, for distilling water in regions with limited clean water, and powering satellites in space. Solar energy can also be integrated into building materials, like Sharp's transparent solar energy windows.

4. Low Maintenance Costs Solar systems require minimal maintenance, usually just regular cleaning a few times a year. Many solar panel manufacturers offer warranties of 20-25 years. The only parts that might need replacement are the inverter (every 5-10 years) and cables to maintain maximum efficiency.

5. Technological Development The solar power industry is continuously advancing, with innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology potentially increasing the efficiency of solar panels.

Solar Panel Benefits Are Improving

As energy prices have surged, generating and using your own solar energy can lead to substantial savings. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, introduced in January 2020, households in Great Britain are paid for solar energy they export. This refers to electricity you generate but don't use, which is then fed back into the national grid. The previous feed-in tariff scheme, which closed to new applications in March 2019, was more generous as it paid for all generated solar energy, whether used or not.

If you have savings to invest in solar panels, it's worth calculating your potential benefits, as the SEG scheme can be advantageous for some.

Major Savings from Using Your Own Generated Electricity

The primary benefit comes from using the electricity your panels produce, potentially saving up to £345 a year on your bills. Savings vary based on system size, electricity consumption, and your presence at home during the day.

According to Energy Saving Trust estimates, a typical household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system can reduce bills by £140 to £345 a year at current Energy Price Cap rates.

Interested in Solar Panels? By choosing solar panels, you can reduce energy costs and positively impact the environment. Get in touch to find out more.