Do I Invest in Solar Panels? Your guide to the pros and cons

For more and more of us in the UK, the sums are now adding up when it comes to installing solar panels on our properties.

More than 183,000 solar panel installations on homes were carried out in the UK in 2023, according to the low-carbon certification organisation MCS. Overall, some 1.4 million homes in the UK have solar panels, as of June this year, according to government figures. In 2010, only 28,211 households were solar. That equates to a whopping 4,862% increase in 14 years.

So, yes, solar panels are increasingly popular, even if there are one or two reservations for some. Let’s take a moment, then, to weigh up the pros and cons of this renewable energy source and see if it’s a match made in heaven for you.

Pros of Solar Panels in the UK:

• Reduce your energy bills – while the sun might not shine as brightly here as in the Mediterranean, solar will still slash your electricity bills. Solar panels can generate electricity during daylight hours (even if it’s cloudy), reducing your reliance on the grid and saving you as much as £30,000 over 25 years. Our customers are typically taking their electricity bills from around £100 a month down to £40!

• Environmental and health benefits – solar power is a clean and renewable energy source. By installing solar panels, you’re contributing to a greener future and reducing your carbon footprint. You’re also helping to improve air quality, which is a major public health benefit. Air pollution is the ‘biggest environmental health risk of our time’, according to the UN. A typical solar and battery storage system we install is worth the carbon equivalent of planting 150 trees.
• Government incentives – in the UK, the smart export guarantee (SEG) scheme, launched in January 2020, enables households to get paid for the solar energy they ‘export’. This is the electricity you generate, but don’t use, so you can pump it back into the national energy grid. Current SEG tariffs can pay you as much as 25p per kWh, adding up to £100s each year.
• Increased property value – installing solar panels can increase the value of your property. Potential buyers are increasingly attracted to homes with renewable energy features. Research by Admiral Money found solar panels could boost your property’s value by as much as 25% – although we’re not completely sure that figure is representative.
• Technological advancements – solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making them more efficient and affordable. The panels can convert a greater percentage of sunlight into energy and automation has made the panels cheaper to produce. At the same time, the cost of the raw materials needed to manufacture them, such as silicon and glass, have fallen over time.
• Energy independence – by generating your own electricity, you become less reliant on the grid and can potentially achieve energy independence. Making your own electricity insulates you from price hikes. Plus, with the right battery set up, you can have some power even during a power cut.

Cons of Solar Panels in the UK

• Initial cost – the upfront cost of installing solar panels can be significant. However, with government incentives and the potential for long-term savings on energy bills, the initial investment can be worthwhile. Talk to our team about the options available.
• Weather dependence – while solar panels can still generate some electricity on cloudy days, their efficiency is reduced compared to sunny conditions. Work is being carried out by a number of organisations, including the Met Office and energy companies, to get a better understanding of how we can use renewables with such variable weather conditions.
• Planning permission – planning permission for solar panels is not usually required for domestic properties, but there are exceptions, such as when you are in a conversation area or if the panels protrude significantly from the roof or wall.
• Maintenance – solar panels require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections. While this is generally minimal, it’s might be an additional cost to consider. However 99% of the time rainwater is enough to clean your panels
• Visual impact – some people may find the appearance of solar panels on their roofs aesthetically unappealing. However, there are options for discreet installations like in-roof solar installations. While some research suggests solar increases the sale value of your home, some potential buyers may pass because they prefer the aesthetic without panels.
• You have to be patient – The payback period usually takes around 7 years at the so if you move house you won’t see the maximum benefit from solar panels.

Is Solar Power Right for You?

The decision to install solar panels is a personal one. We recommend that you weigh up the pros and cons carefully and consider your individual circumstances, including your energy consumption patterns, property location and financial situation. Talking to our friendly team can help you make an informed decision.

Our friendly team will design a system that’s completely bespoke to your home, call us to book in a free on-site survey at your house today.

While the British sun may not be as consistent as in sunnier climes, solar power offers a viable and sustainable energy solution for many UK homeowners. By embracing this renewable technology, you can do your bit for the planet while saving money on your energy bills.

For more advice, please give us a call and we’d be only too happy to help you make the right decision for you.