A guide to solar panels: The benefits of going solar

Thursday, April 27th 2023 in

As the world continues to become more aware of the impact of climate change. So the importance of renewable energy sources such as solar energy cannot be overstated. Solar panels have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way for homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint. They also help home owners saving money on their electricity bills. This guide to solar panels explains the benefits of going solar.

Let us explore the benefits of going solar and what you need to know before about the solar panel process. That will enable our team to install a solar panel PV system on your roof, simply and easily.

Why you should switch to renewable energy today

The most compelling reason to switch to renewable energy sources like solar power is to reduce your carbon footprint and help slow down the effects of climate change. Solar power systems generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy. So you home uses less or no fossil fuels or greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere.

In addition to these environmental benefits, solar energy can also save you money on your electricity bills. While the initial cost of installing solar PV panels can be high, the long-term savings are substantial. Depending on the size of your solar panel system and your energy usage, you could save hundreds of pounds each year on your electricity bills. Like to know more about solar panels for your home then contact us at Absolute Solar here today

Are there any disadvantages to solar energy?

While there are many benefits to using solar energy, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest drawbacks of going solar is the initial cost of installing a solar panel system. The cost can vary widely depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation,. Most solar panel systems start at around £5,942 for a 4kW system and rise to £8,899 for a 7kW system. However, there are financing options available that can help to make the upfront cost more manageable.

Another potential disadvantage of going solar is that solar panels can be less efficient in areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight. In particular, panels on north-facing roofs, or those that experience a lot of shade, may not generate as much electricity. Ideally, roofs need to be 30 to 40 degrees in pitch, meaning homeowners looking to install panels on flat roofs will also require roof mounting systems.

If you are installing monocrystalline solar panels, like those available at Absolute Solar, you’ll also need to think about the weather. While monocrystalline panels have the highest efficiency rates in the range of between 15-20%. They tend to be most efficient in warm weather, so they may not be as effective in cooler climates.

What are the advantages of solar energy?

Of course, the advantages of going solar far outweigh the negatives. In this guide to going solar: the benefits of using solar energy include:

Lower electricity bills

One of the most significant benefits of using solar energy is that it can help you save money on your electricity bills. Based on estimates from the Energy Saving Trust, a household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system could shave between £195 and £480 per year off their bills at the current Energy Price Guarantee rates.

What’s more, once you’ve paid off the initial cost of installing the solar panel system, the energy it generates is essentially free.

Reduced carbon footprint

By using solar energy to power your home, you’re reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are released into the atmosphere. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a standard home solar PV system could save around one tonne of carbon per year.

Increased property value

Installing a solar panel system can also increase the value of your home. Typically that value ranges from 4% to 14% on average. Many homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that have already gone solar. That is because it means they’ll be able to save money on their electricity bills in the long run.

Low maintenance costs

Because they have no moving parts that will wear out over time, solar panels are simple to maintain. On average, you’re looking at around £100 per year for a service. Servicing them will help to prevent more expensive damage and repairs.

Perhaps the biggest expense once the system is up and running is the inverter. An inverter will need replacing approximately every 10 years at a cost of around £500 – £1,500.

Suitable for all climates

While they produce the most amount of electricity when it’s sunny, solar panels do still work in cloudy conditions. What’s more, cold weather doesn’t affect their productivity as snow and rain can actually help to clean the panels. That will increase the amount of light that reaches them.

What you need to know before installing solar panels at your home

Before you speak to our team about getting a solar panel system installed, there are a few things you need to consider. Any good guide to solar panels should outline is that not everyone can add solar panels. So here are key things you should consider:-

Compatibility

First, you’ll need to determine whether your home is a good candidate for solar panels. This will depend on factors such as the amount of sunlight your roof receives. This depends upon the orientation of your roof. Other factors such as the amount of shading your home gets from trees or nearby buildings. We’re happy to discuss this with you.

Cost

You’ll also need to consider the cost of installing the solar panel system. While there are many financing options available, it’s important to make sure that you can afford the upfront payment before you commit to the installation.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that current research suggests it can take anywhere between 9 and 19 years to recoup the costs of installing a photovoltaic (PV) system. However, this rate is falling fast, with some estimating that payback is now just 7 years. The exact time will depend on how much electricity you use and when you use it.

Installation

Solar panels are complex systems, so it’s important to choose a reputable solar panel installer like our team at Absolute Solar. In the UK, installers should be MCS registered. Do make sure you confirm this before you select a company to work with.

Solar panel installations usually take around two days to complete. Solar panels don’t normally require planning permission. That means you won’t have to wait for a planning application to be passed.

A Guide to Solar Panels

In this guide to solar panels you can see that there are a number of key factors to consider when deciding to add solar panels to your home. In balance solar panels are an excellent investment to make to your home.

Speak to our team at Absolute Solar

As you can see from this guide to going solar, installing a solar panel system on your roof can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Adding solar panels will also save you money on your electricity bills. While there are some potential drawbacks to consider, the benefits of going solar far outweigh the downsides.

So to learn more, speak to our team at Absolute Solar today. We’re more than happy to talk to you about the different solar photovoltaic systems we have available.

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