Photovoltaic solar panels are an increasingly viable proposition for UK homeowners. They’ll sit on your roof, gathering photons cast by the sun, and converting them into energy that can be used to heat your kettle, charge your phone, and power your computer.
But do they make a good investment? Let’s explore some of the primary benefits.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Solar panels generate no carbon emissions at the point of electricity generation. In this respect, they’re a better choice than coal and natural gas. However, it’s important to bear in mind the environmental cost of constructing the panel in the first place.
In most cases, installing a solar panel will work out better for the planet in the long-term – but only if it’s justified by the amount of energy being used in the house.
Energy Independence and Security
As the war in Ukraine has demonstrated, global events can have an outsized effect on energy prices. By generating your own energy on your own premises, you can protect yourself from market shocks, and keep the lights on, even when the power supply is interrupted. For remote and rural locations, this might be a particular benefit. If you’re running a music studio in the middle of the wilderness, you need never fear being taken out of action by a sudden power cut.
Increase in Property Value
Of course, other homeowners recognise the benefits of solar panels. Thus, the investment you make in them will tend to be reflected in the value of the property. However, the relationship between these two factors isn’t always straightforward. You’ll need to weigh the aesthetic impact on the property, too.
Reduce energy bills
Install solar panels, and you’ll spend less on energy in the long term. Depending on the way that your bills are capped, and your location, you could save hundreds of pounds each year. According to Money Saving Expert, the break-even point is around fourteen years – though this figure does not account for inflation.
While it’s possible to feed the energy you generate back into the grid, it tends to be much cheaper to store and use the energy yourself – provided that you have a means of using it. This is where having an electric car makes a great deal of sense. You can store the energy directly in the car, or in a special wall-mounted battery that can be used to charge the car.
Governmental Incentives and Support
Thanks to the government’s ‘Green Deal’ range of incentives, you could claim government support for a new set of solar panels. However, this money will be handed over only on the condition that the upgrades are recommended by a special assessment.
