Installing a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the most effective ways to reduce electricity costs, lower your carbon footprint, and increase your property’s energy independence. By converting sunlight into electricity, solar panels allow you to generate clean, renewable electricity throughout the year.
Generating your own electricity means you purchase less energy from your supplier. The more of the electricity you use during the day, the greater your savings.
Electricity prices have increased significantly over recent years. Producing your own power helps reduce your reliance on the grid and protects you from future price increases.
Solar PV produces clean, renewable electricity with no emissions during operation, helping to reduce your home's environmental impact.
Energy-efficient homes are becoming increasingly attractive to buyers, with solar panels often viewed as a valuable long-term investment. They can also attract lower mortgage rates with banks offering ‘green mortgages’ for more energy efficient homes
Solar PV systems have no moving parts and require very little maintenance. Occasional cleaning and periodic inspections are usually all that's needed to keep the system performing efficiently.
Most quality solar panels are designed to last 25–30 years or more, with many manufacturers offering performance warranties of up to 30 years.
East and west-facing roofs can still provide excellent performance, although overall electricity generation may be slightly lower than south-facing roofs.
The greatest financial benefit comes from using the electricity as it is generated. Homes where occupants are present during the day often achieve higher savings.
Adding a battery allows excess electricity generated during the day to be stored and used in the evening, increasing self-consumption and reducing reliance on grid electricity.
A larger system generates more electricity but should be matched to your available roof space and
annual electricity usage to maximise value. The greater the size of the system the greater the cost, so weigh the cost of the system against the savings you are going to generate. The savings can be verified via an independent source such as EPVS (Energy Performance Verification Scheme) so that you know the savings you are quoted to make are genuinely achievable.
Most domestic solar PV installations fall under permitted development rights, although listed buildings and properties in certain conservation areas may have additional requirements.
Savings depend on several factors including:
As a general guide:
| System Size | Typical Annual Generation | Estimated Annual Savings* |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | 2,500–2,800 kWh | £450–£700 |
| 4 kW | 3,400–3,800 kWh | £600–£900 |
| 5–6 kW | 4,500–5,500 kWh | £800–£1,300 |
*Estimated savings include reduced electricity purchases and may also include income from exporting unused electricity to the grid. Actual savings will vary depending on household usage patterns and electricity tariffs.
You can increase the value of your solar PV system by:
Solar PV is suitable for most homes and businesses with a suitable roof. Every property is different, so a professional survey can help determine:
A correctly designed Solar PV system can provide decades of clean, reliable electricity while helping to reduce both your energy bills and your environmental impact.
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