There’s been a great deal of talk about the rising cost of living recently, and energy prices in particular are proving a cause for concern. Yet happily there is still one cost efficient energy option which can save home owners an impressive amount of cash, year on year: simply by installing solar panels. There are even solar panel grants available to help with the initial costs.
Packed With Technology
Also known by their technical name of solar photovoltaics (solar PV), our solar panels are made up of many semi-conductive cells that capture the sun’s light and generate DC electricity. This electricity is then passed through a device which converts it to AC, making it compatible for use in powering your home, saving in a battery, or even exporting it to the national grid.
One panel alone can typically produce up to 350W of energy, and most homes have around 10 to 15 of these panels fitted (depending on the volume of roof space available), meaning that they can power many of the appliances you use on a daily basis. Best of all, the technology isn’t dependant on the weather being fair: even cloudy days are bright enough to create plenty of solar power.
Two Ways To Save
When you install solar panels on your roof, you can expect to make savings in two different ways. First of all, by absorbing the rays of the sun and transforming it into energy, you can power your home yourself, thereby dramatically cutting the amount you might expect to pay in electricity bills. Secondly, you can opt for solar panel incentive schemes such as SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) that will offer you payment for any unused solar energy produced by your panels. And there are more savings to come, as the VAT on solar panels was cut by 5% in the Spring Statement.
Once your solar PV is up and running, the energy generated from the system will be used before grid electricity usage. Meanwhile, by making use of the SEG initiative, you can earn from £80 to £110 each year by selling your unused power to an energy supplier (tariffs will vary by supplier).
A Great Choice For The Planet, Too
We have already shown that solar panels for house owners are a great way to save money, and they can help to save the planet, too. Solar PV is a great choice for the environment, as it is a renewable, clean source of electricity. The UK government has recognised the benefits of this green energy and is encouraging homeowners and businesses to install solar panels by offering solar panel grants. There is £4 billion allocated for solar panels and heat pump projects, so it’s certainly worth finding out if you qualify. After all, if you are eligible for one of these solar panel grants, then you can also look forward to making significant savings on the cost of getting started on your solar journey. Find out if you’re eligible and get in touch today.
