There are now 1.5 million solar panels on homes across the UK. As well as saving you money on energy bills, solar panels can earn you cash. And don’t worry, they can still generate electricity on gloomy days, vital when the weather’s as dull as dishwater. But they cost an average of £7,000, so you need to understand how to work out if the sums add up.
1-min read: Solar panels – key need-to-knows and how to buy
Whether you’re looking to save on electricity bills, generate your own energy, reduce your carbon footprint, or all of the above, there’s a lot to consider when getting solar panels installed. Here, we’ve a brief summary and quick links to get you started. Or read the full guide below for detailed info.
- Solar panels could help you save £100s a year on your electricity bills. Using the energy you generate can mean big savings for some households.
- You can get paid to export electricity you generate but don’t use through the smart export guarantee (SEG). An average home could earn up to £320/year.
- Hefty upfront costs means it could take 13 years to break even. Try the Energy Saving Trust’s calculator to get an estimate of how long it’ll take to recoup costs.
- Ready to buy? Find MCS certified installers and get quotes. Make sure to find a reputable, MCS certified installer and aim to get at least three quotes.
A solar install on slate tiles near Colchester (Image: DH/Tanjent)
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