Benefits of solar panels

With energy prices rising significantly each year and an increasing awareness that we need to cut our carbon emissions ever more households are turning to renewable energy sources for their electricity. A growing number of homeowners looking at changing to renewable energy are choosing solar power, especially as, unexpectedly, they can still create electricity on an overcast day. Solar photovoltaic (pv) panels are used to make electricity for your home by converting sunlight to energy. The majority of residential solar pv systems are currently able to receive annual government grants which cover the costs of installation over a period of time.

Considerations for suitability

Solar power has many advantages including reducing your electricity bills by an typical £150 a year and diminish your carbon emissions greatly. However it is not right for every household, to decide if solar powered electricity is right for your home there are three chief questions to consider. Most importantly do you have an appropriate sunny site to position your panels? The roof or wall you chose must be south facing and not be significantly overshadowed by trees or buildings. For maximum effectiveness it is a recommended that the roof is on an angle of greater than 35 degrees. Next is your roof sufficiently well-built as solar panels can be quite heavy? If you are unsure you should check this with a construction expert. Thirdly do you require planning permission? In England and Wales the majority of solar panel systems do not require planning permission, except if the system is unusually outsized or it is a listed building; however it is vital not to presume and to check with your local planning office.

Costs

Standard costs for a residential solar photovoltaic system can vary depending on size but are normally in the region of £8,000 - £12,000. Costs are, in general, recouped in ten to twelve years due to energy bill reductions and government incentive schemes such as the Feed-In tariff scheme (FITs). This tariff reimburses the household for the entire energy production by the solar system and is guaranteed for the next 25 years. Additionally there is the choice to resell left-over electricity to the national grid.

Installers

Should you come to a decision to install solar panels it is essential to find a trustworthy installer. All solar panels ought to be installed by an accredited company and this is a condition for the receipt of government grants offered. It is suggested that you not only assemble a range of quotes, verify references requested but also make sure that your preferred installer is a member of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. The scheme has its own website where you can search locally for accredited installers.