Is it worth buying solar panels In Essex?

Over 31,000 homes in Essex have a solar panel system

Youll break even on solar panels in 14.55 years

A 3.5 kW solar panel system will cost £7,026 on average

Over a million UK homes already have solar panels installed, and their popularity is only set to rise as the cost of solar panels continues to decrease.

If you live in Essex and want to know whether solar panels are worth buying, this guide will give you everything you need to know. You might also be eligible for a government grant, like the ECO4 or Eco Flex scheme, to help with the cost.

You can start the process by filling in our easy-to-navigate form. Just enter a few simple details and well put you in touch with our trusted installers. Theyll get back to you with bespoke solar panel quotes for you to compare.

Should you buy solar panels if you live in Essex?

Yes, solar panels are absolutely worth getting if you live in Essex, as long as you can afford them. Youll generate your own clean electricity, save money on your energy bills, and reduce your carbon emissions.

The break-even point for solar panel owners in Essex is 11.7 years, which is also very attractive, as its even less than the UKs average break-even point of 14.55 years.

Thats largely because Essex receives more sunlight than the UK average.

A 3.5 kW system will set you back £7,026 on average and youll make a tasty profit of £5,043 over the 25-year lifespan of your solar panel system.

Youll typically save around £483 on your energy bills every year with this size solar panel system in a three-bedroom home.

This lifespan isnt certain, either its just an estimate.

You could find your solar panels keep generating clean energy for longer, helping you save even more money on your energy bills.

Solar panels also let you make money by sending your excess energy to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee. How much you make will depend on which energy supplier youre with.

Youll typically get 12p per kilowatt hour (kWh), but you can receive 15p per kWh if youre with Octopus Energy.

A three-bedroom house on an SEG rate of 12p per kWh will make around £160 per year, and on the 15p per kWh offered by Octopus, youll make roughly £199 each year.

You can get up to 24p per kWh if youre with Octopus and own a Tesla Powerwall 2 storage battery, although youll spend around £9,000 on the battery.

How much sunlight does Essex receive?

Essex receives 1,883 hours of sunshine per year on average, which is considerably higher than the UK average of 1,403.

Owning a solar panel system in Essex means youll be generating more clean energy than you would in many other parts of the country.

Plus, with 69% of Brits saying they would rent or buy a property with solar panels, up from 65% last year, installing solar panels could increase your home’s value.

If youre worried about the UKs reputation for cloudy weather and wondering if solar panels actually work on cloudy days, dont worry they function excellently.

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Essex?

A 3.5 kW solar panel system costs £7,026 on average, including installation. The typical three-bedroom house will require a system of this size to provide enough electricity.

You should aim to get around three quotes for solar panel systems before settling on one, so you can make sure you get the best deal.

Youll spend more on higher-quality panels, but their superior efficiency will allow you to generate even more electricity.

Are there any solar panel grants from Essex County Council?

Solar Together Essex is the only solar panel grant available in Essex.

This can be claimed by homeowners or tenants who receive permission from their landlord to apply.

You can get solar thermal systems through the Sustainable Warmth Scheme, but this technology only helps heat water, and doesnt provide electricity.

The Sustainable Warmth Scheme also provides up to £10,000 towards other energy-saving technologies.

Want to see if there’s anything else on offer? Check out our Solar Panel Grants page for more information.

What is Solar Together Essex?

Solar Together Essex is a group-buying scheme for households and businesses looking to benefit from solar power, who dont want to pay the full price of a solar panel system.

Essex residents have been able to apply for Solar Together since February 2021, and there have been 1,100 applications so far.

You can register for Solar Together Essex via its website, even though the scheme isnt always running. It regularly restarts, so its definitely worth applying because youll be notified as soon as it begins again.

How does Solar Together Essex work?

You have to register on the Solar Together Essex website and fill in a few details, such as how much roof space you have and your roofs orientation.

The scheme will then look for products and installers on your behalf, before starting a bidding process among these companies. Theyll take part in an auction for who gets to install your solar panel system, which ensures you get competitive prices.

Youll receive a personal recommendation based on the details you filled in when you registered, which will include the costs and specifications of your solar panel installation.

How many homes have solar panels in Essex?

There are 31,268 Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)-accredited solar panel installations in Essex.

The total number will be even higher, because not every installation is certified by the MCS.

Summary

Solar panels are well worth getting if you live in Essex, because of the money youll save on your energy bills, the ability to generate your own clean electricity, and the reduction youll make to your carbon footprint.

Its an even better prospect if you can get your solar panel system under the Solar Together Essex initiative, as youll save even more money.

If you want to buy your solar panel system outright, you can always fill in our simple form. Enter a few details and well put you in touch with our trusted installers, wholl get back to you with bespoke quotes for you to compare.

Written by

Tom Gill Writer

Tom has been writing for The Eco Experts for nearly five years an in that time, he has calculated the carbon footprint of the Roman Empire, profiled the world’s largest solar farms, and investigated what a 100% renewable UK would look like.

He has a particular interest in the global energy market and how it works, including the future of hydrogen, and Cornwall’s growing lithium industry.

Tom also regularly attends Grand Designs Live as a Green Living Expert, where he provides expert solar panel advice to members of the public.

He frequently focuses on niche environmental topics such as the nurdle problem, clever ways to undo the effects of climate change, and whether sand batteries could store enough energy for clean heating in the winter.

If there’s an environmental niche to be covered, it’s a safe bet Tom’s already thinking of how to write about it.

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Reviewed By

Tamara Birch Senior writer

Tamara is a London-based journalist and has written about environmental topics for more than four years. This includes advising small business owners on cost-effective ways, like solar panels and energy-efficient products, to help them become more sustainable.

She has used her journalist and research skills to become highly knowledgeable on sustainable initiatives, issues, and solutions to help consumers do their bit for the environment – all while reducing monthly costs.

In addition to adopting sustainable practices in her personal life, Tamara has worked in the retail B2B space to help independent retailers think about their environmental choices and how they can help improve their business. She now uses this knowledge to help consumers do the same.

Her passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions stems from a long obsession with nature and animals and ensuring they feel looked after. In her free time, Tamara enjoys reading fantasy novels, visiting the gym, and going on long walks in new areas.

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