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Solar Panel Photovoltaic vs Solar Thermal Technology
You may be aware that there are two types of solar panels: solar PV (photovoltaic
April 24, 2023
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An essential component of a solar PV system with multiple types available
At Solar Panel Savers, our mission is to provide you with access to trusted solar installers who can help you make your home more energy efficient so you can start to make huge bill savings.
As a one-stop shop, we can advise you on all things solar, whether you are looking to install a solar PV system for the first time, even seeking to upgrade a current solar system, or needing solar maintenance and repairs. Based on the information you provide, we connect you to the highest-rated local installer who will be able to provide you with the best solar quote.
Solar PV panels consist of multiple cells made from semiconducting materials that create electricity whenever light shines upon them. A typical solar system would consist of around 10 panels which create direct current (DC) that needs to be converted by an inverter to alternating current (AC) so it can be used in the home. The electricity created can be used, stored in a battery, or exported to the grid.
Solar panels can still generate on gloomy days as they require light, and not necessarily direct sunlight, in order to work. However, the brighter the light, the higher the electricity output. On cloudy days, your solar panels could work at 50% capacity, though this number could fall further with extreme cloud cover.
Unfortunately, not all homes are able to have solar panels installed. Ideally, your roof should be south-facing to maximise electricity production, though it is still possible to have an east/west-facing system, though this is less productive (around 80% of the level of a south-facing roof).
Ideally, your roof would be unshaded as any nearby buildings, chimneys or trees could adversely affect performance. To get the most from your solar panels, you would want them to be exposed to sunlight during the peak production hours of 10am to 4pm.
The size and condition of your roof is also a key factor as the roof space needs to be of sufficient size and strength to accommodate the solar array. Pitched roofs are more effective at capturing light rays than panels on a flat roof and a roof angle title of around 30° is considered to be the best position for solar panels. If your roof isn’t naturally at the correct angle, a certified MCS installer can install brackets to adjust the angle of the solar panels.
Solar panels make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions since they are an alternative to fossil fuels typically used to power a home. As solar energy comes from a renewable source, the energy produced can be used to heat and power the home, with the excess able to be stored in batteries, or even sold to the grid.
Solar PV panels don’t usually require any planning permission since they are considered ‘permitted development’. If you live in a listed building, conservation area or national park, additional restrictions may apply, so it is best to check with your local planning office for guidance.
With high energy prices, installing solar PV provides you with an alternative to protect you against energy price hikes. A solar PV system allows you to start generating your own energy for use in your home, helping you reduce your annual energy bills.
By combining your solar panels with a solar battery you can also store energy for later use, or even export any excess electricity produced to the grid in return for payment under the Smart Export Guarantee.
Aside from the impact on your bills, a solar set-up will also reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and reduce your carbon footprint. Solar power is therefore a win for both the environment and your pocket.
There’s no straightforward way to predict how much money a solar panel system will save since there is no typical household and some solar panel systems are more efficient than others. Energy prices can fluctuate and additional factors, such as location, weather, how much you are at home during the day, can all have an effect on bills savings.
Nonetheless, we can try and give you an indication of how much you could save with a solar panel system in the UK, based on figures from the Energy Saving Trust.
Example annual saving/income with vs without the Smart Export Guarantee in London.
Household | With SEG | Without SEG |
Home all day | £610 | £500 |
Home in mornings | £525 | £400 |
Home in afternoons | £490 | £360 |
Out all day until 4pm | £400 | £250 |
Out all day until 6pm | £360 | £205 |
Source: Energy Saving Trust based on April 2023 fuel price figures. Savings will vary according to the UK location.
Ultimately, your saving will be determined by a number of factors including:
The cost of solar panels has fallen considerably, making it a realistic option for many households. While there are some funding grants available for solar installation, making an investment in solar PV can prove to be a wise move for both the environment and your pocket.
The cost of a solar PV system depends on a number of factors including the size of the system, the type of solar panels installed, additional features of the system, plus any factors affecting the installation cost. In the UK, the average solar panel system is 3.5kW in size and is likely to cost between £5,000 and £7,000.
Solar panel systems vary in size and the larger the system you require, the more it will cost. A very small, 1kWp system could cost as little as £1,650, whereas a larger 6kW system will usually cost in excess of £10,500.
You need to bear in mind that any quote you receive for a solar installation will usually be part of a complete package, so will include additional requirements aside from the solar panels, such as the solar inverter, solar battery (if required) and the cost of installation. This will mean that there are no hidden surprises when it comes to your solar installation.
As a solar PV system will be at peak production during daylight hours, you will make the most of it if you are able to use the electricity produced by running your appliance during this time. This is easy if you are home during the day or if you are able to set timers to run appliances such as your washing machine or dishwasher during the day. If you are someone in your household who works at home during the day, then this could mean that solar panels could be a good investment for you.
It is also possible to combine your solar system with other renewable technologies such as heat pumps or solar hot water systems. These allow you to power a heat pump or the immersion heater in your hot water tanks, as a means of making great use of your excess solar energy.
As well as saving you money, solar panels also help you to reduce your carbon footprint and make your household much more eco-friendly as they don’t produce emissions while generating energy. A typical 3.5kW system is expected to reduce your carbon footprint by almost a tonne of CO2 pollution every year.
There will be times when the electricity produced by your solar system is more than you are able to use or store. In these circumstances, the surplus can be exported to the grid, and you can receive a payment for every unit of electricity you export.
Previously, households were able to receive payments under the Feed-in Tariff, but this closed to new applicants in 2019 and was effectively replaced by the Smart Export Guarantee. The SEG is a government-backed initiative that requires some electricity suppliers to pay small-scale generators such as domestic households for energy exported into the National Grid. The savings from your solar set-up will be much greater with the SEG than without it.
Solar panels have improved considerably in recent years and the longevity now means that you could realistically expect to get at least 25 years or even more from your solar panels, as long as they are well maintained. In fact, more modern solar panels could potentially last up to 40 years.
The part of your solar system that could need replacing more frequently is the inverter. Most inverters tend to have warranties of a five-year minimum but could last for up to 10-12 years.
While it is possible to create your own solar PV system, we don’t really recommend it. If you’re going to invest in solar, you want to make sure that it is installed properly so that you get the maximum return from your investment. Trusted solar installers know exactly what they are doing and will provide you with that peace of mind for a very little extra cost.
If you do go down the road of installing your own solar set-up, you are required to have your system certified by a professional in order to qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) so that you can benefit from payments for any excess electricity that you generate and send back to the grid for use by another household.
The cost of solar installations has decreased markedly in recent years, making it a much more affordable option for households. An investment in solar could pay back much quicker than ever before and allow you to make savings on your energy bills for many years to come.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, it may be possible to pay off the initial cost of your solar installation within about 11 years, though this will depend on a number of factors including your location, how much you are at home during the day, and whether you benefit from SEG payments. With newer solar panels typically lasting in excess of 25 years, you could enjoy the savings from solar for many years beyond the initial payback.
With energy prices in the UK at alarmingly high levels, the time to invest in a solar PV system has never been better. Solar panels were a good investment prior to the energy crisis, but it makes even more sense to make the move to solar now.
Taking action through a solar system installation will not only help you reduce your energy bills now but will also protect you from any future energy price hikes that may occur in future. Buy making full use of the solar options available, including storage batteries and the chance to earn through SEG, can make solar the right option for many households.
Find out more about whether solar panels are worth it in 2023.
Are Solar Panels Worth it in 2023?
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