Solar Panels: Are They Worth It?

Solar panels are an increasingly popular renewable energy method worldwide with increasing numbers of homeowners choosing to have solar panels installed on their rooftops. In this article, we’re explaining how solar panels work and what the benefits are of having solar panels fitted to your home.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar power works by converting energy from the sun into power. Solar panels can be used to harvest the sun’s energy during daylight and generate both electricity and heat.

Solar farms are a way of harvesting the sun’s energy on a large scale but solar panels can also be fitted to residential rooftops and used to generate energy that can be used directly by the homeowner.There’s a common misconception that solar panels only work on bright, sunny days and therefore might not be worth it if you live in a country such as the UK with its changeable climate. However, this simply isn’t true as solar panels can generate energy even on cloudy overcast days.

Here are just some of the reasons it’s worth having solar panels installed as a UK homeowner.

Save Money

For many homeowners, one of the biggest incentives for having solar panels installed is the fact you can save on your energy bills. By generating your own heat and electricity through solar panels you won’t need to ‘buy’ as much energy from your provider, thereby potentially reducing your annual bill by hundreds of pounds.

This is great news in the current cost of living crisis as many households look for ways to reduce their outgoings.

Earn Extra Money

Another excellent aspect of having solar panels fitted is that any extra energy you generate (i.e. if you harvest more energy than you can use) can be sold to the grid for other people to use. This means you’re not only helping other households to switch to renewable energy but you can also earn extra money to boost your income.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Since solar power is a source of clean energy, households with solar panels are helping the UK achieve the government's carbon reduction goals. This is vital to help slow and reverse climate change, which is already having devastating effects across the globe.

Easy Installation

Finally, solar panels are incredibly easy to install so you don’t need to worry about lengthy or expensive renovations or disruption while work is carried out. The installation itself will typically only take a day or two and solar panels are suitable for most roofs, except for thatched or glass roofs. You won’t normally need to seek planning permission before having solar panels fitted, but if you live in a conservation area, the rules may differ.