Solar power: the future of UK energy?

As energy prices continue to rise, more and more people are looking for alternatives to traditional forms of energy. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is solar power. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of solar power, and explore whether or not it is the future of energy generation in the UK.

What is solar power and how does it work?

Solar power is a renewable energy source that can be used to generate electricity. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electrical energy. This electrical energy can then be used to power appliances and lights in your home or business.

Solar panels are usually installed on the roof of a property, as this is where they will receive the most direct sunlight. However, in some cases solar panels can also be installed in other locations, such as on the ground or on a wall.

The amount of electricity that a solar panel can generate depends on several factors, including the size of the panel, the angle at which it is facing and the amount of sunlight that it receives.

In order to store the electricity generated by solar panels you will need to invest in solar batteries. These can be used to power your appliances and lights when there is no sunlight, such as at night or during a cloudy day.

Solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that it will never run out. Solar panels also have a very long lifespan, so once you have installed them they should last for many years. Solar power is therefore a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option for generating electricity.

As the cost of solar panels has fallen in recent years, more and more people are installing them on their homes and businesses. The rising energy prices are an added incentive as the cost of the install is paid back in a much shorter timeframe. In fact, the UK government has even introduced schemes to encourage people to switch to solar power, so now is the perfect time to make the switch!

The benefits of solar power

There are many benefits to switching to solar power. As well as being environmentally friendly, it is also a sustainable source of energy that will never run out. Solar power is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, it can be used to heat water or generate electricity.

It is also worth noting that solar power is becoming increasingly efficient. The technology is constantly improving and the efficiency of solar panels has increased by over 50% in the last decade alone.

So, if you are looking for a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of energy, solar power could be the answer. The benefits to the environment and to your energy bills are usually the driving factors to making the decision. Most registered installers, like ourselves at Eco Providers, can provide you with an energy assessment detailing exactly what you could save on your energy bills by installing solar panels.

How to go solar

If you’ve decided that solar is the right choice for you, then there are a few things to consider before making the switch.

The first is whether your home is suitable. If you live in an area that doesn’t get much sunlight then solar panels may not be the best option for you.

The next thing is to do your research! Not all solar panel providers are created equal. Make sure you find a reputable and registered installer like Eco Providers. We have a team of fully trained and certified installers who will be able to advise you on the best system for your home or business.

Once you’ve found a good installer, the next step is to get an energy assessment from the installer. This will help you understand exactly how much money you could save by switching to solar power, and what return you can get once they are installed.

After that, it’s just a case of choosing the right system for your needs and ensuring that your Installer is MCS Certified (like we are) and that they have access to any Government incentives and grant schemes. You don’t want to pay full price and find out there were grants available.

You’ll need a registered installer like Eco Providers that has access to grants under the Energy Company Obligation, Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Renewable Heat Incentive to make sure you are getting the best possible price for your solar panel installation.

Top solar panel manufacturers

If you’re looking to install solar panels, it’s important to choose a reputable manufacturer. Here are some of the top manufacturers:

• SunPower
• LG
• Panasonic
• Tesla
• First Solar

When you’re looking at different manufacturers, it’s important to compare things like price, efficiency, and warranty. Once you’ve found a few that meet your needs, you can then start looking at local installers. Or you can ask the installer to recommend manufacturers for your specific energy needs.

Costs and savings of solar power

As we all know, traditional fossil fuels are running out. In the last few decades we have seen oil prices skyrocket, and as a result, many countries are now turning to renewable energy sources. Solar power is one of the most popular renewable energy sources, and it’s not hard to see why. Solar power is clean, efficient and the costs are reducing while savings are increasing as energy prices soar.

The cost of installing solar panels has fallen in the last decade, making it a very attractive option for many people. In the UK, you can get paid for generating your own electricity through the government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme. This means that you could earn money from the electricity you generate!

Solar power is also very efficient. Solar PV cells convert sunlight into electricity with no moving parts, so there are no emissions and no noise pollution. Solar panels also have a long lifespan – most panel manufacturers offer a 25-year warranty.

So, what are the disadvantages of solar power? Well, one is that it only generates electricity during daylight hours. However, this can be offset by using batteries to store the electricity generated during the day for use at night. The other main disadvantage of solar power is that it requires an up-front investment. Solar panels are not cheap, but the cost has come down a lot in recent years and is continuing to do so.

So, overall, solar power seems like a great option – it’s renewable, efficient and can even earn you money! What’s not to like? It may require an initial investment, but with the costs coming down all the time, and the many benefits on offer, surely solar power is the future of energy? We think so! Give us a call today and let us help you switch to solar.

FAQs about solar power and solar panels

How much does a solar panel cost?

The cost of a solar panel has come down a lot in recent years. The Energy Saving Trust suggests solar panels typically cost between £2,900 and £6,700 (before any solar grants are deducted from the cost). For example a 3-bed house the cost is expected to be £4,800 and it would take up around 20m2 of roof space with 10 solar panels installed. This would work out to be £480 per solar panel.

How many solar panels do I need?

This depends on your energy needs and how much sunlight your property gets. Our experts can help you calculate this.

What are the benefits of solar power?

Solar power is renewable, efficient and can even earn you money! It’s also good for the environment as it doesn’t produce carbon emissions.

Why should I switch to solar power?

There are many reasons to switch to solar power. Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable, and they offer a range of benefits including being renewable and environmentally-friendly.

How long will it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?

This isn’t easy to answer without an energy assessment as it will depend on your energy usage and the type, number and position of solar panels installed. Other factors to consider are whether you also have a battery to store energy, and how much energy you feed back into the grid (and any feed-in rate you get from your energy supplier). With energy prices soaring, and reductions to VAT on solar panels, you’ll pay for them in a shorter timeframe than before the energy price hikes. The Energy Saving Trust has a Solar Energy Calculator that estimates the benefits you could get from installing a Solar PV system (it estimates potential payments from the Smart Export Guarantee).

Are solar panels worth it in the UK?

It really depends on your personal circumstances, but the simple answer is that in most cases solar panels are definitely worth it in the UK. Solar energy is free once you have accounted for the initial set-up costs, so you will quickly start to see savings on your energy bills. In addition, solar panels increase the value of your home, so if you ever decide to sell up then you are likely to make a nice profit. A reputable installer will be able to carry out an energy assessment to let you know the energy savings you will receive – contact us to arrange an energy assessment for your property.

Should I get a solar battery with solar panels?

The decision on whether to get a solar battery is usually down to personal preference and your own energy needs. Solar batteries store the energy that your solar panels produce, so that you can use it at night or during a power cut. They are becoming increasingly popular as they allow you to be more self-sufficient when it comes to your energy needs. If you are interested in getting a solar battery then we would be happy to advise you on the best option for your property – just get in touch.

How much do solar panels cost?

Solar panel costs have fallen significantly over the last few years, making them a more affordable option for many people. The initial set-up costs will depend on the size of your property and how many panels you need. There was a 5% cut to VAT on solar panels in the spring statement that will reduce costs further, so there’s more money in your pocket.

Are there any grants for solar in 2022?

The government offers a number of grants and schemes to encourage people to switch to renewable energy sources. The main categories of grants include the Energy Company Obligation, Local Authority Delivery Scheme, the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). There are also local schemes to incentivise installations and to make it more affordable. We work on all major grant schemes and can often advise on the best ways to access funding. This could make the installation cheaper for you, and we can also advise on what returns and feed in rates you will get with each energy supplier.

If you’re thinking about making the switch to solar power, then get in touch with us today. We’ll be happy to provide you with more information and answer any questions you have.

Solar power is a viable and affordable alternative to traditional forms of energy generation. It is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, as people are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills. There are many benefits of solar power, including reducing your carbon footprint and helping to protect the environment. If you are interested in installing solar panels on your property, contact us for a free assessment. We would be happy to discuss the options available to you and help you find the best solution for your needs.