Considering installing solar panels on your property? You’re not alone. In recent years domestic solar panels have become more popular than ever, driven by soaring energy prices, environmental concerns and the desire to achieve energy independence.
Let’s go through everything you need to know before you commission a solar panel installation for your house. We’ll look at how solar panel systems work, what you need to consider before deciding if solar power is right for your home, how much solar energy systems cost, and the process of installing solar panels on your house.
Finally, we’ll show you how to find a solar panel installer in South London and Surrey that you can trust. If you have any further questions or want to arrange a free quote, get in touch with the team at Solarsmith today – we’ll be happy to help.
Understanding solar panels for your home
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, harness sunlight and convert it into electricity, offering a renewable and sustainable energy source for your home. By installing solar panels, you can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, lower your carbon footprint, and potentially save on energy bills over the long term.
Solar panels are generally installed on the roof of your home, and connected to a storage battery that harnesses the power generated by the sun.
What should I consider before installing solar panels?
Before diving into solar panel installation, it's crucial to assess your home's suitability and consider the following factors:
Roof orientation and angle
South-facing roofs with minimal shading typically yield the best results when it comes to solar power generation. However, solar panels can still be installed on east or west-facing roofs, and will still get great results in the long-run.
Available roof space
We’ll need to determine the amount of available roof space to maximise the number of solar panels we can install, ensuring you get the best return on your investment.
Local regulations and permits
Research local regulations and obtain necessary permits for solar panel installation to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
Financial incentives
Explore available incentives, such as government rebates, tax credits, and feed-in tariffs, which can significantly offset the initial installation costs.
What does the solar panel installation process look like?
At Solarsmith, we offer a comprehensive service, covering design and supply right through to installation and system aftercare. Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect when you get your solar energy system installed:
Initial consultation
We’ll schedule a consultation at your property to assess your home’s suitability for solar panels. We’ll discuss your energy needs and your goals in order to tailor our proposal to suit you.
System design and quotation
Based on the consultation, we’ll design a customised solar panel system tailored to your home's specifications. We’ll provide a detailed quotation outlining costs, equipment, and an installation timeline, plus our estimation of how much energy you could generate with each system. Then it’s over to you to review the proposal, ask any questions you might have and confirm that you’re happy for us to go ahead.
Permits and approvals
We’ll handle the necessary permitting and approvals required for the installation, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and building codes. At this point, we’ll also arrange scaffolding to allow us to access the roof of your property.
Installation
On the scheduled installation day, a team of qualified technicians will install the solar panels on your roof and connect them to your home's electrical system.
Inspection and activation
Once the installation is complete, we’ll conduct a final inspection to make sure everything is working as it should. Once approved, your solar panel system will be activated, and you can start generating clean, renewable energy for your home.
What are the benefits of solar panel installation for your home?
Installing solar panels on your property comes with a whole range of benefits, both for your bank balance over the coming years, and for the climate. Here are just a few of the benefits of installing solar panels for your house:
Energy independence: Generate your own electricity and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, protecting yourself against rising energy costs and potential energy supply disruptions.
Environmental impact: Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change by utilising clean, renewable solar energy for your household appliances.
Financial savings:Â Enjoy long-term financial savings on energy bills and potentially earn income through feed-in tariffs by selling surplus electricity back to the grid.
Property value: Increase the value of your home with the addition of solar panels, making it more attractive to eco-conscious buyers and increasing its potential resale value.
Are solar panels worth the investment?
Investing in solar panels can yield substantial returns over time, both environmentally and financially. In the UK, solar panels are an excellent investment due to:
Abundant sunlight: Despite its reputation for cloudy weather, the UK receives more than enough sunlight to generate significant solar energy throughout the year.
Financial incentives: UK government-backed incentives, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)Â and reduced VAT rates for energy-saving materials, enhance the financial feasibility of solar panel installation.
Energy savings: By generating your electricity, solar panels can substantially reduce your energy bills, providing long-term financial savings and protection against rising energy costs.
Environmental benefits: Solar panels produce clean, renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.
Cost of solar panels based on system size in the UK
The cost of solar panels in the UK varies based on factors such as system size, equipment quality, and installation complexity. Here's an approximate cost breakdown based on system size:
Small System (1-4 kW): from £4,999+
Medium System (4-8 kW): from £8,000+
Large System (8+ kW): from £12,000+
At Solarsmith, we’ll create a bespoke quote for you based on your property, your requirements and your long term goals. We’ll provide a range of different solutions at several price points, and give you an estimate of how much energy you’ll generate from each system.
While the initial investment may seem significant, it's essential to consider the long-term financial savings and environmental benefits that solar panels offer when making your choice.
Are there grants for solar panels in the UK?
While government grants for solar panels are no longer available in the UK, homeowners can still benefit from financial incentives and schemes, including:
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Energy suppliers pay homeowners for surplus electricity exported to the grid, providing additional income.
Find out more about the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Reduced VAT Rates: You’ll pay a reduced VAT rate of either 0% or 5% on energy-saving products, including solar panels.
Find out more about reduced VAT rates on solar panels.
Energy Efficiency Grants:Â Some local authorities offer grants or funding for energy efficiency improvements, which may include solar panel installation. Check with your local council to see if they are currently offering any financial incentives on solar panels.
Are solar panels right for my home?
Determining whether solar panels are suitable for your home involves assessing factors such as:
Roof suitability: Evaluate your roof's orientation, angle, and shading to ensure optimal sunlight exposure for solar panel installation.
Energy consumption: Analyse your household's energy needs and consumption patterns to determine the appropriate system size and potential energy savings.
Financial considerations: Calculate the upfront costs, potential savings, and available incentives to assess the financial viability of solar panel installation.
Long-term plans: Consider your long-term plans for the property and whether solar panels align with your sustainability and investment goals.
How much do solar panels cost?
The price of a solar energy system will depend on several different factors, which is why Solarsmith provides a bespoke quote for every client. As a rough guide, our prices start from £4,999.
All our packages include design, supply, installation and aftercare, with scaffolding sourced and included by us.
Where can I buy solar panels?
You’re in the right place! At Solarsmith, we offer a full design, supply and install service for solar panel systems.
We provide solar panel installation across South London and Surrey. Get in touch with our team today to arrange your free quote.
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