UK Solar PV Savings

Dispelling Myths: The Surprising Effectiveness of UK Solar PV Systems

Amidst the shifting tides of global energy, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the UK have gained significant attention, yet they remain ensnared by myths and misconceptions. This article demystifies solar PV performance in the UK and sheds light on the practicalities, including roof placement, financial incentives, and energy-saving potentials.

A common myth suggests that the UK, notorious for its grey skies, might not be an ideal location for solar energy. On the contrary, solar panels operate with daylight, not just direct sunlight, and can still be effective on cloudy days. In fact, solar PV systems perform better in cooler temperatures, making the UK's climate surprisingly suitable.

In a Nutshell

Solar panel installations offer significant savings on electric costs for UK households, potentially reducing annual bills by 40–70%. Savings range from £300 to £700, varying with your home size and power consumption:

One or two bedroom homes: Install a 1.5 kW solar system and save approximately £223 each year.

Three-bedroom properties: Opt for a 4.5 kW setup and expect annual savings of about £542.

Four or more bedroom homes: A 6 kW solar array could lead to yearly savings in the region of £715.

Optimal Roof Location

For homeowners considering solar PV installation, roof orientation and angle are crucial factors for optimising energy production. The ideal position is a south-facing roof with a tilt angle of about 30 to 40 degrees, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year.

However, even east or west-facing roofs can yield substantial energy—with just a 15-20% drop in efficiency compared to south-facing installations.

Financial Returns and Savings

The financial return on solar energy in the UK has evolved. Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) were once the golden ticket for solar investment, offering payments for generated and surplus power. Despite FiT's closure to new applicants in 2019, households can now embrace the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).


Launched in January 2020, SEG mandates energy suppliers with over 150,000 domestic customers to offer tariffs for exported solar electricity, providing an income stream for households feeding unused electricity back to the national grid.

The amount you can earn through SEG varies depending on the provider and current market rates. An average household might recoup hundreds of pounds annually, helping to counterbalance energy costs and contributing to an average payback period of 15 to 25 years for the solar PV system. Obviously if you can qualify for a grant such as ECO4 or HUGs then you will not need to worry about the payback period.

Energy Savings Figures

Regarding energy-saving figures, an average solar PV system in the UK can generate around 4,000 kWh annually, equating to a significant portion of the household's energy needs and savings on energy bills. The exact amount of savings will depend on various factors, including system size, energy usage habits, and the precise model of the PV system.

Cleaning and Maintenance Costs

Solar panels are relatively low maintenance, primarily needing periodic cleaning to ensure they operate efficiently. In the UK, natural precipitation often takes care of the majority of cleaning requirements. Nonetheless, an annual professional inspection is usually recommended, which might cost around £100-£150 per year.

These checks ensure panels remain in good condition and any potential issues are addressed promptly. Additionally, while solar panels are generally durable, accruing costs may arise from potential inverter replacements or repairs over the years.

Warranties often cover panels for 25 years and inverters for around 10-12 years, providing some financial protection against such incidents.

Conclusion

Despite the prevalent myths, solar PV systems have proven to be a fruitful investment for UK homeowners. Combining the strategic location of panels, financial incentives, and the selling back of surplus electricity, solar energy is a cog in the wheel of sustainable living.

With energy savings and environmental benefits, solar PV systems emerge as a smart choice for those seeking to harness renewable energy in the UK.