The Truth About Cutting Energy Costs
With energy bills continuing to rise, more homeowners in Essex, Kent, London and the surrounding South East are asking the same question – do solar panels save money?
The short answer is yes, but many factors need to be considered to see how much you can save. Let’s break it down.
How Solar Panels Save You Money
Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, meaning you can use clean, renewable, free energy instead of paying a supplier for every unit of electricity you use. The more solar energy you use in your home, the less you need from the grid.
In most cases, homeowners see energy bill reductions up to 70%, especially when they have a bespoke solar system installed by SolarTherm UK, which is tailored to their property and usage. By shifting your energy use to daytime or adding in battery storage for evening use, you can save even more.
Earn Money Back Through Export Tariffs
Even when your panels are generating more electricity than you can use, you don’t lose it. You can export your excess electricity back to the grid and receive payment under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). With the SEG, your panels not only save you money, they can earn you money too.
Long Term Financial Benefits
Installing solar is a long term investment that pays off over time. While there’s an initial upfront cost, most systems pay for themselves within 6-10 years through reduced bills and SEG payments. After that, the electricity your solar panels generate is free, so with a lifespan of at least 25 years (and most solar panels continuing to generate efficiently for 40 years), that’s decades of savings.
Recent surveys have also found that a solar panel installation can increase your home’s value by up to 14%.
Save Even More with Battery Storage
If you pair solar panels with home battery storage, you can store excess energy for use in the evening when tariffs are higher. This increases your self-consumption rate and maximises savings, giving you greater independence for the grid. Savvy solar battery owners also use cheap overnight tariffs to charge their batteries and continue to export excess electricity back to the grid, creating a balance between cheap electricity and export.
The Environmental Bonus
While the financial benefits of solar panels are clear, there’s also the environmental impact to consider. Solar panels reduce your carbon footprint by up to 100 tonnes throughout their lifespan, that’s the equivalent of planting 1,500 trees! Reducing your carbon footprint helps create a cleaner future for your community and the wider UK.
So, Do Solar Panels Save Money?
Absolutely, when designed and installed correctly, solar panels are one of the smartest and most affordable investments a homeowner can make.
If you’d like to find out how much you could save, contact SolarTherm UK today for a free no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
FAQs
Do solar panels really save money in the UK?
Yes, solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Most households see a reduction up to 70% on energy costs by generating their own free electricity. With smart usage and battery storage you can save even more.
How long before solar panels pay for themselves?
While every installation is different, most homeowners see their solar panels system pay for itself within 6-10 years. The length of your payback period depends on system size, energy use and tariff rates. After the payback period, the electricity you generate is free, saving even more long term.
Can I make money from solar panels?
Yes! Through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) you can earn payment for any excess electricity you export back to the National Grid.
Do solar panels save money if I’m not home during the day?
You’ll still save money, but as less of your solar energy will be used directly the amount will be lower. You can maximise your savings by installing battery storage or smart timers and technology.
What maintenance do solar panels need?
Solar panels require very little maintenance. Occasional cleaning and regular monitoring of your solar app is enough to keep your system performing efficiently. By using your monitoring app you can see any issues early and reduce downtime.
Will solar panels increase my home’s value?
Recent studies have found that homes with solar panels are more attractive to buyers. Energy efficient homes are in high demand, especially as electricity costs continue to rise. Solar panels can increase your homes value by up to 14%.
What happens on cloudy days or in winter?
Solar panels still generate power, even on cloudy days, just less than in full sunlight. Modern solar panels are designed to work efficiently all year round, even in the UK’s variable weather.
