Thinking of switching to solar but not sure if it’s the right move for you? Don’t worry – at SolarTherm UK, we know what a minefield the world of solar is when trying to make an informed choice for your future. It can be overwhelming diving into a world of technical jargon, comparison sites and false promises.
That’s why we’ve made it simple. Here’s everything you need to know about the real pros and cons of solar energy – holding nothing back.
The Cons of Solar Power
- Upfront installation costs
While solar prices are continuing to fall, a typical domestic system will still cost up to £10,000 depending on size and features. At SolarTherm UK our design specialists will help design a bespoke package for your property, usage and energy future needs. We ensure maximum efficiency without over spending and products you don’t need. We also offer finance options which can usually be off-set against your savings, spreading the costs and making solar more accessible to everyone.
- Weather dependent output
The UK isn’t always sunny – shocking we know! Fortunately, modern solar panels still generate on cloudy days and winter. Adding a solar battery to your system or smart usage can help maximise your system and give your free solar energy for longer.
- Roof suitability
Not every roof is suitable for solar – shading, roof direction and size all affect whether solar is viable for your roof. Advances in technology, such as the SolarEdge power optimised system and flat roof mounting kits have made solar a realistic option for many more properties than ever before – even if you have been told in the past your roof isn’t suitable for solar, you may now qualify.
- Export tariff is modest
While you can sell excess electricity back to the grid, payments are relatively low through the Smart Export Guarantee (around 2-15p per kWh) compared to the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) pre-2019. To maximise your return on investment, we recommend installing a solar battery alongside your solar panels to increase the amount of energy you are using yourself.
The Pros of Solar Power
- Lower electricity bills
Once installed, solar panels generate free electricity from the sun. Most households see a reduction in their electricity bills of up to 70%, especially when paired with a solar battery and smart usage.
- Protection against fluctuating energy prices
Solar gives you more energy independence, protecting your from the volatile energy prices. By using your own solar your energy costs become more stable and predictable.
- Reduce your carbon footprint
Installing solar panels is one of the most effective ways to cut your household’s CO₂ emissions by up to 1 tonne a year with a typical system. Solar power is a clean, renewable and emission-free source of electricity.
- Smart investment with long-term returns
Whilst the initial cost of solar can seem high, most systems pay for themselves within 6-10 years through energy bill savings. After that, you have free electricity for at least another 10-15 years as the lifespan of a solar panel is 30 years plus. At SolarTherm UK we even take into account replacement parts and maintenance when we estimate your returns.
- Boost property value
As buyers become more aware of the climate, green energy and sustainability is becoming increasingly important when searching for a property. Many estate agents have reported that solar panels are a positive selling point that can increase market value and reduce the time it takes to sell.
- Export tariffs
Ok, we have included this on the cons of solar panels, but it is also a benefit. Once you’ve used what you can and stored what you need in your solar battery (if you have one) you are paid for any power you export back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee, provided you have used a MCS certified installer – like SolarTherm UK – for your installation.
- Minimal maintenance
Solar panels are incredibly low maintenance, an occasional clean to remove dirt and debris that isn’t removed by rain and that’s all needed to keep them running efficiently. What’s more modern inverters come with smart monitoring apps which you can check for performance and spot any issues before they become a problem and reduce downtime of your system.
SolarTherm UK: Trusted, Transparent, Tried and Tested
At SolarTherm UK we offer bespoke system designs tailored to your home, usage and future energy needs. Backed by EPVS certification, you can trust our quotes and estimates to be fair and not over promised and inflated. We let the numbers speak for themselves – because our customers trust is what really matters.
Contact us today for your free quote and design package. No obligation, no hard sell – just honest answers from real solar experts.
