Reduce your electricity bills with clean solar energy from SolarTherm UK
SolarTherm UK are expert solar specialists, installing high performance solar PV systems across Essex, Kent, London and the surrounding South East. We specialise in helping homeowners and businesses cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and gain energy independence.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about how solar panels work, what they cost and whether solar is right for your home.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, capture sunlight and convert it into DC (direct current) electricity. The DC electricity is then converted into usable AC (alternating current) electricity for your home.
Your property can use the free solar power instantly, or it can be stored in a solar battery for use in the evenings. Any surplus can also be sold back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Are Solar Panels Right for Your Home?
Homeowners in Essex, Kent and London typically benefit well from solar power due to good year round sunlight levels. The South East of England receives some of the highest sunlight hours in the UK.
Before installation, the expert team at SolarTherm UK will assess your roof for space and orientation, ensuring the system that is designed will make the most of the higher sunshine hours. We’ll check for shading from trees, chimneys or nearby properties and assess your roof structure and its condition. At SolarTherm UK we provide a free feasibility study where we’ll assess your roof and property remotely for suitability.
Where Can Solar Panels Be Installed?
Customers across Essex, Kent and London are installing solar panels on the best orientation their roof allows. Solar performs best on south facing roofs, angled at between 30° and 50° pitch. That’s not saying that east or west south facing roofs cannot be used, an east/west split array works well, capturing the sun’s light from sunrise to sunset. If your roof isn’t suitable, our solar experts will look at alternative options such as flat roof installations, ground mounted or installing solar panels on your garage or outbuildings. If you’re main roof isn’t suitable, we will always recommend the best alternative solution if there is one.
Benefits of Solar Panels
- Lower energy bills – once installed the electricity your solar panels produce is completely free. Households see savings of up to 70% on their energy bills, even more when combined with solar battery storage.
- Reduced carbon emissions – solar is one of the cleanest sources to power your home. A typical system can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to one tonne a year.
- Get paid for extra electricity – with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), solar owners can receive payment for surplus electricity they export back to the grid.
- Increase your home’s value – properties with solar technology are becoming increasingly desirable and can earn up to 14% more when sold.
Solar Diverters
A solar diverter automatically sends surplus energy to your immersion heater to heat your hot water tank. This can save you money on your gas bills as you are using your self-generated free electricity to heat your hot water instead of gas. SolarTherm UK can install a solar diverter as an optional upgrade to your PV system.
Solar Panel Installation Costs
At SolarTherm UK, we understand every property and its needs are different, therefore we don’t believe in the one size fits all approach to solar. Instead, every solar PV system we install is bespoke to the property. A small solar installation can start at around £6,500 but installation prices will differ depending on the size, specification and installation needs. A quote from SolarTherm UK will include all equipment and installation fees, with full transparency on your performance and returns estimates, independently verified by EPVS (The Energy Performance Validation Scheme).
Ground mounted and flat roof systems tend to incur a higher installation cost as the mounting systems used are more expensive and specialist.
Can I Get a Grant for Solar Panels?
There are currently no dedicated grants solely for solar installation running in the UK. You main qualify however, for help with costs through the ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) scheme. The ECO4 scheme has been set up to help those on low income and certain benefits carry out energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. While these grants can be used for solar, your energy supplier will determine the value of the grant and what it is to be used for, with many being issued to cover insulation upgrades or heat pump installations.
How Much Can I Save?
Savings from your solar PV system will vary depending on system size, your lifestyle and how you use your energy. Homeowners across the South East typically benefit from higher returns and faster payback periods than those who live further north receiving less sunlight hours each year.
Most solar owners see a reduction of up to 70% in their annual electricity bills, with some even reducing their electricity bill to standing charge only in the summer months. Pairing your solar PV panels with a solar battery can increase your savings further, allowing you to store excess energy for use in the evenings when your solar panels are not generating electricity.
Solar Panel Payback Period
Payback period will vary depending on system size and how you are using your self generated free electricity. Most domestic solar PV systems see a payback period of 6-10 years, with payback periods extending slightly if you have solar battery storage added. At SolarTherm UK, we provide a comprehensive quote and design report, detailing your expected payback period and performance estimates. With electricity prices continuing to rise many SolarTherm UK customers are seeing faster returns on their investment than their estimates expected.
Best Ways to Maximise Your Self Generated Electricity Use
Once you have your solar panels installed, there are a number of additional products and gadgets you can install to maximise your returns. Pairing your solar panels with battery storage can increase your savings and reduce your reliance on the National Grid further.
Your solar panels can also be used to charge your electric vehicle using a solar compatible EV home charger. By diverting your excess solar energy to charge your vehicle you increase the amount of your electricity you consume, reducing your payback period further.
Solar panels also pair well with a heat pump. If you have a heat pump installed or plan to upgrade to a heat pump in the future, let your solar expert know as they can design your system to generate enough power to help run your heat pump, reducing your bills for both heating and powering your home.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Modern solar panels are designed to last a minimum of 25 years with most going on to generate electricity efficiently for up to 40 years. At SolarTherm UK we install Bovill.tech 410W panels that come with an industry leading 99 year warranty.
Maintenance
Solar panels contain no moving parts so require very little maintenance. Rainfall naturally keeps your solar panels clean, with a professional clean every few years to remove stubborn dirt or debris. Use your monitoring app to see any unexplained drops in solar generation, this will usually signify that your panels require maintenance.
Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?
To start the solar journey contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation design and quote, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
