A SolarTherm UK Guide for Homeowners in Essex, Kent and Sussex
Solar energy remains one of the most powerful and sustainable ways to generate clean, affordable electricity for South East homes. As the most abundant renewable resource on the planet, the sun offers a dependable and eco-friendly solution to reduce household energy costs and cut carbon emissions.
If you’re considering starting your solar journey for your home in Essex, Kent or Sussex, it’s important to understand how solar energy works and what the real world advantages and disadvantages are.
How Solar Energy Works
When sunlight hits a solar panel, photovoltaic (PV) cells convert the sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. A solar inverter then converts this into usable alternating current (AC) electricity for your home. This easy, reliable process allows South East homeowners to power their homes using clean, free, self-generated solar energy.
Advantages of Solar Energy
A Renewable, Low Carbon Energy Source
Solar energy is completely renewable and produces zero carbon emissions during operation. What small amount of carbon emissions that are produced during manufacture are paid off within 3 years of use. By installing solar panels on your home, you are significantly reducing the environmental impact of powering your home and helping the UK move away from fossil fuel generated power.
Lower Electricity Bills for UK Homeowners
One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is the potential to save up to 70% on your energy bills. With rising energy costs in the UK, solar panels can reduce your reliance on expensive National Grid imports, stabilising your long term energy costs.
Earn Money Through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
UK homeowners benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee, which sees energy suppliers paying solar owners for every kWh they send back to the grid. The SEG was introduced in 2020 to replace the previous Feed-in Tariff that rewarded small scale solar generators for the electricity they produced and exported. While the SEG only pays for surplus electricity exported back to the grid, it can still earn a significant income for solar owners.
Increase Your Home’s Value
Homes with professionally installed solar panels are often seen as more energy efficient, which has become a desirable quality for potential buyers in the housing market. A recent report has found that homes with solar panels installed can earn up to 14% more when sold than a similar property without. SolarTherm UK customers in Kent, Essex and Sussex frequently report increased interest from buyers when it comes to selling their home.
Low Maintenance and Long Lifespans
Solar panels require very little upkeep as they have no moving parts. Modern solar panels are built to last a minimum of 25 years, with many carry on to generate electricity efficiently for up to 40 years. Occasional cleaning with a hose and soft cloth is usually enough to keep your solar panels in top condition, maintaining peak performance for decades. SolarTherm UK provides ongoing support and service options for peace of mind for all our customers.
Reliable Year Round Performance
Solar energy systems work efficiently in the UK climate year round – even in winter. While sunny days generate the most power, panels still produce significant electricity on cloudy days. Snow can even help by reflecting sunlight and naturally cleaning the panels as it melts.
Store Energy for Peak Times or Power Cuts
With additional solar battery storage, excess solar energy generated by your solar panels can be stored for use during the evening, peak tariff hours or power outages. Battery storage increases your energy independence, maximising the value of your solar energy system.
Solar Energy is Becoming More Affordable
Solar energy has decreased in costs by over 80% in the last decade. Combined with government incentives, flexible finance options and falling equipment prices, solar energy is now more accessible and affordable for more Essex, Kent and Sussex homeowners.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy
Upfront Installation Costs
Although solar prices have fallen, buying a full solar energy system can still be costly. At SolarTherm UK we offer flexible payment plays, financing options and can offset monthly payments against savings on energy bills in most cases.
Battery Storage Adds Additional Costs
While solar battery storage increases your energy independence and is beneficial for most households, it does add a significant amount to your upfront costs. As with all solar equipment though, solar battery storage is seeing prices drop and with modern technology you are now getting better value for money.
Not All Roofs Are Suitable
Solar panels perform best on south facing roofs at a 30°-50° angle. Shaded or complex roof designs make adding solar more complicated, but it doesn’t mean you can’t. With smart design and specialist equipment, custom solutions can be found for most roof types. SolarTherm UK provides a free home feasibility study to understand your home’s needs and solar energy solutions.
Solar Energy Depends on Sunlight
Solar panels don’t generate electricity at night, and production decreases on overcast days. Solar battery storage addresses these issues by storing surplus electricity from sunny days for use around the clock when the sun isn’t shining.
Environmental Impact of Solar Manufacturing
While solar energy itself is clean, manufacturing panels and batteries requires raw materials and energy. However, the solar industry is improving sustainability practices and the long term carbon savings far outweigh the initial footprint, with most panels paying back their carbon emissions within 3 years of use.
SolarTherm UK: Helping Homes Across Essex, Kent and Sussex Go Solar
If you’re considering the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy for your home, SolarTherm UK offers expert guidance, installation and support.
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.
