What are solar panels?
Solar panels convert daylight into electricity, allowing you to generate your own power. This means you’re less reliant on the National Grid and the need to pay for an electricity supply.
Usually made of silicon, solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to work. The sunnier it is, the more electricity they create. But even on cloudy days, solar panels are a reliable option.
There are two kinds of solar panels:
- Photovoltaic (PV) panels - which support your household’s general energy needs. If you are considering panels shaped like roof tiles, bear in mind that these are more expensive and usually less effective
- Thermal panels - which are primarily used to heat water. They take up less space but are harder to maintain and have a shorter lifespan.
Given the increasing demand for solar panels, solar technology is advancing rapidly.
Transparent solar panels are a recent development, which can be integrated into windows and even smart phones. However, they’re still too inefficient and expensive for widespread usage.
Solar panels are traditionally black or blue, but more colourful versions are available at a cost.
How do solar panels work?
- Individual PV cells in the solar panels absorb sunlight, creating an electrical charge.
- This charge generates a direct current (DC) of electricity.
- A solar inverter turns the DC into an alternating current (AC) which you need to power your home.
- Any electricity you don’t use is sent to the grid, unless you have a solar diverter switch and storage facility.
If you need more electricity than you produce, your regular energy provider will supply it.
This seamless integration means solar panels can supplement your energy use without requiring major changes to your existing set-up.
What are the benefits of solar panels?
There are both pros and cons to investing in solar panels, so it's important to make sure you've considered all possibilities before committing to an installation.
Pros
- Lower energy bills
- Lower carbon footprint
- Extra income
- Increased property value
- Silent energy generation
- High reliability
Cons
- High initial outlay
What’s the cost of solar panels in the UK?
The upfront cost of installation of solar panels may be as much as £7,000 according to the Energy Saving Trust.
The average solar panel system is around 3.5 kilowatt peak (kWp). The kWp is the most power that can be generated in optimum conditions.
A system this size typically covers a roof area of 10 to 20m2 and uses six to 12 panels.
The cost of solar panels in the UK varies depending on:
- The size of the system: the bigger it is, the more it costs. But you get more electricity too
- Roof type: hard-to-access roofs can increase the cost of installation
- Panel type: choose between standard solar panels and integrated solar tiles, which are less obvious but cost more.
- If your roof needs repairing. You may need to renew the roof covering before you fit the panels
- Your access to financial support
- Maintenance costs - these are normally minimal, although you’ll need to factor in replacing the inverter after about 12 years.
In December 2024, the government laid out its Clean Power Action Plan 2030. Over the next six years, it will be making an annual £40 billion investment to upgrade the current energy infrastructure. The aim is to create an affordable eco-friendly energy supply.
Can I get a grant for solar panels?
You may be entitled to VAT exemptions or have access to certain benefits.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Under the Smart Export Guarantee, some electricity suppliers (licensees) have to pay households (generators) for any low-carbon electricity that they export back to the grid. The licensees determine the rate, contract length and other terms of your agreement.
ECO (Energy Company Obligation)
The ECO scheme provides free solar panels to eligible households. The ECO4 grant runs until March 2026. The energy suppliers signed up to the scheme include:
Green Deal
The Green Deal is designed to help you make energy-saving improvements to your home - and find the best way to pay for them.
As well as solar panels, the Green Deal also covers home insulation, heat pumps, draught proofing and double glazing.
Solar Together
Solar Together is a group-buying scheme for solar panels and batteries. As a group, you get a discount on solar panel installation, reducing the cost for each individual household.
This isn’t a nationwide scheme and your solar panels must be fitted by one of the listed installers.
To register and find out more, visit the Solar Together website.
Is my home suitable for solar panels?
For most homes, solar panels are an option. But there are some exceptions and limitations.
- Flats: Unless you own the entire block, getting permission to install solar panels can be complicated. It depends on the floor you’re on, as well as the local authorities and property managers. You may be able to fit solar panels onto a balcony
- Listed buildings or properties in conservation areas or national parks may not be suitable for solar panels. Less conspicuous solar tiles could be an acceptable alternative
- Roof orientation - a south-facing roof is best. East- or west-facing could also be an option, but a north-facing roof is unlikely to be suitable.
- Shade - solar panels will be less effective if they’re in the shadow of trees or other buildings. Solar optimisers can help you monitor the performance of your solar panel system and improve it
- Roof size - larger roofs allow for more panels and a greater electrical output.
How do I store the electricity generated from solar panels?
If you don’t export power back to the grid, you reduce the amount of energy you have to pay for. You also have access to free electricity at night when your solar panels are out of action.
There are two ways to save the excess energy from your solar panels:
- Battery storage. For every unit stored and used at night, you save about 14p, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Solar batteries cost from around £1,000 to £10,000+.
- Fitting a solar diverter switch. This powers the immersion heater in your hot water tank, storing hot water to use later. It adds around £800 to the overall cost of installation, according to the Energy Saving Trust. The switch will need replacing every 12 years or so.
How much will I save with solar panels?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, you could save £510 to £690 a year with solar panels depending where you live in the UK. These figures are for people who are at home all day.
Solar panels can take many years to pay for themselves. If your main energy usage is after 6pm each day, this could be 12-21 years, based on Energy Saving Trust estimates.
In most cases, solar power won’t entirely replace your current electricity provider. Think of it as a supplementary source of power.
The amount you save from solar panels depends on:
- Your energy usage
- Whether you sell electricity back to the grid
- Your location - and how much sun you get
- Whether you have a diverter and can store excess energy
- Whether you combine solar power with any other forms of renewable energy - for example heat pumps, typically air source heat pumps.
How long do solar panels last in the UK?
Most solar panels come with a 25-year performance guarantee. With proper maintenance, they can last 30 years or more.
The inverter, which converts the electricity, typically needs replacing after 12 years. Most come with a minimum five-year warranty.
What’s the Feed-in Tariff (FiT)?
If you signed up to the Feed-in Tariff scheme as a generator, you can sell your excess energy for cash. However, FiT applications closed in 2019.
The Feed-in Tariff has now been replaced by the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This works in a similar way, giving you an opportunity to offset installation costs and earn money from your solar panel system.
Are solar panels worth it?
Lower bills, reduced reliance on the grid and a reduced carbon footprint can make solar panels a smart choice.
With incentives like the SEG, solar power is now within reach for far more people in the UK.
Whether solar panels are right for you depends on your energy needs, the suitability of your property, and your current financial position.
Where can I find reputable solar panel installers?
There are now many companies which install PV solar panels in different areas of the UK. When it comes to putting up your solar panels, in the vast majority of cases you will need to get in touch with solar panel installers. You can find a list of qualified solar panel installers on the MCS website. We also recommend choosing a company that is registered with the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC).
FAQs
Will the quality of my electricity suffer?
No, you won't notice any difference. If the PV panels aren't producing enough electricity, you'll just use electricity from the grid instead. Solar energy is unlikely to fulfil all of your energy needs, but it can make a significant contribution.
Do I have to switch solar panels on each day?
No. They're always on.
Can I still switch my gas and electricity supplier?
Yes, you can still switch your gas and electricity supplier if you have solar panels.
Does my mortgage company need to know if I install solar panels?
Solar panels could be viewed as a modification by mortgage lenders, but they're unlikely to affect mortgage repayments.
Do solar panels work when it’s not sunny?
Solar panels don’t actually need direct sunlight to turn into electricity. Cloudy days still generate electricity, though the stronger the sunlight, the more is generated. But living in the notoriously grey UK shouldn’t put you off installing them if you think they’re right for you.
How can I be sure I’m using the free electricity?
Your home will automatically use the electricity generated by your solar panels before drawing from the grid.
To make the most of your free power and maximise savings, align your energy use with your solar panels’ main hours of productivity - the daytime.
This means running energy-hungry appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during the day. This is also the best time to charge your devices and gadgets.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
In most cases, you won’t need planning permission for solar panels, but exceptions apply for listed buildings or properties where the panels are visible from the street. If you live in a conservation area, there may also be restrictions.
If in doubt, talk to your local council.
Can I put solar panels on a flat roof?
Yes - you can. The installer will probably tilt the panels so they’re angled towards the sun, which is the ideal position.
They will also check that your roof is structurally able to take the weight of the solar panels.
Can I put solar panels in my garden?
You’ll need a mounting frame to hold them, but yes, you can. As with solar panels on the roof, avoid shady areas and tilt your panels so they’re south-facing.
Being on the ground, your solar panels are more likely to be damaged. Make sure you do regular maintenance checks.
There are also a few factors that may affect the costs of installing solar panels on the ground. These include the type of frame you use and how close the solar panels are to your home.
Will solar panels affect my home insurance?
You can get dedicated solar panel insurance, but some insurance providers cover solar panels as standard.
It’s a good idea to let your insurance provider know if you’re installing solar panels. This is because there’s a greater risk of damage or theft while the solar panels are being fitted, particularly if you have scaffolding up.
