Solar Panels: Pros, Cons, and Wh...
Solar panels can cut your energy bills by up to 70%, and surplus electricity can be sold back to the National Grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme.
They reduce your carbon footprint, require minimal maintenance, and can last over 30 years, making them a long-term eco-friendly investment.
Upfront costs are significant (~£6,750 for a system), and efficiency varies with weather and roof suitability, but grants and schemes can help offset expenses.
Solar panels increase home value and are ideal for those planning to stay in one place, offering long-term savings and environmental benefits.
Alright, let’s talk solar panels. You’ve probably seen them popping up all over your neighbourhood, and maybe you’re wondering, “Should I get in on this?” Well, grab a cuppa, and let’s break it down.
Why Everyone’s Suddenly Obsessed with Solar
First off, solar panels aren’t just for the ultra-green, tree-hugging folks anymore. More than 1.6 million UK homes now have them, and with prices dropping like a hot potato over the last decade, they’re more affordable than ever. Plus, they can slash your electricity bill by up to 70%—yes, you read that right. But before you start picturing your roof decked out in shiny solar panels, let’s go through the good, the bad, and the “meh” of going solar in the UK.
9 Reasons Why Solar Panels Are Actually Brilliant
1. They Save You a Ton on Energy Bills
Imagine paying way less for your electricity every month. A standard 10 Solar Panels + Battery costs from just £6,750 with NXTGEN Energy to install, but you’ll save on average about £450 a year. Not too shabby, right? Want to maximize savings? Get a solar battery to store extra solar energy and use it later when the sun’s gone down.
2. You Can Sell Extra Energy Back to the Grid
Got more solar power than you need? The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme means all the major UK energy companies will pay you for any unused electricity your panels generate. So not only are you saving money, but you’re also making some money on the side. Nice little bonus, huh?
3. Your Carbon Footprint Shrinks
If you want to do your bit for the planet, solar is a no-brainer. The average home solar setup stops 0.7 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere every year. That’s like planting a whole forest in your backyard (without the hassle of watering it).
4. They Work Silently
Unlike those noisy old-school generators, solar panels make zero sound. So you get clean energy without the annoying hum. Peace and power—what a combo.
5. You’ll Rely Less on the Grid
Want to feel a bit more off-the-grid? Solar panels mean you buy less electricity from energy companies. Throw in a solar battery, and you can store power for cloudy days or night-time. Heck, you can even get portable solar panels for your off-grid road trips in your caravan.
6. You Can Expand Your System Anytime
Need more power down the line? Just add more panels—easy peasy. The same goes for solar batteries, which you can stack like LEGO bricks.
7. Low Maintenance = No Hassle
Solar panels are the “set-it-and-forget-it” kind of tech. Just give them a rinse now and then, and let the rain do the rest. Plus, they come with a 25-year warranty and normally last 30+ years—basically a lifetime of clean energy.
8. There’s Free Money Up for Grabs
Yep, there are solar grants to help with the cost. Here are a few:
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Scheme – Pays you for surplus energy you send back to the National Grid.
- ECO4 – Covers up to 100% of the cost for energy-inefficient homes on certain benefits.
- Warm Homes Local Grant – Available in some areas to help with installation costs.
9. Two Types of Solar for Ultimate Flexibility
- Solar panels (photovoltaic, aka PV) = electricity.
- Solar thermal = hot water.
Most people go for PV since it saves more money in the long run.
7 Downsides of Solar Panels You Should Know About
1. The Upfront Cost Ain’t Cheap
No sugar-coating it—solar panels aren’t exactly pocket change. A complete solar panel system of 10 Solar Panels + Battery costs from just £6,750 with NXTGEN Energy. But, with savings and grants, the long-term benefits outweigh the sting of the initial investment.
2. Cloudy Weather Slows Things Down
Solar panels work in daylight, not just sunshine. But, yeah, they’re way more efficient in summer than in those grim winter months. That said, they don’t just stop working when it’s cloudy—they still generate solar power, just less of it.
3. Not Every Roof is Solar-Friendly
For the best results, your roof needs to be south-facing and tilted at between 30-45 degrees. Shaded roofs won’t work as well, but you can get high-efficiency solar panels or tilted racks to help maximize what you’ve got.
4. They Take Up a Lot of Space
Each solar panel is around 2m², and the more energy you need, the more panels you’ll need. If roof space is an issue, high-efficiency panels are an option (but they cost more).
5. Some Materials Are Not So Eco-Friendly
Like all electronics, solar panels contain some toxic materials. But the good news? Studies show that the carbon savings massively outweigh the environmental impact of making them. Plus, solar panels can be recycled at the end of their life.
6. Moving? Your Panels Might Not Come With You
Solar panels are a long-term investment, so if you’re planning to move soon, keep in mind that they’re a hassle to remove and reinstall elsewhere. However, they boost home value, so you might make your money back when you sell.
7. Payback Time is 15+ Years
It takes around 15.66 years to break even, depending on your energy usage and location. But after that? It’s pure savings, baby.
So, Should You Get Solar Panels?
Honestly? If you plan on staying put for a while and like the idea of paying less for electricity, helping the planet, and boosting your home’s value, solar is a solid investment. Plus, 65% of home buyers say they’d be more likely to buy a house with solar panels.
If you’re curious about how much it would cost to get solar panels on your home, just click the ‘Enquire Now’ button below, pop your details into our contact form, and one of our solar energy experts will get in touch. Easy as that!
