As we continue to battle global warming and unpredictable weather conditions, the need to find alternative sources of energy that can satisfy the growing demands of the public is being felt more strongly than ever.
Moreover, the rising electricity prices have also made sure that renewable energy emerges as a viable option for households looking to reduce their energy bills and leave a smaller carbon footprint on the planet. The marked shift from electricity and a move towards renewable energy installation is also given impetus from the government with its schemes and policies.
But is solar panel installation feasible?
Does it really reduce our electricity bills?
How much do domestic solar panels cost?
These are some of the questions we’ll be answering in this article.
Solar Panel Installation – Is It a feasible Alternative to Electricity?
To highlight the growing significance of solar energy, let’s start with a few statistics to drive home the point.
The year 2019 marked a tipping point in the move towards renewable energy. It was the first time since setting up its power plant in 1882 that Britain’s renewable energy power has surpassed electricity generated using fossil fuels.
During the first quarter of 2019, the UK generated 39% electricity from oil and gas and coal, 38% from gas, and below 1% from oil and coal. On the contrary, about 40% of the energy generated came from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass.
Solar energy is the energy captured from the sun, in which solar panels act as the medium that collects energy and converts it into power for your home or office needs. By extracting energy from naturally found sources such as the wind and sun, it is possible to convert it into clean and sustainable electricity.
Although solar panel installation could be quite expensive initially, you’ll find that it is a worthy investment in the long run. Some of the significant benefits of solar panel installation are:
- Domestic emissions and carbon footprint are greatly reduced
- Your electricity bills are also reduced considerably
- The extra power generated can be sold for a reasonable price
- The market value of your property increases significantly.
Solar Panels for Home – Cost, Maintenance and Efficiency
Solar panels are a highly efficient alternative for electricity. Although they are not dependent on sunlight to work, you’ll find that the energy generation is higher on a sunny day. Even on a cloudy or rainy day, expect your solar panels to do their work effectively.
Of course, the efficiency of solar panels depends on how well you maintain them, the season and the angle of the panels. The amount of electricity your panels can generate depends on your roof’s location, angling, and orientation.
When you calculate the amount of electricity your house needs, you’ll be able to get a better idea about the number of panels your house requires. A well-maintained solar panel has a long life and better efficiency.
Average solar panel cost depends on the number of panels your house requires and the type of system you install. The average solar panel cost could range anywhere between £ 5000 to £10,000.
Energy-saving tips on saving money on electricity with Solar Panels
Your energy bill savings depends on two major factors – the amount of electricity generated by your solar panels and the amount you use. The more electricity you draw from your panels, the less you’d depend on the National Grid.
Look at these energy-saving tips if you want to make the most of the domestic solar panel installation.
- Since solar panels are highly effective during the day – when the sun is out – it makes sense to carry out tasks that consume electricity during the daytime. Run your washing machine, load your dishwasher and use up your heater during the day.
- A solar battery is an effective way to save the generated electricity for nights. If you are not interested in selling the excess energy for a price, we believe a solar battery is handy equipment that reduces your dependence on electricity. When calculating your total installation, take into account the cost of solar panels and battery.
- Add to your profit by eliminating energy wastage. Turn off the lights and appliances when not in use, swap your baths for showers, give your home proper insulation, and go in for a professional draught-proofing.
- Work together with other renewable systems for added effect. Try using solar hot water systems or heat pumps.
Solar Panels For Commercial Buildings
Solar energy is an abundantly available form of renewable energy. And as a business looking to reduce your electric bills, we believe it is the right time to take advantage of the innumerable benefits of renewable energy. Since the government is also encouraging the move towards renewable energy, commercial air conditioning cost is also becoming more affordable.
Solar panels are available for businesses of varying sizes and installation options. The flexibility of installation makes it a viable option for all businesses. Although commercial solar panel cost is a tad bit more expensive than a domestic one, the benefits it offers in terms of cost-cutting and sustainability far outweigh the initial expense. You can choose to install the panels on your rooftops or ground mount. Ground mounting will work best if you are a business with a restricted roof space that’s insufficient for solar panel installation.
Of course, the number of panels your business might need depends mainly on the type of business. For instance, a manufacturing unit has a greater electricity consumption than an office room. The type of the business, average electricity consumption, and the amount of energy you want will determine the number of panels your business might need.
You can reduce your electric bill with minor changes to your lifestyle and routine. However, renewable energy system installation reduces your dependence on electricity, saves money on your energy bills, gains profit by selling the excess power and finally, helps in healing the planet – one solar panel at a time.
