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If you haven’t heard about solar power then it’s time you jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon. With fossil fuels being burned through, energy prices rising and greenhouse gases causing all sorts of terrible impacts, it’s time that we all looked at a more sustainable option for powering our homes.
A lot of people are concerned that solar power will be expensive, unreliable and difficult to maintain but none of these things are true. In fact, with the advances being made in solar technology, there has never been a better time to make the change.
Of course, I understand that you may still have some concerns so in this guide, I’d like to open your eyes to the many benefits of going solar as a homeowner.
How Does Solar Energy Work And How Can It Be Used In My Home?
Solar energy is derived from the sun and involves the installation of photovoltaic panels on your home (typically on the roof.) This is a technology that has grown in popularity and is now used on private properties and businesses all over the world. The basic concept is that daylight from the sun is converted into energy.
This process happens within the solar cells that you find inside a solar panel. Without getting too technological, these cells are able to convert that energy into electricity which is then fed through an inverter into the property. The result is electrical power to your home appliances, lights and other things.
The great thing about solar panels is that they not only generate power but they can also store it using solar batteries. So there’s no need to use your power right away. Even when the sun goes down, your panels will have stored enough energy to see you and your family through the night without worrying that the lights will go out!
I’ll talk more about how solar panels work in different kinds of weather later but for now, understand that it doesn’t have to be a perfectly clear and bright day for them to work. The term solar panel can be a little misleading in this sense but even when there are clouds, your panels will still be hard at work.
Aside from generating electricity to power all of the appliances and lights within your home, solar panels are an eco-friendly way to charge an electric car. I recently spoke to a friend who had purchased an electric vehicle and she told me that her weekly energy usage had gone up by a massive £40!
So, if you’re considering having solar panels then it might also be worth having an electric car charger installed so you can save money on that too!
What Are The Main Benefits Of Solar Power For Homeowners?
In the past, I know that people have been dubious about installing solar panels but with more awareness being brought to it, homeowners are really starting to open up to the idea. There are so many benefits to having solar panels so allow me to explain in a little more detail.
Solar Panels Are Becoming More Affordable
Buying solar panels for your home was once considered a very expensive venture but the price has dropped dramatically. What’s more, there are many government grants and incentives in place designed to help make installing solar panels even more affordable.
In many cases, your solar panel provider may also offer a financing option. I understand that, even with the price decrease, installing can still be a lot of money. But having the option to spread the cost and pay less upfront is a great way to start making your home greener without breaking the bank.
What’s more, it’s reported that the monthly cost of an instalment for your solar panels is generally less than what you’d pay for your electricity bill so you won’t be spending anything that you weren’t already.
But what about maintenance? I’ve heard a lot of people talking about the cost of taking care of solar panels but there’s good news; once installed, a solar panel can last for up to 30 years without the need for any maintenance. It is recommended that you have the panels cleaned once a year to ensure their performance but this doesn’t cost a lot. You can even do it yourself if you prefer!
Save Money On Energy Bills
I don’t know about you but my energy bills have skyrocketed and I’m often left staring mouth agape at my monthly bill. This is something that’s affected people all over the UK and beyond and it’s time we did something about it.
While most homeowners will still need to rely on grid power to a degree when they install solar panels, it’s reported that you could save between 50 and 70 percent on your electricity bills.
There are factors that will alter the percentage you might save including how many panels you install, the size of your property and how much energy you typically use. However, the general consensus is that having solar panels will decrease your energy bills and save you a lot of money.
Increase The Value Of Your Property
Who doesn’t want to add value to their property? I know I do and installing solar panels is one way you can do this. This is because solar panels are often seen as an upgrade to the home which therefore adds value.
Again, how much value your solar panels add to your property will depend on various factors so it’s worth doing your research before you make a commitment if property value is your sole incentive.
No Interruption To Your Power Supply
I don’t think there’s anything more annoying than sitting in your well-lit living room, browsing the internet or watching your favourite TV show only for the power to go out. It really does put a halt on your life and demonstrates how reliant we are on power.
But with a solar system installation, you’ll never have to worry about being interrupted again because you’ve got a secure and reliable form of energy that is not reliant on the grid.
What’s more, if you also have solar batteries installed, you will be able to store the power your panels generate and keep your home running smoothly for up to 24 hours, in most cases.
Be More Eco Friendly
There’s a huge focus on how we can all become more eco-friendly and mitigate the effects of climate change. Using energy from the grid means buying into the plants that generate this power and they give off an astonishing amount of greenhouse gases.
If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and do your bit for the planet then solar panels are an excellent idea. What’s more, because the modern panels are so reliable, you don’t have to sacrifice your power for the sake of being green.
Get Money Back On Unused Energy
Did you know that the UK Government runs a scheme that allows domestic and commercial solar panel owners to sell unused energy back to the grid?
The government runs a scheme called the Smart Export Guarantee which allows homeowners to sell units of energy and make a bit of extra money.
It’s worth noting that, in order to take part in this program, your equipment must meet the standards set by the government. Moreover, it’s required that you have a smart metre that can take half-hourly readings.
Invest In The Future
The future of power is undoubtedly solar. We’re eventually going to run out of the fuels that are currently used in energy production so why not make the investment now?
Once sustainable power becomes a must, there’s a risk that the price of installation will go back up due to consumer demand. At the moment, solar panels have never been more affordable and while it will take some years to break even, there’s nothing better than getting a head start.
Don’t Let The Weather Put You Off
Earlier, I touched on the fact that a lot of people worry that solar power won’t be reliable because of overcast weather. In the UK, clouds are not an uncommon sight, especially this summer when it seems we’ve had more wintry weather than ever.
But this isn’t something that should put you off. While these panels are powered by energy from the sun, a few perfectly placed clouds aren’t going to stop them from doing what they do best.
Yes, they will perform better on a clear, sunny day but they’ll still work perfectly well the rest of the time. If the Americans are using solar panels in cold, grey places like Alaska then there’s no reason that they won’t work reliably here in the UK.
Is Solar Power Right For Me?
There’s no denying that there are lots of benefits for homeowners who want to install solar panels. I’d urge anyone who can to consider this as an eco-friendly and money-saving energy option. However, I have to point out that there are a few things you should consider before making the decision, although they are minor.
For starters, some people just don’t like the way that solar panels look. While the modern designs are much sleeker than their primitive cousins, they can still be noticeable. However, new designs are always coming out and there are even solar panels that can be fully integrated and therefore much more discreet.
Another thing to consider is the viability of your property for solar panels. If your house is surrounded by a lot of trees or overhanging structures then this could affect how well the solar panels work. However, your installation expert will be able to assess your property and talk to you about whether solar panels are a suitable option for you
Final Thoughts
Solar power is the best way to generate green, reliable power for your home in a world where the cost of energy has gotten extremely out of hand. There are so many reasons that solar power is worth considering; not only to save money but to make money as well.
If you’ve been thinking about having solar panels installed and have any further questions, don’t hesitate to give MJPSolar a call and we will happily talk you through your options.
