In a world actively seeking cheaper, more sustainable energy solutions, solar panels represent a crucial stride towards lowering household bills, alongside increasing environmental responsibility.
According to the Renewable Energy Institute, 2023 saw a monthly average of 17,000 UK homes installing solar panels, and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) recorded over 220,500 installations in the same year.
The average home can enjoy annual savings of up to £1,190 with the best solar panels, but what other benefits do they offer, and what about the disadvantages? Our experts look in depth at the pros and cons of installing solar panels on your property.
Solar panel pros and cons at a glance
Solar panel advantages
The adoption of solar panels continues to grow thanks to their numerous advantages, with more homeowners generating their own energy supply. But what are those advantages?
Cheaper energy
Installing solar panels can slash your household electricity bills, a benefit that resonates profoundly with budget-conscious homeowners, particularly as energy prices continue to rise. With solar panels harnessing the sun’s energy to generate electricity directly for your property, you’re drawing less from the National Grid and, therefore, are billed less by your utility company.
The way you use your generated electricity can further increase your savings:
- Operate energy-heavy appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers during daylight hours, ensuring they run one after the other rather than at the same time. Use timers and smart plugs if you’re out during the day
- Investing in energy-efficient appliances that consume less electricity decreases your household’s total energy requirements
- Solar panel systems, when paired with battery storage, enable you to save any excess energy produced during peak hours for use during the evening when your panels aren’t generating power
- If you own a hot water cylinder, a solar diverter will direct surplus electricity from your solar panels to your immersion heater, offering you the advantage of free hot water
Earn by selling your surplus energy
Selling your system’s surplus energy allows you to earn money from your solar panels.
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a government initiative that, subject to eligibility, allows you to earn from the electricity you export back to the National Grid. This tariff differs among energy suppliers and can be either fixed or variable. To be eligible, you’ll require a system certified by the MCS and an export meter. The payment you receive hinges directly on the quantity of electricity your solar panels generate.
Your SEG tariff supplier doesn’t necessarily need to be the same as your grid electricity supplier, but some companies offer higher payments if they also supply your energy, so it’s a good idea to shop around to find the best deal.
Renewable, clean energy
One advantage of solar panels lies in the sustainability of solar energy as an inexhaustible resource. This renewable energy can be captured worldwide, presenting daily availability that outstrips more finite energy sources, such as fossil fuels.
As long as the sun exists, solar energy remains accessible, ensuring a reliable energy stream for humanity. Scientific projections are that the sun will continue to shine for about 5 billion more years, offering a long-term energy solution far beyond temporary resources.
Gain energy independence
Harnessing solar power lessens your dependence on supplied energy, especially if you invest in a solar storage battery. Without a battery, you’ll have to rely on grid energy during nighttime or power cuts. However, with one incorporated into your system, your appliances will still work even during a power outage.
In either circumstance, you’ll be less reliant on the fluctuating prices charged by energy providers.
Add property value
According to Admiral Money, residences equipped with solar panels fetch a noticeably higher premium – in some cases, as much as 25%. It reports that 76% of homebuyers are influenced by energy-saving measures, paying 24% more for properties with an EPC rating of C or higher.
Low maintenance
Once your solar panels are in place, ensuring their longevity involves regular but minimal maintenance, typically just once a year.
Key steps to extend your panels’ effective life include:
- Clearing away lingering leaves and tree branches that could obstruct sunlight
- Using a hose to wash off any accumulated debris, avoiding sponges or harsh materials that could harm the panels
- Scheduling routine inspections with a certified service provider to ensure everything is functioning optimally
Such straightforward upkeep keeps your solar panels in prime condition, helping to secure a continuous flow of energy savings over the years.
Solar panel disadvantages
Alongside the many advantages of solar panels, there are inevitably several disadvantages. However, the solar power sector is known for its rapid technological evolution, including breakthroughs in quantum physics and nanotechnology, which promise to enhance solar panel efficiency significantly. These innovations could mark a revolutionary leap in harnessing the sun’s power, transforming solar energy production globally.
Initial cost
The cost of solar panel installation can be a considerable initial investment – around £6,800 for a typical three-bedroom house. However, with ongoing technological advancements, the cost of solar panels is decreasing, making systems more accessible and financially manageable.
The UK government has several grants for those on low incomes, allowing vulnerable households to benefit from solar energy without taking a huge financial hit. A number of other incentive schemes are also available, and solar providers frequently offer finance on their panels.
Sunlight-dependent performance
A solar PV system requires sunlight to generate energy effectively, so several days of clouds or rain can impact the system’s performance, depending on your panels’ efficiency. A storage battery enables any excess energy produced on sunny days to be stored and used on overcast days.
Space constraints
To generate more electricity, you’ll often require a larger system to capture as much sunlight as possible, and certain roofs may not accommodate the desired number of panels.
Typically, the average UK household needs 29㎡ of roof space. However, manufacturers are producing smaller and more efficient panels as the technology continues to improve, meaning properties with smaller roof space available can benefit from solar energy.
Limited recycling capacity
The rapid expansion of solar energy use in the UK has heightened the need for the responsible handling of solar panel waste. Constructed almost entirely from aluminium, glass, and silicon, panels can be broken down and recycled.
The pressing question is whether today’s recycling sector is suitably equipped to handle the anticipated surge in solar panel waste over the next few decades.
Encouragingly, numerous initiatives are already in place, aiming to create robust systems capable of sustaining the cycle of solar panel use and ethical disposal.
All solar panel manufacturers are legally required to join a Producer Compliance Scheme (PCS), mandating them to accept your old panels free of charge and take them to a Dedicated Collection Facility (DCF) before they are dispatched to a recycling centre.
This structured process ensures responsible recycling practices, easing the environmental footprint of solar systems.
Summary
For many homeowners, the advantages of solar panels far outweigh the downsides, especially regarding long-term savings. As more systems are installed and technology advances, the potential for greater savings and more efficient panels grows, making them a viable option for more households than ever.
Katharine brings over a decade of writing and research expertise, collaborating with some of the UK’s top organisations, such as the Independent, the Federation of Master Builders, Architectural Digest, and Cuvva Car Insurance. Her areas of specialisation include renewable energy, advanced technologies, and various aspects of home improvement, like kitchen renovations, combi boilers, and double glazed windows.
