You may already be thinking of installing solar panels on your property, but aside from knowing that it can give you a lot of savings on your electricity bill, what else are you aware of when it comes to solar panel installation? Solar panels in the UK have become quite a hit in recent times as more people become aware that they are a viable investment. But how can you best utilise them, and what can you expect from the energy they generate? Aside from this, how can you best maintain them? Here’s what you need to know about solar panels in the UK: your definitive guide.
Can you get paid for excess energy?
Whilst savings on your electric bill are already a given if you opt for a solar panel installation, you also have the chance to earn money if you sell your excess energy or power back to the grid. This comes from the Smart Export Guarantee or SEG, which can pay you for the energy you export. If your system generates more energy than you can use, you can sell this back to the national grid. The SEG programme works this way – suppliers of energy will offer a tariff that will pay you a specific rate for every kWh of energy you can export. The total amount you receive will depend on the supplier. You have the freedom to compare suppliers so you can get the most ideal rate.
To get paid under the SEG, you would need to have your own smart meter – as this can track the amount of solar energy you can export. There are two main kinds of smart meters, but if you’re not sure about which smart meter to get, you can consult with your supplier, for recommendations based on your needs.
How can you maximise your solar panel investment?
There are some ways to optimise your solar panel investment, and one of these is if you have a roof that faces south. But if you have a roof that faces west or southwest, you can still profit greatly from your solar panel system. Also, even if your roof has shade early in the morning or late in the afternoon, it would be best if your roof is not under the shade from 10 am to 4 pm, as confirmed by solar panel experts from www.atlanticrenewables.co.uk.
It follows as well that if you live further south, you can get more energy from your system. The Energy Saving Trust, for example, estimates that those living in London can save about £100 to £240 a year on their electric bill, whilst those residing in Manchester can save from £95 to £230 per year.
Are solar panel systems difficult to maintain?
No, solar panel systems don’t require much maintenance, although you may need to have the inverter replaced in approximately 25 years. Of course, it’s best to make sure that you don’t have any issues with your system, and even if you do, the warranty from your installer should cover it. If the solar panels become damaged unexpectedly, like in a storm, your buildings insurance may cover this as well.