Six reasons you need to install solar panels in 2023

If you’re wanting your home to become more sustainable in 2023 and are considering solar power, you’re not alone! Currently, around 4000 solar panels are installed in the UK each month, and this demand is growing.

But you may be asking yourself, is solar energy worthwhile and is it right for me? This question is asked by most people in the UK and often leads to people not understanding the applications and importance of solar power. This efficient form of energy is quickly becoming a favourite for households across the UK, enabling them to reap the benefits of green energy.

In this blog, we will explore what solar panels are and the benefits they can supply to enable you to make the best decision for your greener future.

How do solar panels work?

Although it may appear that installing solar panels in the UK may not be that effective due to our distinct lack of sun, if solar panels are used efficiently, the average home could generate 50-60% of the power needed to supply its electricity through solar panels. This means you can generate electricity even on cloudy days!

In basic terms, solar panels work by capturing UV rays and converting them into electricity. Solar panels have photovoltaic cells, which become energised when hit by light from the sun. An inverter converts this energy from direct current into alternating current for use to power household items. 

Now you know the basics of solar energy, let's get down to the important part – the benefits to you!

A helping hand for the environment

The most collective understanding of solar panels is that they are a green and clean source of renewable energy by using UV rays to generate electricity. For this reason, solar power is a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint as it generates no carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases or other pollutants like fossil fuels do. Through solar panels, you could save nearly two tonnes of carbon per year.

Solar power is self-sufficient and installing solar panels on your roof is a safe and easy path. Starting on your home is a terrific way to show you care about the environment.

Getting off the grid

Since their rise in popularity, the price of solar panels has continued to decrease while fossil fuel prices continue to rise and be volatile due to their limited resources. With these cheaper and stable prices, investing in solar power can enable you to become electrically independent. A basic 4kW system on your roof can easily protect you against unpredictable increases in utility prices and enjoy cheap electricity throughout the entire day.

Once you have installed your solar panels, you’re firmly on your way to becoming energy independent. Investing in additional storage batteries can also help you power your home during the night and on rainy days.

Saving the pennies

Solar panels are an effortless way to help you save money. After initial installation costs – which as we mentioned are continually getting cheaper – solar energy is completely free to use, helping to drastically reduce your bills.

The sun provides us with more energy than we could ever use, and no one can monopolise the sunlight. Your solar power system will start saving money from the moment it’s turned on. However, the advantages of solar power are best visible in the long term. The longer you have your solar power system, the more you enjoy the monetary benefits of solar technology and support the environment.

Aside from solar electricity, solar energy has a second application. We often associate solar energy with electricity, but it’s also possible to use the energy generated by the sun for heating purposes. This process is conducted by deploying solar thermal systems that simply convert sunlight into heating solutions.

Increased jobs and economic growth

Now more than ever, our national economy can be helped by solar power. The more people who opt for solar, the more needs there will be for companies to install solar panels. This creates more jobs for skilled workers, and so keeps the economy growing.

In 2015, for instance, the UK become the second-largest solar employer, with 35,000 people, and the continent’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installation market.

A little less maintenance

Residential solar panels boast an impressive life span of 20-25 years, and in some cases, longer if properly kept. Once the installation process is complete, solar panels require little to no maintenance. In addition, because they’re often placed at an angle, the rain will wash away dirt and dust, ensuring your solar panels are as efficient as possible. 

You will need to replace the inverter after around 20 years, but solar panels will last much longer with little maintenance needed.

Breath life into wasted land

With the increasing need for solar energy, it’s become easily accessible to most of us. Across the country, there is lots of rural land far away from big cities or capitals that is not used for anything at all. With solar power, we can make use of the land and later generate excellent value - supplying a source of power for everyone.

Building solar farms on this land, where swaths of panels are used to harvest solar energy in large numbers, highlights perfectly how solar power makes use of underutilised land. For example, a 45-acre solar farm built in the UK can power 2,500 homes. This way, we don’t need to use high-priced land that might be better suited for other applications.

Make the right choice

As you can see, installing residential solar panels offers many benefits. But, of course, there are also several important considerations. So, take the time to research and weigh the options based on your circumstances.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team are on hand to help, so get in touch today to get started on your solar journey.