If, like many people, you are wondering whether solar panels are the right choice for you and your home, then you might be starting to think about getting them installed, what the pros and cons are, and have a few questions that you want to know the answers to.
Solar panels are becoming more and more popular with homeowners in recent years, as both the issue of climate change and the cost of electricity are at the forefront of our minds.
Solar panels can be a great way to generate your own electricity, but they are not something that is suitable for every home. Firstly, you need to make sure that you have the space to put them onto, and this also needs to be facing the right direction, as north facing roofs are not suitable for solar panels.
You may also live in a property that is historic, and classed as a listed building, which could not only make it unsuitable for solar panels, but it is also likely that you may not be permitted to have them, so do always check this beforehand.
When deciding whether solar panels are right for you, it is best to go to a professional like this solar panel installation Bristol based company Redbridge, who will have the expertise and experience to be able to advise you on whether your property is suitable, what the costs will be and how much you are realistically likely to save on your energy bills if you get solar panels installed.
Does solar work in the UK climate?
Yes, it can. The UK averages over 1,300 hours of sunshine a year, with more in the south, and panels still generate power on bright but cloudy days. They work best on a roof facing south or within 45 degrees of south, and it needs to be free of shade from buildings or trees around the middle of the day.
To get the most from the electricity you generate, you may need to change a few habits, such as running the washing machine or dishwasher during the day rather than in the evening. Electricity you do not use can be fed back to the grid.
Some panels heat water instead of generating electricity. These need a conventional hot water system with a storage cylinder and do not work with combi boilers, although combined systems that produce both electricity and hot water are also available. Installation costs take a few years to recover, so it is worth weighing that up before you commit.