Are you looking for the best solar panels UK? Then you’ve come to the right place and by following our handy guide you can find out more on solar panels and learn some of the tricks solar companies might use when trying to sell their products.
The first thing to realise, is that on most occasions there aren’t best solar panels. There are a range of different manufacturers available, from China’s Suntech and JA Solar, to USA’s First Solar. But typically they’ll have similar outputs and life expectancy.
The difference between solar systems tends to be the size. For domestic installations you can choose a 2kWh, 3kWh or 4kWh solar system. The smaller systems are more suited to a small flat or house, whilst the 4kW would be best for a four bedroomed house or bigger property. There are also commercial solar panels for businesses and farms, greater than 4kWh.
The company you choose should help you decide on the best solar panels UK for you, depending on your electricity usage and the size of your home.
How much should I spend on solar panels?
Typical 3.5-4kWh solar panels cost in the region of £7,000 but the best solar panels UK prices could be slightly less than this. Theoretically, the larger system you invest in, the more electricity you’ll generate for 25 years and more. This means the greater savings and earnings you’ll make, providing a larger return on investment.
Return on investment is based on two factors primarily; the amount you save on energy bills and your feed-in tariff income. The best solar panels UK earn a feed-in tariff rate of 15.4p/kWh, earning you over £500 each year, guaranteed for 20 years.
Choosing the best solar panels UK company
Which? consumer watchdog recently carried out an investment into 12 solar companies in the UK. They wanted to discover if properties were assessed correctly and payback time and feed-in tariff earnings were accurate.
Make sure to avoid solar companies carrying out the following:
- Offering a discount which is only valid for 24 hours. Also avoid those providing first-come first-serve deals in exchange for monitoring your energy use. Both of these practices are a breach of code regulations.
- Not going into the loft to check for suitability of solar panel installations. Your roof should be inspected to ensure it’s capable of holding the panels.
- Giving a quote or estimate without having a surveyor inspect your property. Companies sending just a salesman should be avoided.
The which? survey also found that:
- Seven companies failed to take into account that part of the roof was shaded, meaning the solar panel efficiency was reduced.
- Eight made no enquiries into the homeowner’s energy usage or lifestyle to truly determine if solar was a good solution.
- Eight of the companies underestimated payback times because of a flawed methodology under Building Regulations. Use the Energy Saving Trust solar calculator for a more accurate estimation.
Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share
- [tweetable alt=””]Solar panels are now priced at a record low, providing an excellent return on investment for every buyer.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]The feed-in tariff scheme will help homeowners earn over £500 annually with solar panels.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]Solar panels will help to reduce your yearly electricity bills by over £100, providing over two decades of savings.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]The generous export tariff ensures no electricity is wasted as it’s sold to the National Grid for a set price.[/tweetable]
- [tweetable alt=””]As gas and electricity prices continue to increase year-on-year, solar panels offer a way to guarantee your energy future.[/tweetable]