This summer has been one of the hottest on record, making the harsh return of colder weather a cruel reality. But whilst some Britons were out in force over July and August topping up their tans on the UK\u2019s beaches, others were enjoying free electricity with their new solar panel installations. <\/p>\n
With less cloud in the sky and daylight lasting until the late hours of the evening, solar PV has had a very effective period over the summer months. There are now over 463,000 solar panels installed in England, Scotland and Wales. And The Guardian reports that on a sunny day they have the power to generate at least 2% of the country\u2019s needs.
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\nThis surge in solar panel popularity has continued into September too, with 8,798 installations between August 8 and September 8. <\/p>\n
How do solar panels work?<\/strong><\/p>\n Solar panels work by capturing natural energy from the sun and converting it into electricity for use in the home.<\/p>\n Their efficiency isn\u2019t determined by heat, so aside from fewer daylight hours, solar is perfectly suitable during the winter months too. <\/p>\n Installing your own solar panels now will ensure you\u2019re in position to start making top savings at the start of summer 2014 as well.<\/p>\n With solar, there are three separate ways you can save and earn financially. First off you\u2019ll be reducing your reliance on expensive National Grid energy prices, instead generating your own power.<\/p>\n Secondly there\u2019s the feed-in-tariff, A Government-run scheme to support the uptake of renewables. This scheme will pay you over \u00a3500 annually for the energy you produce with solar panels. Installing now will lock you onto current high rates for 20 years. <\/p>\n Then there\u2019s also the export tariff. This ensures none of the electricity generated isn\u2019t wasted during the day when you could be at work. Instead it\u2019s sold straight to the National Grid at a set rate of 4.5p\/kWh. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Facts & Figures You’ll Love To Share <\/strong><\/p>\n