If you’re looking to go-green, you may be interested in installing solar panels. Many people believe there is a high upfront cost and long payback period, and so ask – are solar panels worth it?
Why Install Solar
There’s been considerable hype over installing solar panels for a long time now.
Go back a couple of decades and the primary draw was of course, generating your own power, along with the incentivisation from the government to install a solar array on the roof of your house.
There was, however, a stigma associated with installing a solar array on your roof, they were perceived to be mainly the preserve of the middle-class eco-warrior who wasn’t bothered about devaluing their home with the ‘unsightly’ panels.
These days the people who are asking are solar panels worth it are not only those who want to rely less on the national grid for their electricity, but also those who are eco-conscientious, who wish to tread more lightly on the world, and reduce their domestic carbon footprint.
Interestingly, with the increased focus on ecological sustainability and doing our bit for the world climate, solar panels have become far more en-vogue and aren’t met with the same disapproval based on aesthetics – and they can even increase the value of a home.
Businesses may also be wondering if solar panels are worth it as the installation of green tech can improve their corporate social responsibility credentials and also contribute toward their environmental & social governance targets; both of which will help them to gain favour with customers and clients.
Saving Money
The key criterion when deciding if solar panels are worth it is obviously the cost.
Can the financial expense and outlay be justified?
You can save over £1000 a year on electricity costs.
Your financial outlay would be reduced via the Smart Export Guarantee, which allows you to be paid for the electricity which you feed into the grid yourself.
Installing solar panels is relatively straightforward and fast, and you’ll immediately start generating your own electricity.
However, due to the initial cost, the payback period is over a number of years.
Assuming the payback costs are less than the saving made on utility bills, you’ll indeed be saving money each month despite paying back the large installation cost.
Therefore, installing solar panels is worth it.
If you’re planning to stay in your home for a long time, the proposal makes even more sense.
And if you get financial help such as ECO4 funding to cover the costs, solar panels are worth it, absolutely.
Grab your online quote on our website by clicking here.
ECO4 funding for Solar
One such type of funding which is definitely “flavour of the month” among green tech installers is of course, ECO4 funding.
The Energy Company Obligation scheme mandates providers of energy to assist home occupiers with the cost of making their buildings more ecologically efficient, by means of improving insulation, replacing inefficient systems such as central heating boilers, and installing green tech – such as solar panel systems.
The idea behind this scheme is to help reduce the amount of energy being consumed in a bid to keep our homes warm and baths full – thus assisting the UK Government in achieving their own green targets.
The scheme works by involving a third party, usually the installer of the green efficiency improvement tech, who surveys your building and suggests what work could be done.
These proposals are sent off to the utility companies, who then approve or deny the application.
This funding can cover a large chunk of the cost of installing your solar array – so now, are solar panels worth it?
In this case, yes.
How Do I Install Solar Panels?
In short…you don’t.
Installing solar panels normally involves working at height, (i.e. the roof of your home) and will definitely involve working with your electricity supply – so it’s no DIY job.
Solar panel installers need to have appropriate training, skills, and expertise, not to mention insurance and qualifications in order to do a proper job that will serve you for decades to come.
With this in mind, luckily the supply and installation is all taken care of by the installer, for example…Switched On Yorkshire!
We look after supply of the panels, access to the installation area, all necessary tooling, integration into your existing electricity supply and eventual connection to the grid.
All you have to do is make us a brew when we arrive on site!
Are Solar Panels Worth it? They Are With Switched on Yorkshire
As we’ve discussed, solar panels offer a straightforward way of producing clean, renewable energy on a domestic scale.
They’re less intrusive than a wind turbine on your roof, and more dependable too – with no moving parts they’re low maintenance and can’t really go wrong.
We’ll admit, they can be pricey, and with the long payback period, you’ve got to see a benefit other than purely reducing your monthly energy bills.
However, with the funding that’s available to most homeowners in the UK, solar panel systems present an option that is more financially viable and gives you peace of mind that you’re using clean energy.
To enquire or ask us directly are solar panels worth it for YOUR home – give us a call today or generate your online quote by clicking here.
