Over the last few months, all of the major energy suppliers have increased their prices. If you didn’t take the opportunity to lock in a fixed price tariff before the latest round of price increases, then you could be facing a large increase in your quarterly bill and limited options for keeping costs down.
If you missed the boat on changing energy suppliers, and you’ve already tried the simplest ways of reducing your energy usage, such as installing insulation or updating your appliances, then maybe it’s time to take more creative measures. Installing solar panels is an easy and efficient way to cut your energy bills. Many homeowners manage to cut their energy bills by as much as 50 percent, so it should not take long to recoup the expense of the installation.
Solar Panels in Orlando
One common misconception is that solar panels do not work in the UK, because the weather is cloudy and many parts of the country do not see a lot of sunlight. This misconception is based on older solar panel designs, which required direct sunlight to work. Modern photovoltaic panels are much more efficient, and will produce some energy from ambient light, meaning that they can be used in any part of the country.
How Much Does Going Solar Cost?
A standard solar panel set up for an average sized house typically costs £7,000, and the average household saves £150/year on their electricity bills from the energy that the panels generate. The real financial savings don’t come from that reduction in energy usage, however. Rather, they come from the Feed In Tariff payments that most suppliers offer.
If you are a homeowner and you plan to live in your property for several years, then you could recoup £16,000 – £26,000 (according to British Gas estimates) over the lifetime of the installation, from the combination of Feed In Tariff payments and energy savings.
If you cannot afford the up-front cost of getting solar panels installed, then you can apply for financial help via the government’s Green Deal (which helps homeowners pay for a range of green home improvements), or getting solar panels from a supplier that installs them for free. Companies such as A Shade Greener will fit solar panels free of charge, but in return they take the Feed In Tariff payments. You will still save money on your energy bills, but won’t get any cash back from having the panels.
Solar is a Big Commitment
One thing to be wary of with solar panels is that you may need planning permission to install them, and they are a big commitment. This is especially true if you opt for free solar panels. When you get the panels installed for free, you are effectively leasing them (and paying for them with the Feed In Tariff). You should speak to your mortgage provider to confirm that they are OK with this kind of long term lease.
In addition, solar panels cover a large area of your roof, and this can make roofing repairs a more complex job than they otherwise would be. The panels themselves can be expected to last for 25 years if they are well cared for. If you are willing to be an early adopter, and understand that it will take several years to break even on the expense of the installation, then solar panels may be a good way to take control of your bills.
