Beat the Energy Crisis by Installing Solar PV
With energy prices higher than we've seen before, we're all searching for ways to save more on our energy bills. Yet, another round of crippling price hikes is inevitable in the next few months alone. So, further measurements other than simply unplugging household gadgets after use, are drastically needed!
Understandably, more of us are looking to reduce our energy bill and our impact on global warming. And, the most popular method of doing this right now is via solar panels.
Here, the Energy Efficiency team at City Plumbing looks at the advantages of installing solar PV. We also highlight how solar panels can help homeowners with the rising energy prices and benefit the environment.
What is Solar PV?
When we talk about solar PV, we’re simply talking about solar electricity panels. In the industry, these panels are known as PV, which is photovoltaic. Solar panels work to convert energy from the sun into electricity.
Referred to as free energy, solar panel solutions can cut electricity bills by hundreds of pounds each year. But, solar panels are a long-term investment for homeowners. Yet, they can also help the UK government reach its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
What Do I Need to Consider When Choosing Solar PV?
As with all big home improvements, an important factor to think about before deciding to go solar is the current state of your roof.
If your home has a flat roof, you'll need to account for and make a few minor adjustments beforehand. Solar panels work best when they’re at an angle.
Likewise, it’s suggested that in the UK, the best solar panel positioning is on a roof that faces south. But, understandably this isn't always achievable. However, some east and west-facing roofs and even north-facing roofs can achieve a high effective rate. You can gather the direction of your home by taking a quick look on Google Maps.
Also, you’ll need to factor in potential shade from trees and other buildings. When just one solar panel is shaded your output is reduced. So they need optimal positioning for the sun to shine on them. You may need to install optimisers to increase your energy production. This is especially so for those roofs with poor lighting conditions.
As individual as each home is, so too is the requirement for solar panel numbers. Your roof size will need to be considered when looking at how many panels to install. This is as well as the factors for sun hours in your area and average daily energy consumption.
Roof capacity is a key factor of how many panels you can fit, alongside whether your roof is suitable for the task. The roof needs to support the weight of your solar panels and cope with their angling so it needs to be a suitable structure for this task.
As solar PV panels are deemed as permitted developments you usually don't need planning permission. But, there are exceptions, so it’s good practice to check with your local planning office beforehand.
How Will Solar PV Help Me Beat The Rising Energy Prices?
The biggest benefit of choosing solar PV is primarily that of reducing your electricity bills. By using panels you’ll reduce the amount of electricity you buy from your usual energy supplier. The more electricity that’s generated through your solar panels, the less your energy bill will cost.
Solar panels are at their peak during daylight hours. So, rather than leave washing machines and dishwashers until late evening, here you can run them during the day. This will allow you to take advantage during maximum sunshine.
This will also ensure you aren’t deciding what to switch on and what to forgo for fear of increasing your energy usage. Solar panels are also ideal for the new wave of remote or home workers now working from home during the daytime.
You can get a better idea of potential savings through solar PV by using the Energy Saving Trust Solar Energy Calculator.
Installing Solar To Help With Demand, Prices, and Greener Solutions
While 2022 has been an eye-opener regarding energy prices, UK homeowners are fed up with the uncertainty. With prices forecasted to rise once more before the year is out, there’s little evidence of a reprieve on the horizon. Hence, more people are taking measures to get ahead of the demand and looking to install greener solutions.
By taking the solar panel route, you’re in a fantastic position to consider other renewable systems. Renewable technologies such as heat pumps work well with solar PV. Thus, you can reduce your carbon footprint, make your home a renewable energy efficient one, and cut everyday costs in the process.
To find out whether solar PV panels could be suitable for your home, get in touch with the Energy Efficiency team at City Plumbing. Supporting you with design and estimate, we can provide further advice on renewable technologies to help you beat the energy crisis while guiding you through your next project.
