Before You Get Solar Panels, Check These 5 Things
Installing solar panels can be a great way to generate your own renewable electricity, reduce your reliance on electricity from the grid and potentially lower your energy bills.
However, not every solar installation should look the same. The right system will depend on your property, roof, electricity consumption and how you use energy throughout the day.
Before you choose a solar PV system for your home, here are five important things to consider.
1. Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?
One of the first things to consider is whether your roof is suitable for a solar PV installation.
Several factors can influence the potential performance and design of your system, including:
The size and available roof space
Roof orientation and pitch
Shading from trees, chimneys or nearby buildings
The condition and structure of the roof
How many solar panels can be accommodated
South-facing roofs are often associated with solar panels, but they are not the only option. East- and west-facing roofs can also be suitable, depending on the property and system design.
A professional installer should assess your property before recommending the most appropriate system.
2. How Much Electricity Do You Actually Use?
Your household electricity consumption is an important part of deciding what size solar PV system may be suitable.
Look at your recent electricity bills to understand your annual usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
It is also worth considering when you use the most electricity.
For example, a household where someone works from home during the day may be able to use more solar electricity as it is generated. A household that is empty throughout the working day may have different requirements and could potentially benefit more from battery storage.
The aim should not simply be to fit as many panels as possible. Your system should be designed around your property and your household's requirements.
3. Do You Need Solar Battery Storage?
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, but your household may use a significant amount of electricity in the evening.
This is where a solar battery can be useful.
Battery storage can allow you to store some of the excess electricity generated by your solar panels and use it later rather than immediately exporting it to the grid.
However, adding a battery increases the initial cost of the system, and it will not necessarily be the right choice for every household.
Before deciding, consider your electricity usage, when you are usually at home, the size of the proposed solar system and the cost and capacity of the battery being offered.
4. What Exactly Is Included in Your Solar Quote?
When comparing solar panel quotes, do not look at the final price alone.
Two quotes that appear similar may include very different equipment, warranties and services.
Make sure you understand what you are being offered, including the number and specification of the solar panels, total system capacity in kWp, inverter, battery where applicable, warranties, monitoring equipment, installation costs and any additional electrical or roofing works.
You should also check the installer's relevant certifications and ask what aftercare and support will be available following installation.
A cheaper quote is not necessarily better value if the equipment, warranties or installation specification are different.
5. What Could You Realistically Save With Solar Panels?
Solar panels can help reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from your energy supplier, but savings vary considerably between households.
Your potential savings will depend on factors such as:
The size and performance of your solar PV system
Your household electricity consumption
How much solar electricity you use directly
Whether you have battery storage
Electricity prices
How much electricity you export back to the grid
The export tariff available to you
Be cautious of anyone promising a specific saving without first understanding your property and electricity usage.
A good solar proposal should provide realistic estimates based on your individual circumstances rather than relying on headline figures.
Thinking About Solar Panels for Your Home?
At Energius, we help homeowners explore suitable solar options and connect them with professional solar installers.
Whether you are considering solar panels only or solar panels with battery storage, we can help you take the next step.
If you would like to discuss solar panels for your home, get in touch with Energius today.
