Did you know that the energy the Earth receives from the sun in just 1 hour could power the entire world for a year? Yet, many people are still hesitant about adopting solar PV systems for their homes or businesses. If you’ve ever wondered whether solar power is worth the investment, you’re not alone.
The truth is, with rising electricity costs and increasing environmental concerns, more and more people are looking for sustainable energy solutions. However, understanding how solar PV systems work and whether they’re right for you can be overwhelming. Are you unsure about the benefits, installation process, or potential savings?
You’re in the right place.
With solar energy and Solar PV systems, there’s truly a great deal of information to take in, but there’s no need to worry.
That’s because, on this page, you’ll learn:
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to cut costs on your energy bills or maybe a business owner looking at ways to be more sustainable, this guide will give you a clear understanding of whether solar PV systems are the right solution for your energy needs.
Let’s get started!
A Solar PV System, short for Photovoltaic System, is a renewable energy solution. It captures sunlight using photovoltaic cells and then converts it into electricity.
The core technology behind these systems is the photovoltaic effect. This is a process that begins when sunlight hits a solar panel that’s typically made from semiconductor materials like silicon. This sunlight energises the materials, generating direct current (DC) electricity. After that, a solar inverter converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity (the type you use to power your home or business).
At the very heart of this green energy movement are the Solar PV Systems.
They provide a sustainable way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut down on electricity costs. As efficiency continues to increase with Solar PV systems, the cost of solar technology continues to become much more affordable, making these a much more practical option for both residential and commercial energy needs.
Each type of system is designed to meet specific energy needs and settings. The main types include:
At the core of each and every solar PV system is the ability to turn sunlight into solar electricity. This is a fascinating process that’s rooted in the photovoltaic effect. Below, we’ll provide a breakdown of how it all works:
The flawless integration of solar power into your daily life is what makes Solar Power PV Systems such a smart and completely efficient solution for renewable energy. It reduces your carbon footprint while offering you substantial savings on your energy bills.
Investing in a solar system means getting more than just panels on a roof. You get a collection of key components that work together to convert sunlight into usable electricity. In this section, we’ll break down each part along with its role within the system:
Think of the photovoltaic panels as the stars of the show. They are responsible for capturing the sunlight and are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells. These are usually made from silicon and the panels generate direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
There are three main types of solar panels:
Think of the solar inverter as the workhorse of the PV system. It converts the DC electricity produced by the panels into AC electricity which is what your home or business uses each and every day. Without an inverter, the electricity produced by the panels wouldn’t be usable for most applications.
There are several types of inverters and choosing the right inverter for your solar panel system is going to help you make the most of your investment. At Soly, we want to help you understand what options are available so you make the right choice for your home or business. Here’s the rundown:
Keep on reading:
Difference between serial and parallel connection of solar modules
While entirely optional, battery storage is becoming more popular. This is especially the case in areas with unreliable grid power. Batteries are an excellent option as they store excess electricity for later use or when solar power generation is low, so that you have power when you need it the most.
When it comes to choosing a solar battery, we like to make it simple to understand the options available at Soly and beyond, as well as how each type can benefit your solar panel system. Here’s a breakdown of the two main types of batteries you might consider:
Integrating battery storage into a solar system provides several benefits, including increased energy independence, enhanced back-up power during outages, and the ability to maximise self-consumption of solar energy.
At Soly, our range of batteries include Enphase, GivEnergy, and Fox, ensuring you can get the most out of your solar energy system. When you’re ready to explore solar battery storage, our options are tailored to suit different needs and budgets. Plus, with our easy solar panel finance options, going green has never been more readily accessible.
Systems that have battery storage need a charge controller in order to manage the flow of electricity between the panels, batteries and inverter. This prevents overcharging, which can lead to a shorter battery life.
We do not need system controllers in the UK, unlike in most EU countries. The only instance where we would use such controllers is for phase coupling in a 3-phase system, which is extremely rare—occurring in less than 3% of domestic homes in the UK.
There are two main types of charge controllers:
Solar mounting systems are what keep your solar panels securely in place.
So whether the panels are on your roof, ground, or even attached to poles, mounting systems make sure that the panels are at the best angle to catch the most sunlight. Additionally, they’ll withstand environmental stressors such as wind, snow, and seismic activity.
There are different types of mounting options and they include:
If you want to keep an eye on how your solar power system is doing, you need a monitoring system. These systems keep you informed by providing real-time data on how much energy you’re producing, using and the overall health of your system.
At Soly, we offer ways to track your solar systems savings in real-time. Our accredited installers also help you install monitoring apps to track system performance and we believe that this is the ideal way for users to optimise their energy usage and quickly identify any issues.
Overall, monitoring can be done through:
When combining all of these components, it creates an incredibly powerful and efficient Solar System that’s capable of providing clean, renewable energy to your home or business. This makes understanding each of these components and their roles important, so that you can better appreciate the intricacies of solar technology and make the right decisions when purchasing your solar system.
It’s always important to remember that investing in a Solar System isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also going to save you money and make your home more independent from the grid. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main benefits that come with installing a solar power system:
✓ Environmental Benefits:
Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source. So, think of solar power as using the sun’s energy to create electricity without the downsides, like pollution or greenhouse gases. When we harness the sun’s energy, solar PV systems produce electricity without emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) or other harmful pollutants. This helps combat climate change and reduces air pollution, benefitting public health and our environment.
Additionally, solar power doesn’t use much water, which is great for conserving this precious resource.
✓ Financial Savings:
Imagine what it could be like to drastically cut down on your electricity bills, or even eliminate them just from having solar panels on your roof. That’s one of the most compelling reasons people adopt solar power systems. It’s the potential substantial financial savings. Over time, the money you save can cover the cost of the panels and maybe more. This is advantageous in locations with high energy costs or where electricity prices are expected to rise in the future. Plus, there are even government incentives that can help reduce the initial costs, making solar power even more affordable.
✓ Energy Independence:
With solar panels, you generate your own electricity. This is going to give you greater energy independence and reduce your reliance on the power grid. This can be very useful if you live in an area with frequent blackouts. When you generate your electricity from the sun, you no longer depend on the utility companies and you protect yourself from energy price volatility.
In 2024, energy prices are expected to increase by 10%, citing political tensions and extreme weather events. This comes as no surprise, and we can expect further increases in the coming years.
Regions that are more prone to power outages or where the grid is even less dependable, being energy independent is even more important. Plus, if you add a battery to your system, you can store extra energy, to ensure you always have power.
✓ Increased Property Value:
Homes with solar panels are in demand. Oftentimes, they tend to sell faster and for a higher price. This is because buyers like the idea of lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. This makes solar panels a smart investment if you’re considering selling your home.
✓ Minimal Maintenance Requirements:
Once your solar panels are installed, there’s not much upkeep required. At Soly, our systems are designed to last. Our panels for instance, come with warranties of up to 25 years. Most continue to produce electricity well beyond this period with minimal efficiency loss. Depending on the provider you choose, you may need a regular cleaning, but with Soly panels, your panels don’t need cleaning.
Keep on reading: Pros and Cons of solar panels
The solar panel costs in the UK can vary widely based on many factors. These include the size of the system, the type of equipment you choose, and the specific needs of your solar panel installation site. Understanding these costs is important for anyone thinking about investing in solar energy. This is because it helps with better financial planning and understanding the potential ROI (return on investment).
*The figures in this table are based on systems that use 455W panels.
**Small systems typically require an average of 6 solar panels, mid-sized systems about 11 panels, and large systems around 18 panels.
To get a better idea of what you could spend, here’s what a typical breakdown could look like:
For a typical home setup in the UK (4 kWh solar PV system with 11 solar panels at 455W each), the cost of a solar PV system in the UK ranges between £8218 and £9863 on average. This includes everything (solar panels, inverters, mounting systems, and other necessary components).
For larger or more complex installations (for a business), costs can go over £20,000.
The cost of a solar system is mainly determined by its size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). A standard residential system typically ranges between 2 kW and 5 kW. This is usually enough to meet the energy needs of an average household. Larger systems are going to produce more electricity and will come with more upfront costs. However, they can also save you more in the long run.
When looking at the final cost of a solar system in the UK, there are many factors that could come into play. These include:
What’s great about solar in the UK is that there are many solar financing options available to make it more affordable. There are many avenues available so that homeowners and businesses alike can invest in solar energy. Options for a solar photovoltaic system include:
Many banks and financial institutions offer loans specifically designed for solar installations, often with better terms and interest rates than standard personal loans. At Soly, we’re proud to be partnered with Ideal 4 Finance for solar loans.
With leasing, a third party instals and maintains the solar system on your property and you pay a monthly fee to use the system. PPAs work in a similar fashion. However, instead of paying a fixed fee, you pay for the electricity generated by the system at a rate lower than the grid’s electricity price.
Although some of the more generous incentives in the UK like the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) have been phased out, there are still programs available. These include the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which will pay you for any excess amount of energy you have. Through this scheme, the unused energy is exported back to the grid.
Also, in the UK, solar panels and battery systems are exempt from the 20% Value-Added Tax (VAT).
You can also purchase a system outright using your own money with no financing whatsoever. This requires a significant amount of money upfront, but has several advantages, including:
Indubitably, paying upfront can be the most cost-effective option in the long run if you can afford to put up the capital for it.
But for those who don’t, at Soly, we make the cost more easily accessible in the UK with financing options. We offer monthly payment solutions through Ideal 4 Finance so that more UK residents can make the switch to clean energy.
Additionally, we offer Soly clients the option to make a full payment on their solar pv system after installation, with an upfront deposit of £500.
Although the investment upfront can be substantial, the long-term savings, along with environmental benefits, can make it quite worthwhile.
Choosing the solar expert for your Solar PV System is of the utmost importance. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best:
A solar system can include both solar thermal and photovoltaic (PV) technologies, while a PV system specifically converts sunlight into electricity using solar panels.
PV refers to solar electricity generation, while solar also includes heating. PV is better for generating electricity, but solar thermal is better for heating applications.
Yes, solar PV remains a good investment due to decreasing costs, long-term energy savings, and environmental benefits.
Solar panels, inverter, mounting system, batteries (optional), and charge controller. You can also add a monitoring system to track overall perfomance of your system and how much energy you’re producing or using.
Investing in a Solar PV System requires careful planning. However, with the right information and a trusted partner like Soly, you can enjoy the long-term benefits of clean, renewable energy.
At Soly, we make solar energy simple. Here’s why we stand out:
As a leading clean energy tech company, we have a growing presence in the UK. At Soly, we’re committed to making solar energy accessible to everyone. We connect all the dots to make you as independent from the power grid as possible:
At Soly we offer digital tools like our online configurator so you can calculate how many solar panels you’ll need, how much electricity you’ll generate, and just how much you can save.
Contact our solar experts today to see how we can help you with all the best components for your solar PV system.