Otherwise known as solar photovoltaics or PV, solar panels produce environmentally friendly electricity by taking the sun’s natural energy and converting it into DC power. The solar panels are connected to your property’s electrical system, so the energy can be used for lighting and household appliances.

So whilst you may know the benefits of installing renewables such as solar panels, how does the product actually work and will it be a financially viable long-term investment?

Solar panels are installed onto rooftops, in a position where they’ll receive optimal levels of sunlight throughout the day. Semi-conducting material, often silicon, lines the surface of the panels and when the sun’s rays come into contact, an electrical field is produced.

Effectively, the stronger the sun, the more powerful the solar system will be and the greater the amount of electricity produced. For domestic systems there are normally eight solar panels fitted to the roof. These help to cut electricity bills, whilst earning a large income via the Government-run feed-in tariff.

The power of a solar panel system is measured in kilowatts peak (kWp) and shows the peak performance in optimal levels of sunshine. The average solar systems will have a capacity between 3kW and 4kW to produce enough electricity for the home.

The major benefits of solar panels

Reduce annual electricity bills: According to the Energy Saving Trust, a 3.5kW system is enough to provide three quarters of an average home’s electricity. On top of this, the 3,000 kilowatts produced will cut over a tonne of carbon every year.
Fixed Government income: Saving money on your energy bills is only part of the incentive for solar panels, with a substantial income to be earned with the feed-in tariff scheme. Once the system has been installed by an MCS accredited company, you can instantly start receiving payments, which the Energy Saving Trust estimates at over £600 a year. Government guidelines though, limit the top tariff payments to homes with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of level D. Loft lagging or wall cavity insulation could raise your property’s energy efficiency rating.
Sell excess electricity: On top of the electricity savings and income potential, there is also a third way to earn. As solar panels generate energy throughout the day, and most won’t be equipped with batteries, there’ll be electricity not used in the home. But don’t worry, because excess electricity can be sold to the National Grid at a set rate of 4.5p/kWh, ensuring none goes to waste and providing you with further income.

Maintenance costs for your solar panels

Solar panels are often referred to as a ‘fit and forget’ technology. This is because there is little to no maintenance needed throughout the year to ensure they remain in optimal condition and perform well. In fact, solar energy panels will work for 25 years and more without a hitch.

One of the only things you’ll need to ensure though is that the panels won’t be cast into shadow at certain times of the day as this will limit the potential.

You won’t even need to be concerned about dirt and debris build-up, as UK installations tend to be tilted to 15° which allows them to be cleaned naturally by rainfall. This helps to keep the solar system operating at top efficiency levels all year round.