Why add solar panels to my home?

The cost varies depending on your local area, your installer and the type of panels you want – but as a guide, they will typically cost between £2,900 and £6,700, according to the Energy Saving Trust, though they can cost as much as £9,000.

A photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installation only requires planning permission for listed buildings or areas of outstanding natural beauty (E.ON, 2022).

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems require little maintenance.

Panels tilted at 15 degrees or more benefit from being cleaned by rainfall, which helps the system to perform to its best. However in areas where debris or dust is likely to sit on the panels, occasional cleaning may be needed.

Panels should last 25 years or more, however some parts such as the inverter (which directs electricity back to the grid) is likely to need replaced within this time at a cost of approximately £800, dependent on manufacturer and the size of the system.

It is advised you consult with your installer regarding exact maintenance requirements before you have committed to the installation of a solar PV system (Energy Saving Trust, 2022).

Typical installations can be completed within a day, however some larger jobs may take longer. Installers should be able to confirm this once they know the size of the system you wish to have installed (E.ON, 2022).

There are two types photovoltaic (PV) solar panels:

Grid-connected

Which ensure you are never without electricity, keeping you connected to the grid should you need more energy than your panels can generate, while also exporting back to the grid when you have extra energy.

Stand-alone

These systems are not connected to the grid and make up for any potential shortfall by charging a solar battery system, and storing the electricity generated to be used later.

These systems are less common, used mostly in areas that cannot be connected to the grid and as a result of the solar batteries required, tend to be more expensive.​