As renewable energy sources are becoming a more popular method of powering up homes and commercial spaces, it’s about time you make the switch as well. With solar panels, you get control over your usage and can save on your utility bill. However, understanding the characteristics of a suitable solar product is imperative to avoiding mis-sold goods. Read up on these things you need to know before equipping your home with a solar panel.
How solar panels work
Unlike older solar panel mechanisms, modern solar panels convert light energy into electricity without the need for direct sunlight or heat. Naturally, of course, solar panels will experience increased efficiency on sunnier days. Because the sun emits 1.000 watts of solar energy per square meter, solar panels are an excellent method for sourcing natural energy.
How suitable your home is for solar energy
Solar panels won’t suit every home. To ensure that you’d be maximising the efficiency of a solar set, you’ll have to consider how well-insulated your home is and how your roof is structured. Roofing that is south-facing and at an angle of 30 degrees will work best for panels.
How much solar panels cost
Though a seemingly steep price to pay, the GBP5,000 – 9,000 price tag that most modern solar panels come with will be balanced out by the savings you’ll make on energy bills. Average households equipped with solar panels save between GBP90 – 125 a year.
You’ll also qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), formerly available to owners of renewable energy technology in the form of a Feed-In Tariff. This scheme pays you back for surplus energy that is fed back into the national grid.
Free installation
Free solar panel installations may sound too good to be true—and they usually are. This is because while the panels themselves may not be dysfunctional, the income you would earn from your SEG goes directly to the company selling you its products. Most free installations also tie you into a 25-year contract, which is an important factor to weigh if you’re thinking about moving in the near future.
The value added to your home
If you are eventually planning to sell or rent your property, installing solar panels can improve your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and therefore increasing its overall value.
Other energy-saving options
Like any piece of major equipment, solar panels will need regular maintenance and management. If you aren’t ready to jump the gun, you might consider other energy-saving options such as:
- Turning your thermostat down to save on utility bills
- Drawing your curtains in the evening to prevent drafts
- Using energy-saving lightbulbs
- Keeping your central heating and radiators on a timer
Other renewable energy sources
Of the renewable energy sources available, solar panels are ones that require the highest level of investment. If you can’t afford to maintain them, consider other equipment such as heat pumps.
Conclusion
On surface-level, solar panels may look like a great investment. They usually are, especially considering the current level of climate change, but may not suit every home well. Thus, it’s important to do your research to avoid having to return a mis-sold solar panel.
If you’ve been mis-sold products in the UK and the earnings and savings received were not as you were promised, give us a call (0161 348 7670) or Email (info@consumer-reclaim.co.uk) at Consumer Reclaim. We are industry specialists who work towards getting you the compensation you deserve and stand strongly by our no win, no fee policy!