Should you install solar panels at home?

Having solar panels installed at home sounds like an appealing idea. You get free electricity when the sun shines, potentially cutting your energy bills and doing your bit for the environment without having to give it much additional thought.

Should you consider solar panels as a home improvement?

It’s also worth considering solar panels' value as a home improvement. Solar panels are attractive to potential new homeowners when you next sell your home, which can increase your property value as a result.

Do you need an inverter for a solar panel system?

You’ll also need an inverter as part of your solar panel system, as this is what converts solar energy into the AC electricity used by the grid. Solar batteries are an additional investment that allows you to store surplus solar energy for later use or to sell back to the National Grid.

Is your house suitable for solar PV?

"Several factors can be considered when determining if your house is suitable for solar PV," says John Gilham. "Here are are the key factors: "Ideally, solar panels work best facing south. They capture the solar energy from dawn until dusk.

Why should you install solar panels?

Installing solar panels lets you use free, renewable, low carbon electricity. You can sell surplus electricity to the grid or store it for later use. According to low-carbon certification organisation MCS , there were more than 183,000 solar panel installations across the UK in 2023.

Do solar panels work if you are not at home?

If you are not at home most days then the solar PV generation will only power the fridge and any other electrical appliances that happen to be running during the daylight hours. The best way to optimise the return on investment from your solar panels is to use all the generation.