Why is there currently an offer?
Like with any other heating scheme, the goal is to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint with greener homes. The government aims to replace outdated inefficient systems with more energy-saving ones and will provide subsidies for the energy funders which in turn, fund the energy companies to go out there and install these systems into people’s homes. For those with electric heating, solar panels are particularly being encouraged now due to the lack of fuels and it being one of the best renewable sources of energy for your home. For the first time ever, the government is offering grants for solar installs to be done at roughly half the price for a typical install.
What’s the hassle worth?
There’s no point asking how many panels are needed if you’re going to be better off without solar. Yes they may be on offer at the moment but what if it ends up costing you more in the long run? More so, if the Feed-In Tariff is supposedly ending how can the benefits still out-weigh contribution costs and hassle?
Advantages
- Pollution free, no greenhouse gases and overall reduced carbon footprint.
- Modern energy (lower dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels).
- Available every day of the year, even cloudy days produce some power.
- Return on investment unlike paying for utility bills
- Virtually no maintenance as solar panels last over 30 years
- Creates jobs by employing solar panel manufacturers, solar installers, etc. and in turn helps the economy
- Use batteries to store extra power for use at night
- Solar can be used to heat water, power homes and building, even power cars
- Safer than traditional electric current
- New Smart Export Guarantee (Feed-in Tariff replacement)
Disadvantages
- High initial costs for material and installation and long ROI, although if you’re moving, it could increase the value of your home.
- No solar power at night so there is a need for a large battery bank
- Some people think they are ugly
- Devices that run on DC power directly are more expensive
- Depending on geographical location the size of the solar panels vary for the same power generation
- Cloudy days do not produce much energy
- Lower production in the winter months
- Discontinued Feed-in Tariff
Need more heating advice?
If you require more heating advice, or you’re looking for the cheapest deals, we recommend QERB Energy for your installs in the South West as they are offering the lowest rates for a 4kW Solar PV System for £1499. In Exeter, they are offering the system at no cost due to being partnered with EDF Energy & Exeter City Council.