Solar panels have become pretty much an everyday bit of technology. Maybe you see fields of them glinting in the sunlight from your train window on the way to work, or maybe a neighbour has popped a few on their roof. You might even be looking at your own roof and wondering whether you should bung some up there too.
There’s been a definite spike in interest since the US-Israel war with Iran, with Greg Jackson, head of Octopus Energy, telling the BBC that they’d seen a “huge jolt” in sales of solar panels – a whopping 50% increase in March compared to February this year.
Mark Sait, CEO of SaveMoneyCutCarbon, says it’s understandable considering astronomical energy prices and the price-cap rises predicted.
“We’re seeing real unpredictability in global geopolitical energy prices. That shock of oil going up on such short notice, and as the markets move so rapidly, people like that bit of comfort of, ‘I’m in control of my own little [energy] empire’,” he says. “It’s like having your own little power station that you own, on your roof.”
He says that energy companies haven’t traditionally helped themselves either, as often, people “unfortunately, don’t trust their energy companies” and there can be a “feeling of somebody at one of these massive energy oil giants profiteering,”. Whether that’s the case or not, having your own solar panels and making your own electricity, can help mitigate worries around that, somewhat.
No longer just a green issue
It used to be that getting solar panels was a green decision, based on climate concerns. Things are changing now. “It’s no longer about sustainability, it’s more like a core financial decision,” says Sait. “It’s really moving into [a situation] where you save money and the carbon [saved] is just a fabulous byproduct.”
Although, arguably, the feed-in tariffs people were paid by the Government for the surplus energy their solar panels produced, was an early financial incentive. “That feed-in tariff has pretty much disappeared, or it’s minimal,” says Sait. “At the lower end, in the fuel poverty end of homes, there are considerable grants and money still coming through to support those people.”
Now, more broadly speaking, the incentive is: “How much energy do I use at home, and how much solar could I get on my roof or my business, to have as much of that coming in as free energy?”
“We’re actively pushing what we call the rooftop revolution,” continues Sait. “Where you can direct that electricity is also good for the planet as a whole. Imagine if you can generate electricity for free and then put it into your car and drive around for free? How fabulous is that?”
So this latest potential boom in solar power is cause for optimism, when it comes to the climate, as well as peoples’ bottom line “We’re heading in the right direction for the wrong reasons, as we shouldn’t need wars or conflicts around the world to do that,” says Sait. Instead, he says “we should have clever, simple policies that people can understand, and quality technology and products available for the longer term,” so more of us can adopt solar energy at home and at work.
The outlay
For many, the initial costs of getting solar panels has historically made them unaffordable, but this too is changing. “We’re moving into a new cycle now where the technology has come down to a level where people can invest in it without necessarily government subsidies,” says Sait, although there are still subsidies available for many. You can check to see if you are eligible for a Warm Homes grant.
Without a subsidy, having solar panels fitted from a reputable retailer can cost an individual around £6k on average. You can then expect the solar panels to have covered their set-up costs “within four to six years” depending on the efficiency and quality of the system you’ve installed, “as well as how much energy you are using, the size of your building and the size of your roof and the complexities of the install”. It used to be more like 10-12 years.
Solar energy could be getting even cheaper though, with supermarkets and online retailers like Amazon launching portable, plug-in solar panels for a fraction of the price. Lidl alone is set to sell them for £400, and you don’t have to pay for installation, you just plug them in wherever is sunny. They won’t power your whole house for free, but can help reduce bills. In fact, the government reckons a typical UK home could save £70 to £110 a year. Already popular in Germany, Sait says they could really help “take the pain out of energy bills” although people should be aware of the safety elements and potential risks when buying them.
Before you buy
Before you click and buy solar panels, Sait says it’s important to consider a few things first if you want your spend to be worth it. “You need to be with a good installer. You need to have a quality product, because there’s fire risks with a badly installed solar, so do your homework. Find a good supplier that’s got a good reputation,” he says. “Make sure you’ve got tier one quality panels which generate more, [they] may be a little bit more money but will last longer. And similarly with the inverters and the electrics, make sure you’ve got something that’s working really efficiently and effectively.”
He says to “be careful of the cowboy element that sometimes does come into these situations when there’s demand, people set up solar companies and off they go and try and capitalise on the short-term need of people”. And remember, solar panels won’t eliminate your energy bills, but they could help reduce them, doing good for the planet while they’re at it.
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