Solar PV is a technology that uses photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electrical energy. Solar PV systems can be used for a variety of purposes, including generating electricity, heating water, and cooling buildings.

The use of solar PV has been growing rapidly in the United Kingdom in recent years. According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the amount of installed solar PV capacity in the United Kingdom increased from 1.5 gigawatts (GW) at the end of 2013 to 6.9 GW by the end of 2017.

This growth is expected to continue, with solar PV becoming one of our most sought-after services since the huge hikes in energy costs.

When homeowners purchase solar panels for their energy needs, they will save money on electricity bills in the long run. In fact, many solar panel systems will generate more electricity than is needed to power the home, which can be sold back to the grid for a profit.

There have been a number of schemes produced by the Government to help reimburse homeowners who overproduce electricity.

An Export Tariff will allow you to sell any extra units you do not use back to your electricity supplier. This is called an ‘export tariff’ because you’re exporting your electricity to the grid system.

The value is set by the energy supplier through the Smart Export Guarantee, where there is no set minimum amount so you could in essence shop around.

You can even sell back half of the units of electricity you generate but you will need an export meter to receive the Smart Export Guarantee tariff.

If you prefer to store the energy you generate, you can opt for a solar battery storage system which will keep the electricity you use when the sun is not shining. You can learn more about solar battery storage here

You’ll also save money on your electricity bills for the energy you do use. To claim this tariff, you must have a valid MCS Certificate.

Summary of benefits:

• Savings on your energy bills by generating your own electricity – The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has a fantastic free tool that provides estimates for fuel bill savings, as well as financial payments, you may receive by installing a solar PV system. Visit the Solar Energy Calculator.
• Price of solar panels have dramatically dropped – declined by 60% since 2010 (according to government UK Rooftop Solar Behaviour Research)
• You can get paid for the excess electricity you don’t use and export to the grid, via the Smart Export Guarantee
• Benefit from 0% VAT up until 2027
• Environmentally friendly
• Little or no maintenance cost
• Peace of mind with warranty and guarantees.

Benefit from 0% VAT when you install Solar PV

Now is the perfect time to consider upgrading the energy efficiency of your home.  Not only because energy bills are rising at an incredible rate, but you can also benefit from 0% VAT thanks to an announcement made by the government.  This VAT cut will be available from 1 April 2022 until 2027.  As a result, households looking to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes will benefit from further savings with this recent incentive.  This is applicable when installing insulation and renewable measures.

Are Solar Panels right for your home?

To maximise the benefits of a solar panel system, including what electricity the panels generate on your roof, it is always recommended to consider a few factors – orientation, angle/pitch, shading and size of the roof.  An MCS Accredited installer would carry out these checks at the survey stage.

Learn more on the factors you should think about when considering if your home is suitable for solar PV.

Solar Panel installation process

Typically, solar panels can be installed within one day.  There are several stages to the Solar PV installation process, including erecting scaffolding, fitting roof anchors, attaching the frame and installing the solar panels themselves.  Both Solar PV Roof Technicians and an Electrician, are involved in the installation.

Read more about how solar panels are installed. 

Are there any grants available to help with the cost of installing Solar Panels?

Yes, funding may be available from the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme.  This is an obligation on energy companies to provide funding for energy-saving measures, by the government, to upgrade the energy efficiency of the country’s worst-performing housing and to provide fuel poverty support.  ECO4 funding is available for households with low incomes, in receipt of qualifying benefits and with a low property EPC rating. This is part of a wider government strategy to reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty and help householders save money on their energy bills.

How much money can I save on my energy bills?

This really depends on a few factors; including how much electricity you use, the time of day and the position of your newly installed solar panels.

For an estimate, you can use this handy calculator see get an idea of how much savings you will make. Check your savings here

How long do solar panels last for?

Solar panels are made to last for more than 25 years.

Do you have to maintain a solar panel system?

One major benefit of a solar panel system is that they generally need very little if any maintenance and usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty of around 25 years.

Are Solar PV Panels harmful to the environment?

Solar panels do not create greenhouse gas emissions or contribute to global warming, and they can last for more than 25 years. In fact, a solar PV system can actually help to improve the environment around it by reducing air pollution from traditional fuel sources.

How do you prevent birds from nesting underneath solar panels?

Solar panels can form a perfect warm space for birds.  However, we can install a great solution – a bird protection device.

Do Solar PV panels only work well in areas with lots of sunlight?

While it is true that solar PV works best under clear, sunny skies, solar panels work to produce electricity even on cloudy days. For areas that receive less than an average of four hours of sunlight per day, solar PV is still a viable option.

Can solar panels only produce electricity during the day?

While it is certainly true that solar panels do produce significantly more energy during daylight hours than at night, there are now commercially available products for storing energy that can be used at night. The technology for batteries capable of storing energy is constantly improving, and battery prices are coming down significantly in recent years.

How many solar panels do I need on my roof?

This really depends on a number of factors but more importantly, you need to understand how much power you want to generate and also store. Read more on how many PV panels you need here

Can I only use the electricity I generate through the day?

This depends on if you choose to have solar battery storage or not. If you install batteries, you can use the electricity you generate after sunlight hours. If you don’t have batteries, you need to think about the appliances that use the most electricity, there are certain washing machines and dryers that you can time to do your laundry in the day. This could help with energy costs.

How long does it take for a solar panel system to be installed?

It usually takes 1-2 days to fit the solar panels, depending on the size of your property.

Are installers employed by Dyson Energy Services?

Yes. Our professionally employed teams are trained to the highest standards. In fact, Dyson Energy is now working with colleges and the Prince’s Trust to help train the next-generation retrofit installers in the UK.