The world is changing. Climate change is a reality, and there’s a very real need for everyone to shift focus toward renewable energy sources. One of the most popular choices when it comes to renewables is solar panels because they can be set up on the roof of the majority of homes and provide most of the energy you need.
But what are the pros and cons of solar panels? Will the government grants available make solar an affordable option for many? And will the money they save you on bills justify any upfront costs you might have to pay?
Solar Panel Pros and Cons: The Advantages of Solar Panels
UK Government Grants
The prospect of receiving a grant to to cover the costs of a solar installation is now very real with the government’s Warm Homes Plan. Previously grants were available in some rare cases under the ECO4 Scheme, but this has ECO scheme funding comes to an end at the end of 2026, and is effectively succeeded by Warm Homes funding offering free solar grants worth up to £15,000.
To qualify for the grant, you need to be:
- A low-income household (usually £36,000 or less)
- Live in private accommodation (private or rented)
- Have an Energy Performance Certificate D, E, F or G
Cheaper Energy Bills
Solar panels can help significantly reduce your household or business energy bills. This is because, once they are installed, they provide you with free energy which can offset the cost of the electricity you use from the grid. This can lead to lower energy bills because you are using more of your own electricity instead of paying for grid electricity. This is one of the main reasons why people choose to install solar panels.
In some cases, solar panels can completely eliminate your energy bills, but savings depend on how much electricity you use, the size of your solar panel system, how much sun you get, and local electricity costs. The best thing to do is to speak to a solar panel expert who can give you an estimate of how much you could save. Enter your postcode here to find out more about how much you could save on your energy bills.
As a benchmark, a four-bedroom household in London that is home all day could up to £330 through a solar installation. These savings, according to Energy Saving Trust estimates, could increase to as much as £930 if the households is able to sell the excess energy produced and receive export payments.
Renewable Energy
Solar panels are a renewable energy source, and one of the key solar energy advantages for households is that they can help cut reliance on finite fossil fuels. They also support sustainable energy by turning the sun’s energy into usable power without depleting fuel reserves.
Added House Value
Solar panels can also increase property values because they improve energy efficiency and are therefore desirable. Homes with solar panels can typically sell sell for around 4% more and will often sell faster.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Solar panels offer clean energy and generate clean electricity during operation. This is in contrast to fossil fuels, as they help reduce carbon emissions and leave a smaller carbon footprint than coal, oil, and natural gas. A typical solar panel can save nearly 1 tonne of carbon dioxide per year.
Cheap Low Maintenance
Solar panels are low maintenance and need very little upkeep because they have no moving parts. Often only an annual check-up and routine cleaning to ensure they are working properly.
Greater Energy Independence
Solar panels can support greater energy independence, but solar systems typically reduce reliance on the grid rather than guarantee complete self-sufficiency on their own. Pairing panels with solar batteries improves backup power during outages and makes your home’s electricity supply more resilient. This is a huge advantage for many people as their own energy production gives them more control over their energy supply and makes them less vulnerable to power cuts, blackouts and price spikes.
Excess Energy Can Be Sold to the Grid
In most cases, when solar panels generate more electricity than your home needs during the daytime, that surplus energy can be exported to the grid. If your home is connected, you can use solar-generated electricity first, and if the system generates extra power beyond what you use, the additional units your panels generate can be sold back to the grid.
This is a great way to earn some extra money while also helping the environment. To get paid for any solar generated electricity you export under the Smart Export Guarantee, you’ll need a suitable tariff and compatible metering through your energy supplier.
Easy Solar Energy Storage
Solar panels also have the advantage of supporting solar energy storage for use at night or during a power cut. This is possible because the panels are often used in conjunction with batteries which store the excess electricity produced during the daytime for later use. Battery capacity can also be expanded over time, giving homeowners more flexibility if they add more solar panels later.
Extensive Warranties
Solar panels usually come with extensive warranties of up to 25 years. This means you can have complete peace of mind that your investment will last for many years to come. The warranty should cover both the panels and the inverter (the device which converts solar power into electricity) and will ensure you are not left out of pocket if anything goes wrong.
Solar Panel Initial Costs Are Becoming Lower
The cost of solar panels has fallen significantly in recent years, making them more affordable than ever before. In 2010, the average cost of installing a solar PV system was around £12,000. Today, the same system would likely cost less than half that amount.
The falling cost of solar panels is due to a number of factors including economies of scale, better manufacturing, and ongoing innovation by solar panel manufacturers across the solar industry. This has made them an increasingly attractive investment for many people as the return on investment has become much higher.
Solar Panel Pros and Cons: The Disadvantages of Solar Panels
Upfront Costs Can be High
The main downside of solar panels is the upfront cost. Although the prices have fallen dramatically in recent years, they are still quite expensive to purchase and install. This means it can take a long time to recoup your investment and start seeing a return on your money. Government incentives, including grants and 0% VAT payable on solar installations, can both help with the costs of having solar panels fitted.
You May Need A Lot of Space To Have Solar Panels Installed
Another potential downside of solar panels is that you need a lot of space to install them. This is because most systems require around 15-20 square metres of roof space to generate energy sufficient to be viable. The space and number of solar panels will affect both power output and overall energy generation for your home.
Additionally, for some their roof isn’t orientated in the right direction to make solar panels a viable option. A south facing roof usually gives the best results, while a flat roof may need extra mounting hardware and higher installation costs. Furthermore, your solar investment tends to be tied to you property as once a solar panel system is in place, it can be difficult and expensive to relocate.
Solar Panels Work Best in Sunny Weather
Solar panels work best in direct sunlight because that is when panels generate the most electricity. The amount of energy generated depends on sunlight levels, shading, and local conditions, so solar output varies through the year. This means they are not as effective in the UK as they are in other countries where sunlight is much more reliable. This is what puts off many British people from making the switch to solar power.
No Energy is Produced at Night
Solar panels only produce electricity during the daytime when the sun is shining, and no solar energy is generated at night. This means solar panel owners will still need grid electricity or stored power to run their home after sunset. This can negate the entire point of switching to solar power if you are trying to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
One way to get around this is to have a solar panel installer also use battery technology that can store the electricity generated by your solar panels during the day and provide more electricity for use later. This helps shift renewable power into the evening, but the system will not generate again until daylight returns.
Alternatively, you could consider using a ‘time of use’ tariff which is cheaper at night. This would mean you would still be using some energy from the grid, but it could help reduce electricity costs and overall energy costs even if you still rely on some grid power overnight. Some homes also pair solar with a heat pump to make better use of daytime renewable electricity.
Your Solar Array May Still be Insufficient For Your Needs
For many people their need to install panels is because they want to eliminate their electricity bills and reduce their reliance on the national grid. However, depending on their electricity needs and the amount of solar energy they are producing, this may still fall well short of what they need.
Large households with significant electricity demand, who also are trying to charge multiple electric cars, may find that their solar array is insufficient for their needs. That said, they should still be making large savings, just by reducing their grid demand.
Solar Conclusions
As you can see, the decision of whether solar panels are right for you is a question that requires a lot of careful consideration. There are various advantages and disadvantages to take into account before making a decision. However, for most people, the pros generally outweigh the cons, making solar panels and battery storage an increasingly popular choice for those looking to switch to renewable energy.
If you’re thinking about making the switch to solar power, enter your postcode here to find out more about local installation services and to find out if you are eligible for a government grant. With the majority of the world looking to make the shift to renewables, and enjoy lower electricity bills, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the opportunities presented by solar grants and having solar panels installed.
