After the panels pay for themselves, UK homeowners can between £400 and £500 on energy by investing in solar energy. Solar panels aren’t the only way to lower your monthly energy costs – there are plenty of solar technologies you can consider for your home.
What are the components of a solar system, and what are the other solar products to consider?
Keep reading as we explore the components of a solar system and the various solar products for UK homeowners to go green and make significant savings.
What Is a Solar System?
A solar panel system comprises many components, not just the solar panels on your roof. To help you understand what’s behind home solar energy, let’s discuss the main features of a solar system.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are part of a solar system that collects the sun’s UV rays and converts them into energy. Photovoltaic panels are designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) energy.
To build a solar system, you’ll generally require more than one solar panel. You should calculate the solar panels you need to power most of your energy use with solar energy and make drastic savings on your monthly energy bills. Here’s how to make that calculation:
- Calculate your household’s hourly energy consumption using averages from your last few energy bills.
- Calculate the number of sunlight exposure hours for your home.
- Multiply these figures.
- Divide the result by the wattage of one solar panel.
By making this calculation, you can ensure most of your energy consumption is covered by energy generated from your solar panels.
Solar Inverter
Without a solar inverter, the energy generated from your solar panels would be useless. A solar inverter is responsible for converting the direct current (DC) energy generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC). AC energy is the energy we use every day to power household appliances like hoovers, washers, dryers, kettles, and heating systems.
When you have solar panels installed in your home, a solar inverter will generally be fitted in your attic, in a utility closet, or your garage – somewhere you can easily access it for repairs and maintenance.
You can choose from two types of solar inverters when planning your home’s system:
- On-grid inverters – this type of inverter allows you to switch between solar and grid power efficiently, so your home always has access to power.
- Off-grid inverters – if you want to eliminate your use of grid power, an off-grid inverter is the right choice. However, you must invest in a solar battery to access this option.
Solar Battery
A solar battery is the storage component of a solar system and is entirely optional. If you want to save up excess energy to power your home at night or sell back to the grid, it’s worth investing in a solar battery.
You can choose from various battery storage sizes to suit your needs. Selling excess power back to the grid requires an on-grid inverter. Living completely off-grid isn’t possible unless you invest in a solar battery.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Solar Panels?
Are you aiming to cut your energy consumption and make savings using solar power? If you don’t have the resources to purchase solar panels or simply want more solar options, you’ve got plenty of choices. Let’s explore the best alternatives to solar panels for UK homeowners.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters are a great way to lower household energy consumption and take longer showers without worrying about your meter reading. A solar water heater has solar panels, ensuring your water is heated using entirely renewable energy.
Solar LED Skylights
A solar LED skylight is a much smaller investment than solar panels but makes a sound choice for businesses and homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption. Your home will be lit by faux LED skylight panels, providing the same ambience as natural lighting.
However, they will be powered by small solar panels, allowing you to enjoy the perfect ambient light in your home without worrying about the cost or environmental impact. This option is excellent for homeowners who want skylights but don’t have any viable ceiling space!
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK?
To install the best solar panels for UK homes, funding all components of a 3kW system and installation fees, you’ll pay around £7,000. You may access a government rebate, which helps you fund the upfront cost of your solar panels, solar battery, or solar water heater. It’s worth looking online to see if you’re eligible for a rebate before investing.
Summary
Are you feeling the sting of the energy crisis? Luckily, many options are available to help you reduce your monthly energy consumption. Whether big or small, investing in solar power technologies can help reduce the impact of fluctuating energy prices for you and your family – putting more in your pocket at the end of the month!
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