By installing solar panels, you can generate your own electricity, reducing your carbon emissions and electricity bills. They’re durable and low maintenance, and you can even sell surplus power.
Make hay while the sun shines
There are many benefits of solar electricity – here are just a few:
Lowering energy costs
Solar electricity relies on free sunlight, reducing your energy bills after the initial installation.
Reduce carbon emissions
Solar electricity is a clean, renewable source of energy that can help reduce carbon emissions, potentially saving up to one tonne of carbon per year.
Increasing control
With a solar system you have the ability to control and manage your energy use, particularly when combined with battery storage.
Generating energy all year round
Solar PV systems are more efficient and generate most power when in full direct sun, but you can still produce energy with some shading and on dull days.
Driving down car running costs
If you can switch to an electric vehicle, you can save money on petrol or diesel and charge your car on your own drive.
Power to the people
One of the main things you’ll need to consider is how you use the power you’ll be generating from Solar.
Use all the electricity you generate
Make sure the dishwasher, washing machine or electric vehicle charger is being used during daylight hours, while electricity is being generated. You can also fit a solar immersion controller to a water cylinder, using solar energy to heat hot water.
Get paid for any unused electricity
The Smart Export Guarantee scheme (SEG) means homeowners with Solar PV can get paid for any electricity they don’t use that gets exported to the grid. Bear in mind the amount you'll receive per kWh is much lower than the price you pay from your supplier.
Store generated electricity to use later
Installing a battery system means you can take full advantage of what you generate, maximising the return on your investment. This also means you can use appliances or charge vehicles overnight when it’s likely to be parked.
We’ve partnered with Marley, manufacturers of in-roof solar systems, to help you understand what your ideal system would be.
This easy to use calculator tool will help you work out the ideal configuration for the roof space, and download it as a list of components ready to order from your local branch of MKM. If you need any help the team at your branch will be happy to help.
To understand the benefit of a solar installation on a property, we have a handy tool, courtesy of the Energy Saving Trust. It uses the postcode, pitch, shading and direction of the property, plus installation size and the times of day the property is occupied, to estimate the energy savings that could be achieved.
Up on the roof
What is the best way to add solar to a property or build? It depends on the property but here are some of the main things to think about.
In roof solar panels:
• Are integrated into the roof, creating a sleek and seamless look. • Provide better protection from weather elements as they are covered by the roof. • Better for aesthetic reasons as they don't disrupt the roof line. • A great option for new construction projects. • As easy to fit into an existing roof as a roof window.
On roof solar panels:
• Are installed on top of an existing roof and are easier to install and remove. • Cost-effective than in roof panels as they do not require roof modifications. • Can be a good option for retrofit projects.
Ground mounted solar panels:
• Are mounted on posts & rails that are fixed into the ground. • Bypass any roof issues, whether that’s a structural, space or angle. You can fix them in the most efficient direction and they’re easy to clean. • But they’re still a niche option, and only really suitable if you have a lot of land at your disposal. Most of us prefer to use our garden for leisure, entertaining or hobbies than energy generation.