More than one million homes in the UK now have solar panels, and the energy source is becoming more common. According to a government report in July 2021, people were most concerned about cost, installation and maintenance before making a choice. In light of this, we consulted 1,000 solar panel owners to bring you the answers to your questions.
The Most Common Concerns and Myths About Solar PV: Debunked!
1 – Solar Panels Are Much Too Expensive
You may have heard that solar panels are expensive. This isn’t the case anymore. The price has dropped dramatically in recent years, so the average system currently costs around £5,000, a significant decrease from £10,000 in 2010.
Solar panels come in two main types: crystalline and thin film. Crystalline panels tend to cost more, but they are still very affordable, as well as more efficient, as they convert more of the sun’s energy into electricity.
Thin film panels are cheaper, but they are less efficient than crystalline panels and are best for smaller solar applications, such as powering garden lights.
2 – Solar Panels Are Too Difficult To Install
Solar panels are fairly straightforward to install. The average system installation should take a fully qualified installer only a day, and most companies will offer an installation service, including maintenance.
If you want to DIY, you can look at buying a kit to install the panels yourself or buying the panels and installing them yourself. You’ll need to choose a suitable place to install your panels, and you may want to speak to your local authority about what, exactly, you’ll need to do.
3 – Solar Panels Are Unreliable
The solar panels in our survey were set to a generally reliable 85%.
Solar panel systems are powered by photovoltaic cells, which are essentially energy-converting cells that can be used to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. These cells are installed in solar panel units, which are then connected in series, producing a single panel. Each solar panel generates about 80W – 120W of power during the day.
4 – There Is Not Enough Sun for Solar Panels to Work
Solar panels can still turn out a reasonable amount of power on cloudy and rainy days, but they are optimised to work in direct sunlight. Most panels are now filled with a special fluid similar to anti-freeze, which absorbs more heat from the sun and warms up further in the event of cloudy weather.
5 – Solar Panels Cost More Than Other Sources of Power
It is true that solar power is more expensive than traditional fuels. However, it does not have to be a long-term investment. Solar panels last for 25 years and are estimated to cost around £200 a year to maintain.
Compare this to other sources of electricity. Estimates by the British Solar Trade Association show that buying 20 kWh of electricity from the national grid will cost you between £3,250 and £3,750 over a 25-year period, which is higher than the cost of solar panels.
Conclusion
Solar panels are not only an environmentally-friendly way to generate power, but they can also be a good investment for your home. Solar power is a growing industry, and it is predicted that the cost of solar panels will continue to fall in the future.
Should you need help with solar PV installation, contact Design Electrical. Design Electrical is an electrical contractor based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Established in 1998, Design Electrical hold a certificate of recognition with the NICEIC electrical safety body, providing electrical contract services to domestic, commercial and industrial clients throughout the province. As specialists in the electric vehicle charging market, we can offer you the best solution for your charging needs.