A Quick Guide to Solar Panels in 2024

Written-by

Janet Richardson

Reviewed-by

Richard Burdett-Gardiner

Updated on

Sep 04, 2024

A Quick Guide to Solar Panels in 2024

Solar Panel Information

Solar photovoltaic panels, or solar PV, are the world's leading renewable technology. They're used to power homes, businesses, and even cities. They use the natural power of the sun to generate the electricity that modern life demands in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way. 

There are many benefits to co-generating the electricity your home or business requires with solar photovoltaic panels. This article provides information on solar panels. We'll take a quick look at the property suitability, costs and grants, advantages, and disadvantages of solar PV to help you make an informed decision on whether solar is right for you.

 

The first solar cell was designed in 1767 by Horace-Benedict De Saussure and the first solar fully functional solar cell in 1883 by the scientist Charles Fritts. Over the years the technology of PV modules and more recently battery storage has advanced considerably. With great progress in solar panel efficiency and the benefits of mass production and distribution, they are more accessible and affordable.

Solar adoption in the UK is booming, saving homeowners and businesses fortunes on their energy bills, whilst reducing carbon emissions. The UK saw a significant increase in solar power adoption in 2023 with approx. 192,000 new installations bringing the UK's solar capacity to 15.6 GW. 

Solar power works by using multiple, individual PV cells and conductive materials constructed into a panel. An array of panels generate electricity which is fed to an inverter that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) which is the standard electricity used in our homes.

A solar battery can be added to the system to store the excess electricity the panels produce that isn't used at the point of generation. This electricity can then be used on demand, at night or on cloudy days.  

There are a few things we can look at to help you decide if installing solar panels could be right for you.

Types of Solar Panels

The type of solar PV panel and which ones to go for will depend on what you need them for, as well as the space you have available and the money you are willing to spend on them. Solar cells have come a long way since they first hit the domestic market here in the UK and they are now much more advanced, they're not only cheaper and more efficient, but more aesthetically pleasing too.

The main types of solar panel available are:

Monocrystalline solar module: Monocrystalline solar panels are popular for their high efficiency, typically ranging between 17-24%. They require less roof space compared to other types of panels, making them ideal for installations where space is limited. However, they tend to be more expensive due to the complex manufacturing process involved in producing the pure silicon crystals.

Polycrystalline solar module: Polycrystalline solar panels are made through a simpler and less wasteful manufacturing process, which makes them cheaper but generally less efficient, with efficiencies between 15-17%. They often have a blue tint and are commonly installed in situations where roof space is not a significant concern.

Thin film solar cells: Thin-film solar cells work by depositing several layers of photovoltaic material onto a substrate base. Various materials, such as amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or CIGS, can be used. These cells are relatively simple to mass-produce and can be cheaper and more flexible compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells.

Amorphous silicon solar cell: Amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells typically consist of several stacked layers to improve efficiency. However, despite this design, they remain less efficient compared to other types of solar cells, with typical efficiencies ranging from 6-10%.

Biohybrid solar cell: Biohybrid solar cells are designed to utilize a more natural method of energy conversion by combining organic materials, such as proteins involved in photosynthesis with synthetic components. This approach aims to harness the efficiency of natural photosynthesis.

Perovskite solar cells: Perovskite solar panels offer high efficiency. These panels combine organic and inorganic components to create a highly efficient and potentially lower-cost alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. They haven't hit the UK market in a big way yet, but we have high hopes that they will provide a much higher efficiency and low cost solar solution in the future. 

 

You can also buy roof tiles that are solar, although there really aren't many companies offering this solution in the UK. Solar tiles look just like normal roof tiles but contain solar cells. If you have a listed property, solar tiles can help you get planning consent. They're also a good solution for those who feel solar panels don’t look very attractive. The tiles are considerably more expensive than standard solar panels and you’re probably looking at around £12,000 - £18,000 for a 4kW system.

Solar batteries

Energy storage is becoming increasingly efficient and most installation companies will now offer a battery with their sales pitch. Adding a solar battery means that you can store the energy your system produces during the day for use at night or on cloudy days when less power is produced. This is a good way to ensure your home is even more energy efficient and that you get the most out of your panels.

For further information, please see our article on solar batteries. 

The Disadvantages of Solar Panels

Yes, there can be some, the main one being cost.

Upfront cost: The initial cost of installing solar panels is high, creating a barrier for many homeowners. A 4kW solar PV system will cost between £6,000 and £8,000 to install and that's without a battery. This has decreased a lot over the years because the panels have become cheaper to mass produce. This said, the savings you make on energy bills will outweigh this initial cost over time, generating a payback period. 

Dependence on sunlight: They are most effective in direct sunlight, but will still generate some electricity even in the depths of the British winter. Solar PV panels are much better at generating electricity just from light than they used to be, but the output will still be significantly lower on cloudy days. 

Going off-grid: Solar PV panels cannot work during the night so you'll still have some reliance on the grid. You can get a larger capacity system with battery storage to go completely off-grid, but doing so can extend the payback period. In order to cover your winter demand, you'll need to install a system that will generate far too much in the summer. There's usually a middle-ground where your solar panel investment produces a good percent of your annual demand and the grid fills in the gaps, providing the shortest payback period.  

Space requirements: A 4kW solar PV system requires about 28m2 of roof space and the optimal location for panels is south facing, with a 30 degree pitch and no shade. That said, anything from east to west through south is fine and a pitch between 12 and 45 degrees is usable. If there's a bit of shade, it's worth asking your installation company about micro-inverters. 

Aesthetic considerations: For some, this is a big issue. You may see a dozen shiny panels on your roof as a bit of an eye-sore. 

Battery costs: Solar generation peaks during the day but most homeowners electricity demand peaks during the evening. The best way get the most out of your solar panels is by using a battery to store power, ready to use during the evening. This said, batteries are still pretty expensive, generally between £3,000 and £10,000. That said, if you have high daytime electricity demand and a smaller solar panel system installed, a battery can be a bit redundant as you'll be using most of the electricity at the point of generation. 

Maintenance: Unlike a boiler, your solar panels should work efficiently without a yearly service, although the occasional inspection is advised. We get enough rain in the UK for most solar panel installation to stay fairly clean but if you're in an area with a lot of pigeons or seagulls then regular cleaning can be more of an issue. If you think your solar panels are not producing enough energy, then there are checks you can do or you can simply contact a certified installer to service your solar panel system.

Warranties: Solar panel warranties vary, depending on the manufacturer and model you go for. Always check before signing on the dotted line. Generally, you'll find that the panels themselves will be covered for 10-25 years. Solar panels tend to last for 25-35 years or more so it shouldn't be an issue, but always worth checking first.

Degradation: Over time solar panels lose efficiency. This means that as the panels age, their output will drop. The typical degradation rate for modern solar panels is about 0.5% to 1% per year, depending on the quality of the panels and environmental conditions.

Checklist: Is My Property Suitable for Solar Panels in the UK?

Always check what is suitable for your home before you make the investment. You should think about location and which way your roof faces. In the UK, south is optimal as your panels will be receiving sunlight all day, but anything from east to west through south is considered usable. Take a good look at your roof. How big is it? How many panels do you need? Will they fit? make sure they won’t be shaded too much by trees or neighbouring properties. 

It is important to get good quality quotes that take all these things into account. Initial cost for a photovoltaic system can be around £4,000/£10,000. The more roof space you have available the more you can get out of your pv system.

Roof Orientation and Tilt:
Is your roof facing east to west through south? Does your roof have a pitch between 25° to 45°? This range is optimal for solar energy production in the UK.

Roof Space and Size:
Do you have enough roof space? A typical 4kW system requires around 28 square meters. Is your roof free from obstructions like chimneys or skylights that could limit the space available for panels? Panels will need to be 200mm from the edge of the roof. 

Shading:
Are there any trees, buildings, or other obstacles casting significant shade on your roof? Shading can significantly reduce solar panel efficiency. Seasonal changes can also affect sunlight exposure.

Roof Condition:
Is your roof in good condition? Solar panels have a lifespan of 25+ years, so your roof should be sturdy and not in need of immediate repair. It's best to get any necessary work done before installing panels. 

Structural Integrity:
Can your roof support the weight of solar panels? You're installation company may need to carry out a structural assessment, especially for older properties.

Local Regulations and Planning Permissions:
Does your property fall under any restrictions, such as being in a conservation area or a listed building? Check with your local planning department if you're in any doubt. 

Energy Consumption:
Will solar panels suit your usage? Solar panels are most cost-effective when they offset a significant portion of your electricity bill.

Budget and Financial Incentives:
Have you considered the upfront costs and potential financial incentives? It's always worth making payback period calculations for different system designs. 

Battery Storage:
Are you considering battery storage? This can be particularly beneficial if your energy use is higher in the evenings.

Guide to Solar PV Costs

On average a typical 4kW solar PV system will cost between £6,000 and £8,000 installed, although quotes can vary widely based on geographical location, panel quality, and installation complexities. A 4kW system is the standard for the UK and the guide price covers 10-12 panels, inverters, mounting gear and installation. 

Higher-end systems, using more efficient panels or including battery storage, can cost significantly more. For example, a system with battery storage might increase the total cost to around £8,000 to £12,000. Larger systems, such as a 6kW setup, might range from £7,000 to £10,000​ (Energy Guide).

High-end solar PV systems, with top of the range panels and batteries can cost significantly more. A 6kW system with a battery can cost upwards of £12,000. There's a lot of competition for solar installs in the UK so it's worth getting a range of quotes from MCS accredited installation companies to ensure you get the best company and price.

The UK government currently offers a 0% VAT rate on solar panel installations, making them more cost-effective. Additionally, homeowners can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which enables them to earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid, further reducing the overall installation costs and payback period. 

Although the initial investment in solar panels can be significant, the long-term savings on energy bills, coupled with potential earnings from the SEG, make the initial outlay an attractive financial solution for those looking to cut their bills and protect themselves from future price increase. 

For a 28m2 roof with a 4kw system you could make savings of between 40% and 60% on your utility bills depending on how you use electricity in your household. This is the kind of system an average house would need at a cost of around £6,000/£8,000. If you couple your panels with a solar storage solution, you can potentially cut your electricity costs by 70% to 90% or more. 

Below is a table of estimated prices and roof space requirements. 

Property Type	Approx. Roof size	Approx System size	Average System cost (incl. VAT @ 5%)	CO2 Saved Per Year (tonnes)	Approximate Yearly System output
Small array	8m²	1kWp	£2,500 - £3,000	0.5	900 kWh
Small semi-detached	15m²	2kWp	£3,000 - £4,000	1	1,800 kWh
Average semi-detached	21m²	3kWp	£4,000 - £6,000	1.5	2,700 kWh
Average detached	28m²	4kWp	£6,000 - £8,000	2	3,400 kWh

Grants for solar

The Feed-In Tariff scheme which was launched in April 2010 closed for new customers at the end of March 2019. Those with existing contracts are not affected and continue to be paid. Under the Feed-In Tariff scheme there were two payments, a “generation tariff” and an “export tariff”. 

The “generation tariff” paid for all the electricity that a household generated. Rates were set by the government and depended on the size of your solar PV system and when you signed up to the scheme. In the early years rates were much higher – some paid more than 50p per kilowatt hour but were cut over the years and fell to around 4p for new customers by March 2019. Once you had secured a rate it was fixed for the life of your contract, typically 20 or 25 years. The payments reduced the overall time it took to get back your initial investment.

The government ended the FIT due to solar panel prices decreasing.The “export tariff” paid homeowners for the surplus energy they exported to the national grid. Rates were fixed by government for the entire contract term and were around the market rate for electricity. It was 3.82p/kWh until August 2012 and then 5.38p until the Feed-In Tariff scheme ended. Under the Feed-In Tariff all households were paid the same rate which was 50% of all the energy generated by the solar panels.

The actual amount exported to the grid was not measured, so everyone got this regardless of how much electricity they exported.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) is a scheme in the UK that allows households and businesses with small-scale renewable energy systems, such as solar PV panels, to earn money by exporting excess electricity back to the national grid. Introduced in January 2020, the SEG replaced the previous Feed-in Tariff (FiT) system.

The Smart Export Guarantee requires medium to large electricity supply companies with more than 150,000 electricity customers to offer a tariff to households who send electricity back to the grid. Smaller suppliers can do so on a voluntary basis.

In the past the Feed in Tariff offered a fixed rate determined by government. Now, instead of a subsidy, the new guarantee will be a minimum rate agreed between the bill payer and the energy company for each unit of electricity sent to the grid.

In order to benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee scheme, you must have an MCS certified installation and a smart meter. 

SEG payments vary considerably depending on the supplier. While some offer a few pence per kWh, others might offer higher rates, particularly if you are able to export electricity during peak demand times. Contracts are typically annual, but it's important to shop around for the best rate. Please see our article on the costs of solar panels for the latest tariffs. 

The scheme has created a whole new market, encouraging suppliers to competitively bid for this electricity, giving exporters a reasonable market price while providing the local grid with clean, green energy. 

The good news is the electricity sector is changing fast and there are many suppliers who want to embrace smart energy to help deliver a much more efficient, low-carbon energy infrastructure. Companies early to uptake the new system include, Octopus who are offering rates as high as £0.27 pp kWh and OVO who are offering £0.20 pp kWh. This is accurate as of 14/08/2024 and terms & conditions apply. 

DIY solar info

We often get asked if it's possible to buy the solar panel kit and install the system yourself. This can be possible in some cases and there are some easy to install solar kits around that could save you money. 
That said there are some considerations: 

In order to benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you must have an MCS certified installation. This means the products installed must be MCS certified and the installation must be signed off by an MCS accredited installer to make sure that safety standards are met. It may be difficult to get an MCS installer to sign-off on a system they didn’t install themselves.

There could be issues if you wish to sell your property. Surveyors will likely look for the relevant paperwork to make sure the system meets safety standards. 
Home insurance can also be compromised, so make sure you contact your insurance company in advance of installing any solar technology yourself. 

For further information, check the 'Further Reading' section on the right, give us a call or use the Contact Us form.