This isn't the case for renewable electricity tariffs sold by energy suppliers. Adding solar panels improves the energy performance of your home, too, and can boost your energy perfomance certificate (EPC) rating. Live more sustainably: get our free monthly Sustainability newsletter to make eco-friendly changes for you, your home and the planet
Installing solar panels lets you use free, renewable, clean electricity to power your appliances. You can sell extra electricity to the grid or store it for later use. There are over 1.3 million installations on homes across the UK – see where the UK solar panel hotspots are.
You’ll also need an inverter as part of your solar panel system, as this is what converts solar energy into the AC electricity used by the grid. Solar batteries are an additional investment that allows you to store surplus solar energy for later use or to sell back to the National Grid.
The solar panel system and installer you choose should meet the standards of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). And make sure the installer is a member of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code or the Home Insulation and Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme (HIES).
It’s also worth considering solar panels' value as a home improvement. Solar panels are attractive to potential new homeowners when you next sell your home, which can increase your property value as a result.
You OWN the solar panels. Under these schemes, you pay for solar panels over a fixed period, say 20 years. There are no upfront costs, and instead you pay a monthly fee, which usually covers the solar panel and battery installation, repairs and maintenance.