Expert tips on how to choose, buy and install the best type of solar panel systemUnderstand the difference between solar water heating and solar photovoltaicsWatch our solar PV installation video to see what's involved when buying In this guide (8 articles) How much do solar panels cost? Solar panel battery storage Buying advice for solar panels
Used panels make a lot of sense if you’re on a budget. With efficiency rising all the time, there’s a real drive for some consumers to get the best system they can. This often means they have little use for their old panels. The fact there’s almost no value in second-hand solar panels is bad news for them and good news for you.
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.
Well-chosen solar panels can provide a reliable source of renewable electricity for decades, helping to slash your electricity bills and cut your carbon footprint. But buying an inappropriate solar PV system for your home could leave you out of pocket.
Once your solar panel system is fitted, you'll need the MCS certificate to register for smart export guarantee payments with a licensed energy supplier. Some installers let you buy solar panels on credit. If you don't have the cash upfront, panels aren't for you. The loan's interest could dwarf the savings.
What DIY options are out there in the UK? Depending on what kind of system you want the options for DIY solar panel systems UK include most of the market and a couple of left-field options. We brushed over one of these options above i.e., second-hand, or salvaged solar systems, but there are also smaller portable units available now.