Many households will consider whether solar panels are a worthwhile investment for them – and in most cases they will be.
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether solar panels are right for you apart from just financially. These factors can include what type of house you live in and whether your roof is suitable for them.
How do you know if they are right for you? Read on to find out if solar panels are right for you.
The Benefits of Solar Panels?
There are many benefits of solar panels including:
- Reducing your energy bills – By generating electricity you will not only cut your reliance on the National Grid but also your energy bills.
- Generate money – If you have excess electricity that your panels have generated, but you haven’t used, you can sell this electricity back to the grid for some extra cash.
- Solar power is clean and green – Do your part in helping tackle the climate crisis by switching to solar as it is a low carbon, renewable energy source.
Are Solar Panels Right For Me?
Solar panels may be right for you if:
You Own Your Home
Typically, those who own the home they are staying in will be more likely to install solar panels.
However, you can still install them in some cases if you live in a flat or rent, it just might be a bit more complicated.
If you live in a block of flats you may not be able to install them as you may not own the roof. This doesn’t mean you can’t install solar panels. To install them you would need to speak to the relevant authorities such as the building management company.
If you rent you would need to discuss installing them on the roof with the landlord.
You Have High Electricity Bills
Solar panels generate electricity for your household so you can reduce or completely cut your reliance on the national grid.
If you pay a substantial amount in energy bills every month then they may be right for you.
This is because the cost of solar panels and their installation may outweigh the cost of your monthly energy bills.
Your Roof Isn’t Shaded Between 10 am and 4 pm
Solar panels rely on direct sunlight to generate electricity. If your roof is fully or even partially shaded during peak sunlight hours, then they may not be for you.
This is due to the system not being able to generate enough electricity to be worthwhile the investment.
If your roof is shade-free during these hours then you will reap more of the benefits of solar panels.
Your roof is in the correct orientation
Solar panels are most efficient on south-facing roofs. This is due to it receiving maximum sunlight over the course of a day.
Your roof orientation is extremely important to your solar panel system and can determine whether they are right for you and your home.
East and west-facing roofs still generate a sufficient amount of energy. North-facing roofs are the least effective as they receive very little direct sunlight meaning they won’t be as efficient as panels installed in another orientation.
You have enough roof space
Roof space is extremely important for the installation of solar panels.
According to the Energy Savings Trust, the average solar panel system is around 3.5 kilowatt peak (kWp). Most panel systems typically cover between 10 to 20 square metres of roof surface area.
If you don’t have enough roof space then you can alternatively install panels in other places such as your garden.
Ground-mounted panels offer a solution for those who don’t have the roof space. They are also just as efficient as long as they are not shaded throughout peak sunlight hours. This is of course if you have enough garden space for them.
You Are Environmentally Conscious
Solar panels are low carbon, renewable energy source. So you could generate your electricity and save money on your bills whilst also being environmentally friendly.
If you are someone who cares about the environment or wants to cut your carbon footprint then they may be for you.
You Are Eligible for Free Government Funding
At Homeshield Scotland, we have been providing homeowners with ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
We have been installing renewables such as solar panels in customers’ homes for a number of years.
Start your journey to a cheaper and greener future today!
Get a quote for solar panels here.
