Around 142,000 homes in Scotland have had solar panels installed to date according to the most recent figures from Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular with last year being a record year for heat pumps and solar panels in Scottish homes and businesses.
The vast majority of MCS installations registered last year were solar panels, at nearly 26,000. This is a 174% increase from 2020, when just over 9,000 certified solar panel installations were carried out.
With rising popularity as well as rising energy bills, now is the time to start looking into solar energy.
Read on to find out more about whether solar panels are worth it in Scotland.
Are Solar Panels Effective in Scotland?
Despite Scotland’s usually dull and gloomy weather, solar panels are still a highly effective and worthwhile investment for Scottish homeowners.
Solar panels work by absorbing solar energy through the photovoltaic (PV) cells in the panels. This is then converted into usable electricity. The panels don’t need direct sunlight to work.
While they don’t need direct sunlight to generate electricity, solar panels are still more effective in the sunnier months during spring and summer – compared to the months during autumn and winter.
Read on to find out more about solar panels and whether they are a worthwhile investment for you.
What Are The Benefits of Solar Panels?
There are many benefits of solar panels including:
- Reducing your energy bills – By generating your own 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 solar 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 a Worthwhile Investment?
While the initial cost of solar panels may be expensive, the long term savings can make them a worthwhile investment.
By way of an example of how much a household in Scotland could save with solar panels, the Energy Saving Trust has produced the following estimated annual savings based on a property in Stirling and April 2023 figures:
According to the Energy Savings Trust, those in Scotland could save:
You can also sell your excess energy back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. This means your panels can pay for themselves quicker.
Make sure the installers you look at are MCS-certified. Not only does this ensure safety, but it’s also part of the SEG eligibility criteria.
Are There Any Grants for Solar Panels in Scotland?
At Homeshield Scotland, we help provide homeowners with ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
We have been successful in helping our customers through the process of applying for government funding for renewables through Home Energy Scotland – who are funded by the Scottish Governent.
You could be eligible for up to £11,500 in free funding towards the installation of these renewables.
Check your eligibility and read more about the funding here and start your journey to a cheaper, warmer and greener future today and power your home with solar power.
