With the increasing cost of electricity and growing concerns over environmental issues, both homeowners and businesses today are turning to solar power as a way to power their homes.

Solar power systems harness energy from the sun, which can be used to generate electricity and heat water. By simply installing a rooftop solar panel system on their, we found that customers can reduce their reliance on grid electricity, lower their utility bills, and make a positive impact on the environment by reducing their carbon footprint. Introducing solar power in a home offers numerous benefits, both economic and environmental, making it an attractive option for a variety of our clients at Energy Problems.

Making the switch to solar power is important for several reasons, so we decided to put together some of the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, so you can be sure that you are making the right decision before you commit to a switch.

Why have so many people switched to use solar energy?

First and foremost, solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, meaning that it does not emit harmful pollutants or contribute to climate change. By using solar power, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which are finite resources that release carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions when burned. Additionally, solar technology can provide significant cost savings over time, as homeowners can generate their own electricity and reduce their dependence on grid power.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2020, solar power was the leading source of new electricity generation capacity worldwide, accounting for 45% of the total capacity additions. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with the IEA forecasting that solar power will account for around 60% of the total capacity additions in the next decade.

Making the switch to solar power can also increase energy independence and security, whether you are powering one home, or an entire business, you will be less vulnerable to power outages and fluctuations in energy prices. Overall, making the switch an important step towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

According to Solar Power Europe, the UK installed 545 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity in 2020, bringing the country’s total installed solar capacity to 14.1 gigawatts (GW). This represents a significant increase from just 1.5 GW in 2013, and the UK is now among the leading countries in Europe in terms of solar capacity.

In addition, the UK government has set a target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which has increased the focus on renewable energy sources such as solar power. According to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), solar power accounted for 4.6% of the UK’s electricity generation in 2020, up from 2.5% in 2017. The BEIS also notes that over 1.1 million homes in the UK now have solar panels installed, with homeowners able to earn money through the government’s Feed-in Tariff scheme.

Overall, the adoption of solar energy in the UK has been growing steadily in recent years, with falling costs and government support helping to drive the transition to clean energy production.

The advantages and disadvantages of going solar

Renewable energy sources take you off grid

Getting solar panels installed can help you reduce your reliance on the grid because they allow you to generate your own electricity, with many getting to the point where they can sell energy back to the grid, meaning there could be other financial benefits.

In some cases, if your solar panels generate more electricity than you need, you can also export the excess electricity back to earn credits or through a process known as net metering. This means that you can effectively offset the cost of the electricity you purchase from the national grid when your solar panels are not generating enough power, further reducing your reliance on them.

While it may not be possible to completely disconnect from the grid and rely solely on solar power in all cases, solar panels can significantly reduce your dependence on grid electricity and provide greater energy independence and security. Additionally, as the cost of solar systems continue to fall, the economic benefits of generating your own electricity are becoming increasingly attractive to homeowners.

Solar panels work by harnessing energy from the sun’s energy and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity, which can then be converted into alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter. This AC electricity can be used to power your home’s appliances and lighting, reducing the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the grid.

Solar panels are long lasting, and do not often need to be replaced

Solar (or pv) panels are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Most solar panels come with a warranty that guarantees their performance for 25 years, although they can often last much longer than that. In fact, many solar panels can continue to produce electricity at a high level for 30 years or more.

The durability of PV panels is due in part to the materials used in their construction. Most solar pv are made from silicon, which is a highly durable and stable material. The panels are also designed to withstand a range of weather conditions, including hail, high winds, and extreme temperatures. The panels are typically mounted on sturdy frames and secured to roofs or other structures to ensure that they are not damaged or dislodged during storms or other adverse weather events.

To ensure that your solar panels last as long as possible, it is important to properly maintain and care for them. This includes regularly cleaning the panels to remove dirt and debris, checking for any damage or wear and tear, and ensuring that they are installed and mounted correctly. With proper maintenance and care, solar panels can provide clean and reliable energy for many years, making them a smart investment whether you are looking to expand your business, or have just bought your first home.

Solar energy reduces water pollution

When even your water benefits from the use of solar energy, it’s no wonder so many people want to add this option to their energy supply. Solar energy can help to reduce water pollution by reducing the amount of water used in electricity generation. Traditional fossil fuel power plants require large amounts of water to generate electricity, primarily for cooling purposes. This water is often withdrawn from nearby rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, and can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

In contrast, solar power does not require any water to generate energy, making it a much more water-efficient energy source. Solar panels simply convert energy from the sun into electricity, without the need for any water to be used in the process. This can help to reduce the strain on water resources and protect aquatic ecosystems from the negative impacts of water withdrawals and discharges.

In addition to reducing water use, solar energy can also help to reduce other types of water pollution associated with traditional electricity generation, such as the discharge of pollutants from power plants into waterways. By switching to solar power, we can help to reduce the environmental impacts of our energy use and move towards a more sustainable and responsible energy system.

How much does solar panel installation cost?

The cost of installing solar panels in a home in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the solar system, the type of solar panels used, the complexity of the installation, and the location of the home. However, as a rough estimate, the cost of a typical residential solar system in the UK can range from around £4,000 to £10,000.

The cost of solar panels has fallen significantly in recent years, making them a more affordable option for homeowners looking to generate their own electricity. Additionally, there are a number of government incentives and financing options available that can help to further reduce the cost of installing solar panels, such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and Green Homes Grant Scheme.

If you are already seeing the advantages of solar on your energy bills, or simply be less harmful to the environment, there are several options for finding reputable installers in your area. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Solar Energy UK: This is the trade association for the UK solar industry, and they have a directory of member companies on their website. You can search for solar installers in your area and read reviews from other customers.
2. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS): This is a certification scheme for renewable energy products and installers in the UK. You can search for MCS-certified solar installers on their website.
3. Local directories and review sites: Check online directories like Yelp or Trustpilot to find local solar installers, and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their reputation.
4. Recommendations from friends and family: If you know someone who has already installed technology like this, ask them for recommendations and advice.

But despite the low maintenance cost and other solar power benefits, there are still some downfalls to solar energy today.