Solar panels were actually invented in the 1940s but have really advanced in terms of efficiency in recent years. In fact, solar panels, could be saving you hundreds or even thousands of pounds every year in energy.
In this guide, we'll share four key reasons, as well as the obvious economic benefit, of why you should be seriously considering installing solar panels on your home.
1. Environmental and Sustainability Benefits
We're all trying to do our bit to lower our carbon footprint and make steps towards a more sustainable future. Solar energy is a renewable energy and therefore produces no greenhouse emissions, in comparison to traditional fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels like oil or coal, creates dangerous greenhouse gases and harmful emissions. Installing solar panels on your property can be seen, therefore, as a major step towards you doing your bit for a greener future.
2. Economic Advantages
Lower Energy Bills
Taking the obvious environmental benefits of solar, the reduction of your energy bills is an absolute no brainer. In recent years, the cost of gas and electricity has soared. By producing your own electricity, you can reduce the amount that you take from the National Grid. Over time, the savings will offset the initial investment in solar panels. There are also initiatives from the UK government and various organisations that offer incentives and tax credits to solar homeowners, making it even more cost-effective.
Sell Energy Back to the National Grid
Another significant benefit of installing solar panels is the opportunity to sell any excess energy produced back to the National Grid. Through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) in the UK, electricity suppliers are required to offer special tariffs to any homeowners with solar panels. You can then earn some extra money by selling your renewable energy back to the grid. This will further offset your initial investment cost and also can create a source of extra income for your home.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Homes with solar panels can sell for more. Installing solar panels will boost your home's EPC rating, often to a minimum of D or above. An EPC rating provides an energy efficiency score for a home, ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and is based on various factors such as insulation, heating systems, and renewable energy sources like solar panels. A higher EPC rating will usually be more attractive to buyers as they will save money in the long run.
Future Proofing
Adding solar panels to your house futureproofs it against potential rising energy costs. As energy costs continue to rise and environmental concerns grow, solar energy is a sustainable and cost-effective solution that can protect you from any future uncertainties. Energy prices are expected to increase due to growing demand, dwindling fossil fuel reserves, and inflation. By generating your own solar power and storing it in batteries, you can shield yourself from these rising costs and lock in your electricity rates for future years.
Low Maintenance
Solar panels need little upkeep. Once installed, they are good to go. Unlike the other available renewable energy sources, solar panels have no moving parts, so there's less wear and tear. Therefore, your solar panels should require fewer repairs and offer a longer lifespan than other green energy sources, such as heat pumps. They are easy to clean and rainwater usually does the job. If any dirt or debris accumulates, it can be easily washed away with a garden hose. Most solar panels will come with a 20-30 year warranty and can last up to 40 years. This means peace of mind for years to come.
3. Energy Independence
By using solar panels, you reduce your dependence on energy providers. The greater the amount of energy you produce, the less you have to purchase from the grid. By purchasing a solar battery, you can further improve your self-reliance by storing excess energy for your family's use at night when the panels are not generating. With batteries, you could also have power even during local grid outages.
In a very uncertain age, this offers a huge sense of security and predictability. We’ve all seen how quickly the cost of gas and oil can rise as a result of external factors, like the war in Ukraine. Solar effectively de-risks your energy consumption by removing a large amount of reliance on what is increasingly a very volatile and vulnerable energy market. At least we know the sun isn’t going to stop shining for a few billion years or more. ☀
4. Technological Advancements
Solar panel technology and innovation has improved dramatically in the last few years. Now solar panels are more affordable, accessible and advanced than ever. There are two types of solar panels currently available on the market but Polycrystalline panels are rarely used now so we’re going to look at Monocrystalline Solar Panels here.
These are made from single-crystal silicon, which makes them highly efficient. They hHave a sleek black appearance and are space-efficient, making them suitable for smaller rooftops. Typically these panels are more expensive than polycrystalline panels but have higher efficiency and better performance in lower light conditions.
N-Type technology is revolutionising solar cells, promising superior performance and sustainability in solar energy applications. Let’s delve into what N-Type technology entails:
Understanding N-Type Technology:
N-Type technology uses phosphorus-doped silicon as the base material for solar cells. This silicon inherently has a negative (n) charge due to the extra electrons provided by phosphorus.
In contrast, the more common P-Type silicon, doped with boron, has a positive (p) charge due to the lack of electrons.
The ‘N’ in N-Type stands for negative, indicating the negative charge of the silicon that forms the majority of the cell’s structure.
Key Features of N-Type Silicon:
Reduced Light Induced Degradation (LID): N-Type silicon cells are less susceptible to LID compared to P-Type cells. LID can impair solar panel performance over time. The negative charge from phosphorus doping ensures that N-Type panels retain their initial efficiency levels for longer, enhancing overall energy yield and reliability.
Higher Efficiency: N-Type silicon cells excel in converting a higher percentage of sunlight into electricity due to their superior electronic properties. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in low-light conditions or on cloudy days.
Implications for the Solar Industry:
Enhanced Solar Panel Performance: N-Type technology propels solar panel performance into a new era, offering superior efficiency and resilience against degradation mechanisms.
Cost Implications: While N-Type technology may be costlier initially, its longevity and performance benefits can offset the investment.
Environmental Impact: With increased efficiency, N-Type panels contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of solar energy systems.
N-Type technology marks a departure from conventional P-Type panels, promising higher efficiency, reduced degradation, and superior performance across varied lighting conditions12.
With all these advantages, it's clear that solar panels are a smart choice for homeowners. If you're thinking about going solar, now's the perfect time to make the switch.
At Green Flare we provide high quality, sustainable solutions for those interested in lowering their carbon footprint and switching to a more environmentally friendly energy source. We offer solar panels to fit a variety of different roof types, allowing you to produce free, renewable energy for your home or business.
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