How Much Energy Can You Save with Solar Power in the UK?

As the world shifts towards more sustainable energy sources, many homeowners in the UK are exploring the potential of solar power. But just how much energy can you save with solar panels? Let’s delve into the details of solar energy savings and how they can impact your household and the environment.

How Much Can I Really Save on My Energy Bills if I Switch to Solar Energy?

Saving money on energy bills is at the forefront of most people’s minds at the moment, as we continue to face the challenges of the cost of living crisis. More and more people are turning to renewable energy sources like solar panels and battery storage to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills. With the right combination of solar panels and batteries, homeowners can power their homes using renewable energy and potentially even go off the grid.

If you’re considering making the switch to solar panels and a battery storage system, you may be wondering: how much can I really save on my energy bills?

Solar Panels – How Much Can I Really Save on My Energy Bills in the UK?

First, let’s look at solar panels. The amount of money you can save on your energy bills with solar panels depends on a few factors, such as the size of your solar system, the amount of energy you typically use, and the cost of electricity in your area. However, a typical solar panel system can save homeowners up to 50-70% on their energy bills.

One of the key reasons for these savings is that solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight, which is a free and abundant resource. Once your solar panels are installed, you’ll be generating your own electricity and using less energy from the grid, which can lead to lower bills.

Another important factor to remember is that solar panels are a long-term investment that can pay off in big ways over time. Most solar panels come with warranties of 20-25 years, and many panels can last much longer than that with proper maintenance. This means that once your system is paid off, you’ll be generating your own electricity for free and enjoying significant savings on your energy bills for decades to come.

Battery Storage – Maximising Your Savings

Next, let’s talk about battery storage. Battery storage systems allow you to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night. This can help reduce your reliance on the grid and potentially even eliminate your energy bills altogether.

The price of installing battery storage has decreased significantly in recent years, making it much more accessible for homeowners. Although the initial investment can still be a little pricey, the potential long-term savings can be very significant. A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that adding a battery storage system combined with solar panels can increase energy savings by up to 90%.

With the cost of energy bills rising, and a further increase of 20% expected in April 2023, now is the ideal time to make the switch to solar power.

Financial Benefits

Reduced Electricity Bills: By generating your own electricity, you can significantly cut down on your electricity bills. On average, a household with a 4kW system could save between £400 to £900 per year on electricity bills.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Introduced in January 2020, the SEG scheme allows homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the grid. The rates vary depending on the energy supplier, but this can provide an additional income stream, further enhancing your savings.
Government Incentives: While the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme has ended, the UK government still supports solar power through VAT reductions on solar panel installations and other incentives, making the initial investment more affordable.

Environmental Impact

Switching to solar power not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint. A typical 4kW solar panel system can save approximately 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Over a system’s 25-year lifespan, this equates to around 37.5 tonnes of CO2, significantly contributing to the fight against climate change.

Is Solar Power Worth It?

Investing in solar panels is a long-term commitment. The initial cost of installation can be substantial, ranging from £4,000 to £6,000 for a 3-4kW system. However, with the falling cost of solar technology and the potential for significant savings on electricity bills, many homeowners find that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Moreover, as energy prices continue to rise, having a solar panel system can provide a buffer against these increases. With the added advantage of reducing your environmental impact, solar power is becoming an increasingly attractive option for UK homeowners.

Conclusion

Solar power offers a practical and sustainable way to reduce energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. The amount of energy you can save depends on several factors, but with the right system, location, and energy usage habits, the benefits can be substantial. As the UK continues to move towards greener energy solutions, investing in solar power is a step towards a more sustainable future.

To get a better idea of exactly how much you could save by making the switch to solar panels and battery storage, click here to speak to our friendly team at Holicon Energy. We can then send someone out to you to assess your energy usage patterns, evaluate your property for the suitability of a solar energy system, and provide you with an estimate of how much you can expect to save on your energy bills.

With the right support and system, you can enjoy lower energy bills and a more sustainable future for the planet.