Solar PV
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels allow you to generate your own clean, renewable electricity from sunlight. By installing solar panels on your home, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills, lower your carbon footprint, and even earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid.
In the UK, a typical home solar system can save between £200 and £500 per year on electricity bills, depending on your energy usage and the size of the system (Source: Energy Saving Trust).
How solar panels work
Solar panels are made of silicon cells that capture energy from sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. This is then passed through an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC)—the type of electricity used by your home appliances and the national grid.
Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to work; they can still generate electricity on cloudy days, though they are most efficient when the sun is brightest.
Benefits of solar power
- Financial savings: Reduce the amount of electricity you need to buy from your supplier.
- Energy independence: Protect yourself against future energy price rises by generating your own power.
- Carbon reduction: A typical home solar system can save around one tonne of CO2 per year.
- Earn money: Get paid for the electricity you don’t use through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
- Low maintenance: Solar panels have no moving parts and typically last for 25 to 30 years.
Maximise your savings: To get the best return on investment, we recommend combining solar panels with battery storage. This allows you to store the energy you generate during the day for use in the evening.
Tools
- Solar potential calculator — Estimate how much energy your roof could generate.
- Export income estimator — Calculate your potential earnings from the grid.
Guides
- Solar panel types — Comparing monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels.
- Solar thermal — Using sunlight to heat your water directly.
- Inverters and equipment — Understanding the hardware that powers your system.
- Battery integration — How to store your solar energy for later use.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — Getting paid for exporting power to the grid.
- Planning permission — Rules for roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems.
- Maintenance and cleaning — Keeping your panels at peak efficiency.
- Solar for business — Scaling solar for commercial and industrial properties.
- Feed-in tariffs — Important information for owners of older systems.
Troubleshooting & common problems
Issues you might encounter with your solar pv and how to solve them safely.
Solar generation lower than expected
Why your solar panels might not be producing as much electricity as you anticipated and how to investigate.
Pigeon nesting under solar panels
How to prevent and resolve issues caused by pigeons nesting under your solar panels, including noise, mess, and fire risks.
Inverter tripping or fault
What to do if your solar inverter displays an error code or keeps switching itself off.
Typical UK system sizes, costs and savings
- Common residential system: 3–5 kWp (8–12 panels depending on roof space and panel wattage).
- Typical cost: £4,000–£7,000 for a 3–4 kWp system (equipment, scaffold, installation).
- 0% VAT: Most domestic solar installs qualify for zero VAT on materials and installation in Great Britain.
Annual savings depend on self‑consumption and your tariff. Example for a 4 kWp system:
- Generation ~3,400 kWh/year (southerly roof, minimal shading).
- Self‑use 40% at a typical unit rate → 1,360 kWh x your unit price saved.
- Export 60% via SEG at your supplier’s export rate → 2,040 kWh x SEG price earned.
Adding a battery can increase self‑consumption and shift usage to cheaper time‑of‑use periods; economics depend on your usage profile and tariff.
Frequently asked questions
Do solar panels work in winter and on cloudy days?
Yes. Output is lower in winter and on cloudy days, but panels still generate energy from diffuse light.
What roof orientation is best?
South‑facing roofs with a 30–40° pitch are ideal, but east/west roofs can also perform well and provide a broader generation profile through the day.
Do I need planning permission?
Most roof‑mounted domestic systems are permitted development. Conservation areas, listed buildings, or ground‑mounts may need consent—check local rules.
How much maintenance is required?
Very little. Occasional cleaning and inverter replacement after 10–15 years are the main items. Panels often carry 25‑year performance warranties.
Do I need a battery?
Not necessarily. Batteries can improve self‑use and resilience, but payback depends on your pattern of use and tariff.
How does SEG payment work?
You’ll need a smart meter and an export tariff from a supplier. Payments are for each kWh exported; rates vary by supplier and can be fixed or variable.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust — Solar PV guidance on costs and savings.
- GOV.UK — Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) overview and supplier obligations.
- MCS — Certified products/installers and consumer guidance.
- Ofgem — Export tariff and supplier information.
- Planning Portal — Permitted development for roof‑mounted solar.
- HMRC — Energy‑saving materials VAT relief (0% for eligible installs).
Written by NetZeroNow Editorial Team | Last updated on 2026-03-23