With electricity costs often changing, generating your clean energy with solar panels can protect you from future price increases. Plus, affordable batteries allow you to store excess solar energy, reducing your reliance on the grid.

The falling price trend is expected to continue, making now an ideal time to consider solar. By doing so, you can lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and secure your energy future.

---

Do Solar Panels Boost Your Home’s Value?

Absolutely! Studies have shown that homes with solar panels typically sell for more than those without. Research from Solar Energy UK shows an average increase of 0.9%-2%, translating to roughly £1,891-£2,722 for a typical home.  This increase is likely due to factors, such as potential energy cost savings, and the environmental benefits of solar. Another factor is the home’s EPC rating. By improving a home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating with solar panels, it can significantly boost its value.

---

Are Solar Panels a worthy choice in the UK?

The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, and the UK government offers several financial incentives for homeowners who install solar panels. For example you pay 0% VAT on the panels until 2027 and the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) means you can get paid for the excess electricity you export back to the grid.

Top of page

---

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels work their magic by converting sunlight into electricity. They’re made of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which contain semiconductor materials like silicon. When sunlight strikes these cells, it knocks electrons loose from the atoms, creating an electric current. This current is then sent to an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity that can power your home appliances and devices.

Top of page

---

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

The cost of solar panels depends on several factors, including the size of the system, the type of panels used, and the complexity of the installation. Current Cost Estimates for Solar Panels in the UK (2024):

• 2.1kW System (suitable for smaller homes): Around £4,200 (This estimate comes from The Eco Experts).
• 3.5kW System (typical for 3-bedroom house): £7,000 – £10,000
• 4kW System: £9,000 – £10,000
• 10.4kW System: £13,000, or £15,700 with a battery included (This estimate comes from Effective Energy)

These are just average estimates, and the actual cost will depend on several factors:

Factors Influencing Cost:

• System size (kW): The power rating of the system directly impacts the number of panels and overall cost. Larger systems with higher kW will naturally cost more.
• Type of panels: Monocrystalline panels are generally more efficient and expensive than polycrystalline panels.
• Brand and quality: Premium brands and high-efficiency panels will be more expensive.
• Additional components: Inverters, batteries, mounting systems, and the type of changeover switch can also contribute to the overall cost.
• Installation complexity: Roof type, accessibility, and any necessary electrical work can affect installation costs.
• Location and installer: Prices can vary depending on your location and the chosen installer.

Getting Accurate Cost Estimates:

• Get multiple quotes: Contact several reputable installers in your area to get detailed quotes based on your specific needs and roof characteristics. This is the most accurate way to determine the cost for your particular situation.
• Use online calculators: Some websites offer solar panel cost calculators that can provide estimates based on your home size, energy consumption, and location.
• Consult with experts: Talk to energy advisors or solar panel specialists who can offer guidance and help you understand the costs involved such as Effective Home.

Top of page

---

The Power Trio: Electric Cars, Solar Panels, and Batteries

The combination of electric cars, solar panels, and batteries can offer significant benefits for both homeowners and the environment. Here’s how these three technologies can work together to create a sustainable energy ecosystem:

Renewable Energy with Solar Panels:

Electric cars powered by solar panels and batteries can operate on clean, renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, while batteries store excess energy for later use, creating a self-sufficient energy system.

Stacking Cost Savings:

Pairing electric cars with solar panels can reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources, potentially lowering your electricity bills. By generating and storing your own energy, you can become less reliant on expensive grid electricity.

Gaining Energy Independence:

With solar panels and batteries, you can reduce your reliance on the electrical grid, providing energy independence. This is particularly advantageous during power outages or emergencies, as you can still power your electric car and essential appliances.

However, it’s important to note that gaining energy independence with solar panels and batteries comes with additional cost. The cost of the switching system will vary depending on the type of switch you choose, whether it’s a manual switch or a smart automatic switch. Manual switches are less expensive, while automatic switches offer more convenience and automation but comes with a higher price tag.

Smart Energy Management and Electricity Tariffs:

Smart energy management systems are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It offers a more smarter approach to energy usage and maximizing the benefits of solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs). These systems manage the flow of energy, ensuring that surplus power is used to charge EVs or stored for later use.

For example, during peak sunlight hours, when your solar panels generate excess energy, the system can charge your EV. This avoids the need to draw electricity from the grid at higher rates. Conversely, during the evening or on cloudy days when solar production is low. The system can draw energy from the battery to power your home or charge your EV. By doing so it avoids peak electricity rates.

Integrating Smart Tariffs:

In addition to managing energy flow, smart energy systems can also be integrated with smart electricity tariffs. These tariffs offer varying electricity rates throughout the day. Typically with lower rates during off-peak hours and higher rates during peak demand periods.

By integrating with smart tariffs, your system can be programmed to charge your EV during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper. This not only reduces your overall energy costs but also helps balance the load on the grid. In turn, promoting a more sustainable energy system.

Benefits of Smart Energy Management and Smart Tariffs:

• Maximize Self-Consumption: By optimizing energy usage, you can increase the amount of self-generated solar power you consume, maximizing savings.
• Reduce Energy Costs: Smart tariffs and energy management systems can help avoid peak electricity rates and use lower off-peak rates, leading to cost savings over time.
• Increase EV Charging Efficiency: By charging your EV with surplus solar power or during off-peak hours, you can minimize charging costs.
• Enhance Grid Stability: By intelligently managing energy demand, you can contribute to a more balanced electricity grid, reducing the need for fossil fuel-powered plants.

Top of page

---

Payback Periods: Your Roadmap to Energy Savings with an Electric Car

Adding an electric vehicle (EV) to your household can significantly impact the payback period of your solar and battery investment. Here’s how:

Solar Panels Only:

• Without Battery: 8-12 years (typical for a 4kWp system, per Energy Saving Trust). However, with an EV, you’ll be using more electricity at home for charging, increasing your savings and potentially shortening the payback period.

Solar Panels with Battery Storage:

• 7-15 years (potentially shorter with optimal usage and tariffs). Integrating an EV can further optimize your system. You can use excess solar energy to charge your car during the day, and the battery can store energy for charging at night or when solar production is low. This can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid and accelerate your payback period.

Factors Influencing Payback with an EV:

• EV Charging Habits: How often and when you charge your EV will impact your energy consumption and overall savings. Charging during off-peak hours or when solar production is high can maximize savings.
• EV Battery Size: Larger EV batteries require more energy to charge, increasing your consumption and potentially shortening the payback period.
• Smart Charging: Utilizing smart charging systems that optimize charging times based on electricity tariffs and solar generation can further accelerate payback, you can find out more about our smart charger offering here.

Additional Considerations with EVs:

• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): While not widely available in the UK yet, V2G technology allows you to discharge your EV battery back to the grid during peak demand, potentially earning additional revenue and further reducing your payback period.
• Increased Self-Consumption: Charging your EV with solar energy significantly increases your self-consumption, reducing your reliance on the grid and maximizing the financial benefits of your solar and battery system.

The potential impact of an EV on your solar and battery payback, you can make informed decisions about your energy investments and create a truly sustainable and cost-effective energy ecosystem for your home and vehicle.

Top of page

---

Creating a Sustainable Energy Ecosystem at home:

By combining solar panels, battery storage, electric vehicles, and smart energy management systems with smart tariffs, you can create a truly sustainable and eco-friendly energy ecosystem for your home. This holistic approach not only minimizes your carbon footprint and promotes the use of renewable energy but also helps you save money and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

At ElectriX – we’re working to bring this ecosystem to you whether it’s an electric car, charger or solar panels and batteries, we’ve got expert partners to help you on your journey to a cost-efficient future.

Discover Solar