Home solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in the United Kingdom as people look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills. The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly over the past few years, making them a more affordable option for homeowners. In this article, we will explore the cost of home solar panels in the UK and what factors can affect the price.
The average cost of a solar panel system in the UK is around £6,000 to £8,000. However, the cost can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the system, the type of panels used, and the complexity of the installation. The cost also depends on whether you choose to purchase the system outright or lease it.
Size of the System
The size of the solar panel system you need will depend on your energy requirements and the size of your home. The larger the system, the higher the cost. A typical 3 kW system can cost around £6,000, while a 4 kW system can cost around £8,000.
Type of Panels
There are two main types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and therefore more expensive than polycrystalline panels. However, they also take up less space and can be a better option for smaller roofs. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but may require more space on your roof to generate the same amount of energy.
Installation Complexity
The complexity of the installation can also affect the cost of solar panels. A straightforward installation on a flat roof will be less expensive than an installation on a sloping roof or a roof with multiple obstructions such as chimneys or skylights. The cost will also increase if additional structural work is required to support the weight of the solar panels.
Purchasing vs. Leasing
You can choose to purchase your solar panel system outright or lease it from a provider. Purchasing the system outright will require a significant upfront investment but will provide long-term savings on energy bills. Leasing the system will allow you to avoid the upfront cost but will mean that you will not own the system and will not benefit from the long-term savings.
Government Incentives
The UK government provides incentives to homeowners who install solar panels. The most significant incentive is the feed-in tariff (FIT) which pays homeowners for the energy they generate and feed back into the grid. FIT rates are currently 4.07p per kWh for systems up to 10 kW. The FIT scheme is set to end in March 2019, but homeowners who install solar panels before this date will still be eligible for the tariff.
Other incentives include the renewable heat incentive (RHI) which provides payments to homeowners who install renewable heating systems such as solar thermal panels. The RHI is currently set at 20.06p per kWh for solar thermal systems.
Overall, the cost of home solar panels in the UK has decreased significantly over the past few years, making them a more accessible option for homeowners. The cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the system, the type of panels used, and the complexity of the installation. Homeowners should also consider the long-term savings on energy bills and the government incentives available when deciding whether to install solar panels.
Leave a Reply