As the world moves towards sustainable energy, more and more homeowners in the United Kingdom are installing solar panels on their homes. Solar panels are an excellent way to generate clean, renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint. However, once you have installed solar panels, you may be wondering what to do next. This article will discuss what you need to know now that you have solar panels installed.
1. Monitor your solar panel system
Once your solar panel system is installed, it is important to monitor it regularly to ensure that it is working efficiently. Most solar panel systems come with monitoring software that allows you to track the amount of energy your system is generating. By keeping an eye on your system, you can identify any issues early and ensure that your system is running smoothly.
2. Check your energy bills
After installing solar panels, you should see a significant reduction in your energy bills. However, it is important to keep track of your bills to ensure that you are saving as much money as possible. Your energy bills should show how much energy you are using and how much energy your solar panels are generating. By comparing these figures, you can determine how much money you are saving on your energy bills.
3. Sell excess energy back to the grid
If your solar panel system generates more energy than you need, you can sell the excess energy back to the grid. This is known as the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, which pays homeowners for the excess energy they generate. The FIT scheme is available to all homeowners with solar panels, and payments are made for 20 years after the installation of the solar panel system.
4. Maintain your solar panels
Solar panels require very little maintenance, but it is important to keep them clean to ensure that they are working efficiently. You should clean your solar panels at least once a year to remove any dirt, debris, or bird droppings that may be blocking the sun. You can clean your solar panels yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
5. Consider adding a battery storage system
If you want to maximize the benefits of your solar panel system, you may want to consider adding a battery storage system. A battery storage system allows you to store excess energy generated by your solar panels for later use. This means that you can use the energy you generate during the day at night when your solar panels are not generating energy. A battery storage system can help you become more energy independent and reduce your reliance on the grid.
6. Check your warranty
Most solar panel systems come with a warranty that covers the panels and the inverter. It is important to check the terms and conditions of your warranty to ensure that you are covered in case of any issues. You should also check the warranty period and what is covered under the warranty.
In conclusion, installing solar panels is an excellent way to generate clean, renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Once you have installed solar panels, it is important to monitor your system, check your energy bills, sell excess energy back to the grid, maintain your solar panels, consider adding a battery storage system, and check your warranty. By doing so, you can ensure that your solar panel system is working efficiently and that you are maximizing the benefits of your investment.
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