How to Save Money with Solar Energy

How to Create Solar Power from Sunlight

Solar energy can be used for generating both heat and electricity, but the the technologies used in each case are different. Currently, there are two types of systems you can use to generate either heat or electricity from sunlight. These are: solar thermal heating and PV panels.

Ready to get solar PV panels or solar thermal panels from trusted solar installers near you? Fill in the contact form and get up to 3 quotes from trusted solar panel suppliers. GreenMatch’s service is completely free and non-binding!

Quotes from local engineers
Payment by finance available
Save up to £660 per year

GET QUOTES NOW

It only takes 30 seconds

Optimise your home and save the planet

Call us to get quotes

We will get you the best deal

0330 808 0405

Solar Thermal Heating

These systems use the heat from the sun to warm up domestic water. The flat plate collectors are the cheapest option. They transfer heat from a flat metal sheet to the pipes placed underneath. The pipes in a solar thermal panel run the heated water to a storage cylinder for use by the household.

Solar PV Panels

Solar panels can be installed on the roof of your house or garage. They gather light from the sum and the energy is then converted to electricity for domestic use. Any generated electricity which is not used, is transferred back to the grid or is stored in standalone batteries, depending if the solar system is connected to the grid or not.

The PV panels are available in two options: tiles or fixed panels, panels being the the cheaper option. The panels also vary in the size and strength. Moreover, although the efficiency of solar panels increases in areas with constant sun exposure, they can also be used in any areas with less sunlight. Also, since solar energy is free, using it to meet some, or all of your household electricity needs, is a good way to reduce your bills and save up some money.

How To Save/Earn Money Using Solar Energy?

The UK government offers various solar panel grants to help you in your solar investment.

The Feed-in tariff was introduced by the UK government in 2010. It worked on basis that you get cash back for any renewable energy that you generate in your home. The amount that you will receive depends on the Kw size of the system which is installed.

There are two tariffs used:

Generation tariff was paid per Kw and as mentioned above was calculated using the size of the solar system. You received money for the electricity that you exported back to the grid and for the consumed electricity, generated by renewable electricity-generating technology, such as Solar PV.
Export Tariff is also paid by Kw. You were receiving a set price for each unit, you export back to the power grid. So you had the option to sell the electricity that you have generated but have not used.

The renewable heat incentive (RHI) was a similar governmental program but it is about solar thermal heating. Government funding was available for both public and private sectors. The funding was accessible for people using renewable energy to heat their buildings. Payments were received per Kw and were guaranteed for up to 20 years.

The solar Feed in Tariff Scheme ended on 31st of March, 2019.

How Much Can You Save?

The installation price of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is in the range of £4,000 and £6,500. This can result in the saving of more that 1,200 kg of carbon emissions and you can receive between £500 and £1,000 from the Feed-in Tariff. To find out more specific information about the savings you can make, use the calculator on the energy saving trust website.

While installation prices may seem high, you will save money through the Feed-in Tarrifs in the long run, as well as making significant reductions of harmful carbon emission by using a renewable energy source as an alternative to standard fuel sources.

Solar thermal heating installations cost from £3,000 to £5,000 and you will typically save around £80 from the energy bill. You can check exactly how much you will be receiving from RHI if you use the online tool on the website of the department of energy and climate change.

Increasing Cost of Living

The cost of living is continuously increasing. This results from higher grocery expenses, rising fuel and utility costs. The more the price of electricity rises, the more you will be saving. By using solar energy you will reduce your dependence from conventional energy sources and will not have to face constantly increasing energy bills.

This, coupled with the fact that the cost of solar panels is decreasing, makes solar an attractive investment for your home.

Increased Home Value

Using solar energy will not only reduce your carbon footprint but makes economic sense as well. You will save some money from the reduced electricity bill and also make money some years after the initial investment on the solar system. Getting a solar system is also a home improvement which will increase your home’s value.

Any improvement that you do on your home, contributes to the overall value. The same goes for solar panels since they make your home more attractive to potential buyers. According to some home building guides, solar-powered homes sell faster that those using conventional electricity.

There has never been a better time to invest in solar panels, especially if you’re looking to save money on your energy bills in the long run. At GreenMatch, we can help you find reliable solar panel manufacturers and get up to 3 customised quotes from professional installers near you.

By comparing these quotes, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible deal on your solar panel installation. Take the first step towards saving money and investing in your future by filling in our 30-contact form today.