Solar panels can be bought in DIY stores across the country and are easy to install. They are used to generate free electricity or to heat a water tank.
A single panel can only produce a small amount of power so several panels are required. They are mounted to the roof on top of the existing tiles and resemble skylights. They are connected through the home’s existing hot water cylinder and the kit comes with all the fittings required for connection to an existing vented hot water system. They are water and weather proof and the full kit should cost no more than 3,000 pounds.
Using solar power to provide electricity is a little more expensive, but the savings that can be made on the electricity bill could make it worthwhile. It is also renewable energy, so better for the environment.
It uses a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system made up of thin layers of semi-conducting material and like the water heater; the panels are attached to the roof and linked to the existing electricity supply. This system can be used to supplement an existing supply, to reduce the cost of a household’s electricity or the mains electricity supply can be used supplement the power during times of bad light.
Although the electricity bill could be cut down or removed altogether, the set up costs are high. The price varies depending on the size of the property and how energy-efficient the building and appliances are, but you should expect to pay at least 10,000 pounds.
Some of this cost can be met by the government’s Feed-in Tariffs, which rewards people who generate their own renewable energy. There are two incentives under this scheme which seek to reward early adopters. The first is the Renewable Heat Incentive Grant which pays 8.5p per KW produced. The other pays 41.3p per Kwh produced. It’s also possible to make money from this scheme because the National Grid will buy any excess electricity generated.