Solar panels and storage batteries make for a perfect pairing, and if you’re thinking about installing them for your home, you are making a positive change.
However, many people are put off by upfront costs for this kind of improvement and never end up installing them.
This article aims to layout prices and introduce any of the grants that are available to help in acquiring this renewable energy method for your property.
Understanding Solar Panels and Storage Batteries
First, it must be understood how they work:
1. Solar Panels:
Solar panels absorb sunlight and turn it into electricity. This clean and green energy source can power your home and save you money on your energy bills as well as improving your homes EPC rating.
2. Storage Batteries:
Storage batteries store the extra electricity made by your solar panels. You can use this stored energy at night or during power outages, making your home more energy-efficient and always ready for when the power goes out.
Average Cost of Solar Panels and Batteries in the UK
The cost can change based on the size of your system.
But here’s a general idea of what they might cost in the UK:
1. Solar Panels:
- On average, setting up solar panels for a usual 4 kWp (kilowatt peak) system in the UK might be between £6,000 and £8,000. This is suitable for a three to four bedroom home.
- Remember, there are grants and incentives that can help you pay less upfront, via the ECO4 government scheme.
2. Storage Batteries:
- A home battery storage system in the UK might usually cost anywhere from £3,000 to £5,000, depending on the brand and storage capacity. It can be more expensive for larger systems too.
- There are government incentives that can help.
Available Grants
In the UK, there are a number of grants and incentives to encourage people to get solar panels and storage batteries. These can cut down how much you need to pay in the beginning.
- ECO4: This scheme sets out to improve energy efficiency of the UK’s homes. Under this, solar power is included in the scheme and can be obtained if requirements are met.
- Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs): This scheme used to pay people for making renewable electricity. It’s not open for new people anymore, but some might still get payments.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): The SEG pays you for extra electricity that you send to the grid. Many energy companies offer this program.
- Green Homes Grant: The UK government made the Green Homes Grant to give financial help for making homes more energy-efficient. While it’s mainly about insulation and heating, it can help you get solar panels and batteries too.
Benefits of Solar Panels and Batteries
They come with an abundance of benefits:
1. Lower Energy Bills: Solar panels cut down how much you need to pay for electricity.
2. Energy Independence: A storage battery lets you use extra electricity you’ve saved when required, like at night or during power outages.
3. Helping the Planet: Solar panels use clean, renewable energy that is better for the environment and lowers your carbon footprint.
4. Grants and Incentives: Government programs like the SEG can give you money, making solar panels and batteries more appealing.
To Summarise…
…the cost of solar panels and storage batteries in the UK can change based on your requirements and where you live. But with government grants and the benefits they offer, solar panels and batteries are a smart and eco-friendly choice for homeowners who want to save on energy bills and reduce their carbon emissions.