Should you consider solar panels as a home improvement?

It’s also worth considering solar panels' value as a home improvement. Solar panels are attractive to potential new homeowners when you next sell your home, which can increase your property value as a result.

Why are solar panels so expensive?

Panel efficiency: The more sunlight a solar panel can convert into electricity per sq metre, the more expensive it will be. Panel number: More solar panels means more materials, which means a higher cost. You can limit the number of panels you need by choosing highly efficient ones (although they may cost more).

Do solar panels cost vs long-term benefits?

Dr Ben Kolosz is an Assistant Professor in Renewable Energy and Carbon Removal at the Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull. We spoke to him about solar panel costs. “Homeowners should consider the cost versus long-term benefits of installing solar panels by evaluating factors like break-even time and potential savings.

How efficient are solar panels?

So, in theory, if your panels are at a 30-degree tilt and are directly facing south, you could expect 100 per cent efficiency from your panels. That efficiency falls to roughly 81 per cent if your panels face directly east or west. Meanwhile, if your panels face south, but are tilted 10 degrees, your efficiency falls to 91 per cent.

Do solar panels increase a home's value?

Solar panels will raise your home's value by 3% on average, adding thousands of pounds to its price tag. A solar panel system typically boosts raise a home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating by 18 points – a whole grade – according to our calculations, which are based on the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) guidance.

How much does a solar panel system cost?

Solar electricity is low carbon, renewable energy. A typical home solar panel system could save around one tonne of carbon per year, depending on where you live in the UK. That’s the equivalent of driving 3,600 miles, or from London to Bristol 30 times. The average domestic solar panel system is 3.5kWp and costs around £7,000.