When I first considered investing in solar panels, my primary goal was to reduce my home electricity bills. I crunched the numbers, weighed the costs against the potential savings, and decided to take the plunge. Now, 16 months later, I have real-world data on how my system performed—and the results have exceeded my expectations in more ways than one. This is the article I wish I had read before starting my solar journey.
My Solar Panel System: An Overview
I began by installing a 3.87 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar panel system on my garage roof, which, due to its pitched design, faces both east and west. This capacity is enough to run common household appliances simultaneously—like your fridge, TV, and even boiling a kettle.
But what does 3.87 kWp mean? In ideal conditions, this is the maximum power the panels can produce. However, perfect conditions are rare, especially in the UK. The highest output I’ve observed is around 3 kilowatts per hour, which is still substantial for home use.
In May 2024, I expanded my system by adding another 3.2 kWp of solar panels, bringing my total capacity to 7 kWp. I’ll delve into this upgrade in a future article, but for now, let’s focus on the initial system and its performance.
The Investment: Breaking Down the Costs
My total investment for the initial system was around £9,000. This figure includes:
- Equipment Costs: Solar panels, inverters, batteries, and mounting hardware.
- Tools: Specialized equipment is needed for installation, some of which are versatile but pricey.
- Professional Services: Hiring certified electricians to handle the grid connection and compliance.
- Registration Fees: Costs associated with registering for energy export with my supplier, Octopus Energy.
It’s worth noting that if you’re considering installing a similar system today in the UK, you’d likely pay less—approximately £1,783 less, to be exact. Component prices have decreased significantly since I purchased in 2023, primarily for solar panels and inverters.
Performance Stats: Energy Generation and Usage
Grid-Tied System Explained
My system is grid-tied, which works in conjunction with the national grid. I still purchase electricity, but the solar panels and batteries significantly supplement my usage.
Electricity Purchased from the Grid
Over the past 16 months, my electricity purchases have fluctuated:
- Summer Months: Lower grid electricity usage due to abundant sunlight.
- Winter Months: Higher grid electricity usage when solar generation is reduced.
If I hadn’t installed the solar panels, my grid electricity usage would have been consistently higher throughout the year.
Solar Energy Utilization
The solar energy generated has been substantial:
- Total Savings on Bills: £858 saved by using solar-generated electricity instead of purchasing from the grid.
- Energy Exported to the Grid: Starting from November 2023, I began exporting surplus energy. I’ve earned £284 so far, receiving 15p per kilowatt-hour exported.
- Battery Charging Savings: By charging my batteries during off-peak hours in the winter and using that energy during peak times, I’ve saved an additional £200.
Unexpected Benefits: Maximizing Savings with Batteries
One pleasant surprise has been the ability to charge my batteries during cheaper nighttime rates and use that stored energy during the day. This strategy has amplified my savings, particularly during the darker winter months when solar generation is lower.
Looking ahead, there’s potential to optimize this further. Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) tariff with even lower nighttime rates could allow me to charge a larger battery bank and cover nearly all my daytime electricity needs, pushing the savings envelope even further.
Total Savings and Return on Investment
Adding up all the savings:
- Solar Energy Usage Savings: £858
- Energy Export Earnings: £284
- Battery Charging Savings: £200
- Total Savings: £1,342
Given these numbers, I estimate my return on investment (ROI) period is around 8 to 9 years. This calculation considers potential price fluctuations—a crucial factor since energy costs can vary significantly over time.
The Future of My Solar System
The shift towards electric heating solutions, like heat pumps and the phasing out of fossil fuels, make solar energy even more relevant. While my gas boiler is still functional and cost-effective, I anticipate that I’ll opt for a heat pump when it needs replacing. This transition will increase my electricity needs, making my solar setup more valuable.
Additionally, I plan to continue expanding and upgrading my system:
- Adding More Solar Panels: To boost generation capacity.
- Enhancing Battery Storage: To store more energy during off-peak hours and sunny days.
- Exploring Better Tariffs: To maximize savings through strategic energy purchasing and usage.
Final Thoughts
Investing in solar panels has reduced my electricity bills and provided unexpected benefits and energy independence. It’s a hedge against fluctuating energy prices and a step towards a more sustainable future.
If you’re considering switching to solar, I hope my experience offers valuable insights. The technology is becoming more affordable, and the potential financial and environmental savings are significant.
