How Much Can Solar Panels Really Save You?
A Complete Guide for UK Homeowners
With rising energy bills and growing environmental awareness, it’s no surprise that UK homeowners are considering renewable energy alternatives like solar power.
The promise of lower electricity costs, reduced reliance on the grid, and a smaller carbon footprint makes solar panels an attractive investment. But how much can installing solar panels truly save you?
To quantify this, homeowners often look at key factors such as return on investment and payback period. The payback period is the time it takes for your energy savings to cover the upfront installation cost - typically between 5-10 years - depending on system size, energy usage, and available tariffs like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
After this period, the electricity your system generates is essentially free!After this period, the electricity your system generates is essentially free!
This guide by the experts from Viable Power dives into everything you need to know about the financial and practical benefits of solar panels.
From understanding solar panel quotations and potential savings to finding trusted solar panel installers in Farnham, this is your go-to resource for making an informed decision.
How Do Solar Panels Save You Money?
At the core of solar panel savings is their ability to reduce your reliance on increasingly expensive grid electricity.
Solar panels (also known as solar photovoltaic or solar PV panels) generate electricity from sunlight, allowing you to power your home directly during daylight hours. Any unused energy can also be exported to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee, offsetting your costs further.
Financial savings from the installation of solar panels depend on several key factors, including your household's energy usage, the size of the system you install, and how effectively your home captures sunlight.
The Role of Energy Costs
Understanding how energy costs impact your savings is essential to appreciating the long-term benefits of solar panels.
In recent years, electricity prices in the UK have risen significantly, in spite of the energy price cap.
As of January 2025, homeowners currently pay an average of 24.86p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for grid electricity, with costs expected to climb further over time.
Costs also vary significantly in different regions, with London, the South East, and North Wales & Merseyside seeing the most expensive average electricity bills, according to Greenmatch.
Wherever you live, the installation of solar panels on your home allows you to generate your own clean, renewable electricity, shielding you from fluctuating energy prices.
For an average UK household consuming around 3,600 kWh of electricity annually, a solar panel system capable of generating 3,400 kWh per year can cover a substantial portion of energy needs.
This translates to hundreds of pounds saved every year on energy bills, particularly for families with high daytime energy usage. Homes that augment their solar panels with a solar battery can save even more, using electricity generated during sunlight hours for power after dark.
What Affects Solar Panel Efficiency and Savings?
The amount of electricity your solar panels generate - and thus the savings you achieve - depends on several critical factors.
1. Location and Climate
While the UK may not be known for abundant sunshine, it still receives sufficient solar energy and daylight hours to make solar panels a worthwhile investment.
Based on Met Office data, southern regions like Surrey and Hampshire experience higher amounts of sunshine on average than other parts of the country.
Homes in these areas can generate more electricity and enjoy greater savings, which is why solar panel installers in Farnham like Viable Power are increasingly busy.
2. Roof Orientation and Angle
The orientation and pitch of your roof play a critical role in how much sunlight your solar panels can capture. In the UK, south-facing roofs are ideal for the installation of solar panels, as they receive the most direct sun exposure throughout the day. Additionally, roofs with a pitch of 30 - 40 degrees offer optimal conditions for energy generation.
However, analysis of electricity generated from solar panels with different orientations suggests that even east-, west-, or north-facing roofs can produce substantial amounts of electricity, making them viable choices for most UK homes.
3. Shading and Obstructions
Shadows from nearby trees, buildings, or chimneys can reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. Before installation of solar panels, professional installers conduct a thorough assessment to identify any potential shading issues and optimise the placement of your panels.
4. System Size and Efficiency
The size and efficiency of your solar panel system determines how much electricity it can generate. A 4 kWp PV solar system - the most common size for UK homes - produces approximately 3,400 kWh annually, enough to power an average household for most of the year.
Larger systems naturally generate more electricity but come with higher upfront costs. Meanwhile, higher efficiency panels can generate more power from the same amount of sunlight.
5. Daytime Energy Usage
For systems without a solar battery, maximising daytime energy use - such as running washing machines, dishwashers, and other high-power electric appliances during daylight hours - can significantly increase your energy savings.
In fact, people who are at home and using energy all day are likely to see higher energy savings than those who are out of the house until the evening.
What Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?
The cost of installing solar panels varies depending on the size of the system, the type of panels used, and the complexity of the installation.
A single solar panel can cost between £350 and £500, but you will likely need more than one to achieve sufficient energy output. According to Greenmatch, small homes can need as few as 4 solar panels, while the largest homes may require up to 16.
To find out the recommended system size and number of panels for your home, as well as the associated cost, it is best to compare several solar panel quotations from accredited local installers.
The table below provides a rough idea of the general costs for different system sizes and panel numbers. However, it is important to note that these figures, which are compiled by Checkatrade, should be used as a guideline only.
| System Size (kWp) | Number of 250W Panels | Estimated Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kWp | 12 | £6,000 |
| 4 kWp | 16 | £8,000 |
| 5 kWp | 20 | £9,000 |
As leading solar panel installers in Farnham and Surrey, Viable Power leverages economies of scale to significantly reduce costs, offering our customers highly competitive prices for bespoke solar solutions.
Contact us today to discover the exact cost of a solar PV system tailored to your home.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save You?
Savings from the installation of solar panels come from two primary sources: reduced electricity bills and the ability to generate and use free, renewable energy.
According to Greenmatch, solar panels can reduce home electricity bills by up to £1,020 annually, with the average home saving £670.
However, thanks to our bespoke solar systems that maximise efficiency and output, Viable Power customers consistently report even greater savings than this!
On top of this, selling the excess green energy generated by your solar panels through the Smart Export Guarantee can earn you hundreds of pounds per year.
Long-Term Savings
The lifespan of solar panels ranges from 25 to 30 years, meaning they continue to produce electricity for decades. Over their lifetime, homeowners can save tens of thousands of pounds on energy bills.
What’s more, with energy prices likely to rise, the financial benefits of solar panels will only grow, making them a valuable long-term investment.
Beyond Savings: The Value of Solar Panels
While the financial savings are compelling, solar panels also offer several additional benefits that enhance their appeal.
Increased Property Value
Homes with solar panels are increasingly desirable to buyers, with studies showing they sell for up to 14% more than comparable properties without them. This is due to the growing demand for energy-efficient homes that offer lower utility costs.
For homeowners in Farnham and other high-demand areas, the installation of solar panels can make your property more attractive in a competitive market.
Environmental Benefits
Switching to solar power is a tangible way to reduce your carbon footprint. In terms of CO₂ emissions per kWh of electricity generated, the carbon footprint of rooftop solar panels is approximately 12 times less than natural gas and 20 times less than coal.
By generating clean, renewable energy, a typical solar panel system can offset around 1 tonne of CO₂ emissions annually. Over the system's lifetime, this amounts to a significant positive environmental impact.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel Installer
The success of your solar PV investment depends heavily on choosing a reliable and experienced installer. With countless options available, it’s essential to work with a company that prioritises quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
Viable Power stands out as a trusted partner for UK homeowners. With years of experience in the installation of solar panels, we’re dedicated to delivering bespoke solutions that maximise your savings and energy efficiency.
Why Choose Viable Power?
Expertise in Local Installations: As established solar panel installers in Farnham with qualified teams who operate nationwide, we understand the unique requirements of UK homes.
Premium Quality Panels: We use only high-efficiency, durable panels to ensure long-term performance.
Comprehensive Service: From consultation to installation and maintenance of your solar panel system, our team supports you every step of the way.
Transparent Pricing: Every solar panel quotation we provide is clear and competitive, with no hidden fees.
The Installation Process
The installation of solar panels is a straightforward process when managed by experienced professionals. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation. A thorough assessment of your property’s suitability for solar panels, including roof orientation, shading, and energy needs.
Customised System Design. Tailoring the size and placement of the system to optimise energy generation for your home.
Installation. The process typically takes 1 - 3 days, during which the panels are securely mounted, and the system is connected to your home’s electrical setup.
Performance Monitoring. Once installed, your system begins generating electricity immediately. Many systems include monitoring tools to track performance and savings.
With Viable Power, the entire process is seamless and stress-free, ensuring your system delivers maximum benefits from day one.
Get Your Solar Panel Quotation Today
Solar panels offer a compelling opportunity for UK homeowners to reduce energy costs, increase property value, and contribute to a greener future.
While the initial investment may seem significant, the long-term financial and environmental benefits make installing solar panels an excellent choice for most households.
By working with providers like Viable Power, your trusted solar panel installers in Farnham, you can ensure a high-quality installation that maximises your savings and peace of mind.
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the plunge, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to make the switch? Contact us today for your tailored solar panel quotation and discover how solar energy can transform your home.
