The Ultimate Guide to Solar Panels

Boosting Your Home's Value and Saving Money

In today’s world of rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, solar panels have emerged as a game-changer for homeowners.

Installing solar panels not only reduces your electricity bills but also contributes to a sustainable future and increases your home’s value.

In this comprehensive guide, Viable Power - your trusted partner in residential solar PV installations in Surrey and Hampshire- will explore the key benefits, costs, and types of solar panels, as well as offering tips for choosing a reliable solar panel installer.

How Solar Panels Reduce Energy Costs

Solar panel installation is one of the most effective ways to cut your electricity costs. By harnessing the power of the sun with a solar PV system, you can generate clean, renewable energy for your home.

Installing solar panels also helps to reduce your reliance on expensive energy from electricity providers, resulting in significant financial savings.

Solar panels shield homeowners from fluctuating energy prices - something that is increasingly important as the cost of living crisis continues. By generating your own electricity, you gain a level of financial stability and independence that protects you from market volatility.

Investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings on your energy bills. For the average UK household, installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can reduce electricity costs by up to 50-70%, translating to annual savings between £300 and £700.

Adding a solar battery to your home helps you enjoy even greater financial rewards. By storing excess energy generated during the day, solar batteries can power your home in the evening or during periods of low sunlight, resulting in energy savings of approximately £1,000 per year.

If that wasn’t beneficial enough, you can also earn additional money from your solar panel installation by exporting excess energy back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

As a trusted partner of Octopus Energy, we recommend their SEG tariffs, which offer some of the most competitive rates per kilowatt-hour - especially with their time-of-day pricing, allowing you to maximise your returns

Solar Panels and Environmental Benefits

Investing in solar panels is a crucial step towards reducing your carbon footprint. Renewable energy generated from solar panels directly offsets the use of fossil fuels, which are the primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical home solar panel system in the UK can save approximately one tonne of carbon dioxide annually, which is the equivalent of driving 3,600 miles.

With most solar panels lasting decades - and backed by long-term warranties - they contribute significantly to cleaner air and a reduction in local pollution. Additionally, unlike traditional energy generation methods, they consume little to no water, helping to conserve valuable resources.

Solar panel installation is therefore more than just a financial decision; it’s a commitment to a sustainable future.

How Solar Panels Increase Home Value

Having solar panels can also significantly increase the value of your home and help it stand out in a competitive housing market.

Energy efficiency is becoming a key factor for homebuyers, with Oxford Economics suggesting that consumers are willing to pay 3.4% more for a more energy-efficient home.

Research also shows that homes with solar panels are associated with a price premium ranging from 6.1% to 7.1% when compared to similar homes without them, which translates to an average property value rise of £14,000 to £16,000.

The ability to offer future buyers reduced energy costs and lower environmental impact makes solar-equipped homes highly attractive.

Energy-efficient homes also tend to sell faster. Buyers appreciate the long-term financial and environmental benefits of solar panels, which can make your property more desirable.

For landlords, solar panel installation can be an equally sound investment, as properties with renewable energy solutions may command higher rental prices and appeal to environmentally conscious tenants.

Understanding Solar Panel Types and Costs

Working with your chosen solar panel installer in Surrey to find the right system for you is essential to maximise your investment.

While there are 9 types of solar panels, the following are the most common options in the UK, along with a brief overview of their features and costs:

Main Types of Solar Panels

Monocrystalline Panels: With average energy conversion rates of 20 - 26%, these are the most efficient solar panels, but usually also the most expensive. Their lifespan ranges from 25 to 40 years and they are ideal for homes with limited roof space, due to their high energy output per square foot.
Polycrystalline Panels: Slightly less efficient at 13 - 20%, these panels are a more affordable alternative. They have a lifespan of 25 - 35 years and are suitable for larger roofs where space efficiency is less critical.
Thin-Film Panels: These panels are lightweight and flexible, making them suitable for more unconventional installations. However, their efficiency is lower (7 - 13%), and their lifespan is slightly shorter at 20 years.

For a more detailed understanding of which solar panels are likely to work best for your needs, along with a bespoke solar panel quotation for your home, consult a trusted local provider.

Costs of Solar Panel Installation

The cost of installing solar panels on your roof will depend largely on the type and size of the system you opt for.

It may also be impacted by a number of other factors, which The Renewable Energy Hub explains in greater detail.

Adding a solar battery increases the costs, but enhances your energy independence and long-term savings.

At Viable Power, every solar panel installation starts with a detailed consultation where we’re able to advise on the ideal solar panel system for your property, roof elevation and energy needs.

Lifespan and Maintenance

Solar panels are a long-term investment designed to provide decades of reliable energy. Understanding their lifespan and maintenance needs helps you plan for the future.

Longevity and Efficiency

Solar panels are built to last, with a typical lifespan of 25–30 years and minimal performance degradation of just 0.2–0.5% per year.

This means that even after 25 years, they can still operate at around 80–85% of their original efficiency.

Additionally, modern inverters are increasingly durable, with many lasting 20 years or more. While an inverter may eventually need replacing, newer models are designed for longevity and efficiency, ensuring a reliable and cost-effective solar energy system for years to come.

Maintenance Requirements

Solar panels require fairly minimal maintenance - some premium panels even make things easier for you with self-cleaning glass! For most models though, twice yearly cleaning and regular inspections are usually enough to maximise energy output and ensure early detection of potential issues.

Cleaning tends to cost between £4 and £15 per panel, while annual maintenance costs in the UK range from £100 to £300 - a small price compared to the long-term savings and benefits of solar energy.

If desired, Viable Power can provide tailored maintenance packages to keep your system running efficiently.

Financing Solar Panel Installation

At Viable Power, we believe in making solar panel installation accessible to all homeowners. It’s often more affordable than you might think.

It’s also worth noting that there is 0% VAT on solar panels, batteries, and other renewable energy products from now until March 2027.

Choosing Viable Power as Your Solar Panel Installer in Surrey

Selecting the right solar panel installer is critical for a successful installation. With Viable Power, you benefit from a trusted partner with years of experience.

Why Choose Viable Power?

Expertise: Our team specialises in residential solar PV systems, offering tailored solutions that meet your energy needs.
Accreditations: Viable Power is MCS-certified, ensuring the highest industry standards and eligibility for government incentives. We are also a NICEIC Approved Contractor, an Octopus Trusted Partner, a RECC Member, Trustmark Endorsed, and have IWA Deposit and Guarantee Protection. - is it worth adding that we’re an Octopus Trusted Installer here as well and back linking to them
Customer Support: We prioritise transparent communication and provide exceptional after-sales service, which is why we have so many happy customers on Trustpilot.

Our Installation Process

Initial Consultation: We assess your home’s energy needs and provide a detailed solar panel quotation.
Custom Design: Our experts design a system that maximises your roof’s potential and energy output.
Professional Installation: Our certified solar PV technicians carry out a seamless and efficient installation.
Ongoing Support: We offer maintenance and support to keep your system performing at its best.

Invest in Solar Panels for Your Home to Start Saving Money

Installing solar panels is a smart investment for UK homeowners seeking to reduce energy costs, increase property value, and contribute to a sustainable future.

As a trusted solar panel installer in Surrey, Viable Power combines unmatched skills with years of experience to deliver a seamless system installation and exceptional long-term benefits.

From detailed solar panel quotations to ongoing maintenance, our team is here to help you at every stage of the process.

Contact us today to take the first step towards energy independence and find out more about transforming your home with solar energy.