Is it worth getting Solar Panels in the UK?

Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels in the UK?

With energy prices continuing to rise and sustainability high on the national agenda, more and more UK homeowners are looking to solar power as a solution. But the question remains: is it worth installing solar panels in the UK, where the sun doesn’t always shine?

 

 

 

Do Solar Panels Work in the UK?

One of the most common myths is that solar panels don’t work well in the UK because of our grey skies. While it’s true we don’t get as much sun as southern Europe, solar panels don’t need constant sunshine—they generate electricity from daylight, not heat.

In fact, many parts of the UK receive over 1,000 hours of sunshine per year. Even on cloudy days, solar panels still produce energy, just at a lower rate.

Modern solar technology allows panels to generate electricity even on overcast days, making them a viable energy solution year-round. In fact, solar panels often perform best in cooler temperatures. Their ideal operating temperature is around 25°C, which happens to be the average of a nice UK summer day—making our mild climate surprisingly well-suited for solar energy.

 

How much can you save? 

Depending on your location and usage habits, installing solar panels can save a typical UK household £500–£1500 a year on electricity bills. If you add a battery system and shift more of your usage to daylight hours, your savings could be even greater.

Savings can be even higher if you:

Take advantage of low night-time electricity tariff

Use most of your electricity during the day (in case you don’t have battery)

Have a battery storage system

Take advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) by selling unused energy back to the grid.

Take advantage of low night-time electricity tariff

What does it cost to go Solar?

At Elektra Smart Energy Ltd, we offer tailored solar PV systems using high-performance Jinko all-black panels and Fox inverters and batteries. Here are a few of our most popular packages:

We offer a wide range of high-quality solar PV systems tailored to suit your energy needs, property type, and budget. Whether you’re after a compact system for a small home or a full hybrid setup with battery storage, we’ve got you covered.

We can install systems from trusted brands including Fox, Tesla, SolarEdge, GivEnergy, SigEnergy, and many more. Every system is custom-designed to match your energy usage, roof space, and long-term goals—whether that’s maximising savings, boosting energy independence, or reducing your carbon footprint.

Here are a few examples of our popular cost-effective system packages:

1. Solar PV with 8 Panels & 3kW Inverter – £3,750

• Fox 3.0kW String Inverter
• 8x Jinko 440W All-Black Panels
• A cost-effective entry point for small to medium homes

2. Solar PV with 10 Panels, 3.7kW Inverter & 5.18kWh Battery – £6,750

• Fox 3.7kW Hybrid Inverter
• 10x Jinko 440W All-Black Panels
• Fox EP5 5.18kWh Battery
• Ideal for households that want to store and use more of their solar energy

3.Solar PV with 14 Panels, 5kW Inverter & 10.36kWh Battery – £8,450

• Fox 5kW Hybrid Inverter
• 14x Jinko 440W All-Black Panels
• Fox EP11 10.36kWh Battery
• Great for larger homes or those looking for maximum savings and energy independence

We understand that every home and customer is different. That’s why we don’t offer “one-size-fits-all” solutions. Our experts will work with you to design and install a system that’s tailored to your specific needs—ensuring you get the most efficient, cost-effective setup possible.

These systems are designed not only to save you money but to deliver high performance, long-term reliability, and sleek aesthetics.

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Environmental Benefits

Installing solar panels isn’t just about cutting bills—it’s also about cutting carbon. A typical solar PV system can reduce your home’s carbon emissions by 1.5 to 2 tonnes of CO₂ per year, making a real impact on the environment.

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Incentives and Financial Support

While the Feed-in Tariff has ended, homeowners can still benefit from:

• The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – Get paid for excess electricity you export
• Zero VAT on Solar – Domestic solar installations are currently VAT-exempt, reducing upfront costs

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Is Your Home Solar-Ready?

Before you install, it’s worth considering:

• Roof orientation and angle – South-facing roofs are ideal, but east/west can still be very effective
• Shading – Avoiding shade from trees or chimneys improves performance. However, Solar PV system can still be installed in partly shaded area with the right consideration. 

At Elektra Smart Energy Ltd, we offer free consultations to help you assess whether solar is right for your property and energy usage.

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The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

For most UK homeowners, yes—solar panels are worth it. While the initial cost is not small, the long-term savings on electricity, potential income from excess energy, and environmental benefits make solar panels a smart investment.

And with energy prices unlikely to fall dramatically any time soon, generating your own electricity offers more control and peace of mind

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Ready to Go Solar?

Contact Elektra Smart Energy Ltd today to book your free home survey or speak to one of our energy experts. We’ll walk you through your options and design a custom solar system that works for your home, lifestyle, and budget.