Saving money on bills with solar
Choosing a greener source of energy can not only reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also help you save money on bills too. With demand for solar PV panels growing, many households are reaping the benefits of clean energy. If you’re undecided about whether to invest in solar panels, here are four great reasons to do so.
Reduce your reliance on the National Grid
Energy from the National Grid costs money, and with prices at an all-time high in 2023, it makes more sense than ever to invest in an alternative solution. Whether you have enough panels installed to cover all your needs or simply get enough to reduce your reliance on the National Grid, you’ll be saving money during daylight hours since your electricity will be generated by solar energy. Opt for a system with a battery and you can even tap into your stored reserves after dark, during periods of high demand, or during a power cut.
Reduce your reliance on gas power
If you have a boiler system with a separate hot water tank, you can use solar energy to heat your water instead of relying on gas. An immersion heater can be fitted to the hot water tank and, via a power diverter or solar PV optimiser, your water can be heated for free. Your solar PV specialist can provide more information if you’d like to take advantage of this option.
Charge your vehicle
More and more people are choosing to drive plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, but did you know you can use the power of the sun to charge your EV? Solar panels come with a PV inverter unit, which converts the direct current (DC) power generated by the panels into alternating current (AC), enabling you to charge up your car. This will help to reduce the cost of charging.
Sell your energy back to the Grid
If your solar PV panels are generating more electricity than you can use, you have a couple of options. The first is to invest in a system with a battery, so that the energy can be stored and used at night time. The other option is to sell your excess energy back to the National Grid. By doing this you’re not only saving money on your own electricity, but also making a little extra. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), every unit of electricity that is fed back will earn you money. You can apply for an SEG tariff with a range of suppliers, including British Gas, E-ON, EDF and Octopus. You won’t be paid for any electricity that you use yourself.
Are solar panels a worthwhile investment?
With the price of energy currently so high and the cost of solar panel installation reducing, there’s never been a better time to embrace greener living. If you’re living in the South East and want to explore the benefits of solar energy, chat to a professional solar PV installer in Kent to find out more.
