Is it a good time to install solar panels?

Hopefully you feel more confident about the process of installing solar panels. With 69% of people telling our National Home Energy Survey that they’re likely to buy or rent a home with solar panels, now is a great time to go solar.

Why should you install solar panels?

Installing solar panels lets you use free, renewable, low carbon electricity. You can sell surplus electricity to the grid or store it for later use. According to low-carbon certification organisation MCS , there were more than 183,000 solar panel installations across the UK in 2023.

Can I install my own solar panels?

It is legal to install your own solar panels – but it’s not a good idea, unless you’re a certified solar installer. You’ll need expertise in roofing and electrical work, as well as specialist equipment and – in most cases – scaffolding.

What should I do if I have solar panels?

Have your solar panels regularly cleaned. Consider installing a battery, so you can store energy captured during the day and use it at night. And remember, it’s really important to use a professional solar panel installer, and the same goes for maintenance. Can I still switch energy suppliers if I have solar panels?

Do solar panels need a battery?

Some people also decide to pair their solar panels with a solar battery, which will store excess solar energy to be used on cloudy days or during the night time. If you have a solar battery in your system, the battery also needs to be connected to the inverter at this point. Find out more about how solar batteries are installed on our page.

Do solar panels generate electricity?

That said, the rate at which solar panels generate electricity varies depending on the amount of direct sunlight and the quality, size, number and location of panels in use. Even in winter, solar panel technology is still effective; at one point in February 2022, solar was providing more than 20% of the UK’s electricity.1