An increasing number of UK homeowners are having solar panels installed in a bid to become more energy independent. However, for most households, going completely ‘off-grid’ is unrealistic.
Solar panels can significantly reduce electricity bills, but you may still pay for electricity when your system doesn’t generate enough energy, such as at night or on cloudy days. You must also pay a standing charge to remain connected to the National Grid.
While it’s usually not possible to escape paying for electricity, installing solar panels can help you save a significant amount on your electricity bills. There’s also the opportunity to sell any unused electricity back to the grid, which can help offset the costs further. Read on for EZECO helpful guide on paying for electricity when you install solar panels.
Please note that this blog is intended for informational purposes only. For advice tailored to your property, please talk to one of our team who can provide specific guidance.
How do solar panels affect your electricity bills?
A solar panel system converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. It then converts the electricity into AC electricity, which is used to power appliances in your home. While solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to work, they can only generate electricity during daylight hours. Their efficiency depends on factors like roof orientation, shading, and weather conditions.
In spring and summer, it’s likely that your solar panels will generate enough energy to sustain your home. You may even generate more than you need, in which case you could store it in a battery for later use or sell it to the grid.
However, in the murkier months, your panels might not generate enough electricity, meaning you will need to draw power from the National Grid. This will result in electricity costs from your supplier. However, your overall energy bills should be lower due to your reduced reliance on the grid.
How much you can save depends on your home’s energy consumption, your location, the efficiency of the solar PV system, and whether you store excess energy in a solar battery for later use. If you install other renewable energy technology, like heat pumps alongside solar panels, you could cut your energy bills even further.
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Do you still pay a standing charge if you have solar panels?
Even if you have solar panels, if you are connected to the grid, you will still need to pay a standing charge to your electricity supplier. The standing charge is a fixed daily fee that covers the costs of maintaining the electricity supply network, including the distribution network operator (DNO), infrastructure maintenance, and administrative costs.
Since you remain connected to the grid for times when your solar system does not generate enough electricity, this charge is unavoidable. However, you may find that your overall electricity bills are significantly lower due to reduced energy usage from the grid.
Looking to reduce your electricity bill?
If you want to save money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint, solar panel installation could be the perfect solution. At EZECO, we specialise in high-quality solar installations that help you generate your own electricity and take advantage of renewable energy.
Our team provides expert advice on solar PV systems, battery storage, and other renewable technologies like air source heat pumps. Whether you need guidance on the installation process, financial incentives, or the best way to use your solar energy, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today to find out how much you could save with solar panel.
