Is Solar Worth It? My experience of installing Solar Panels in the UK

After my installation of solar panels, I look at the finances of owning solar panels to see if it was a positive investment, as well as helping the planet. Here are the things you NEED TO KNOW before getting a solar PV system installed at your home. Join me as I explain how a solar photovoltaic system is installed and all the things you need to know in order to get a quote. #solarpanel #solar #solarpanels . The average unit price for dual fuel customers on standard UK variable tariffs, subject to Ofgem's price cap, paying by direct debit is now 34.0p/ kWh for electricity and 10.3p/ kWh for gas, inclusive of VAT, from 1 October 2022.
I don’t work for any solar company or body.
I don’t recommend the company that did my installation.
But do get someone to do a free full excel on your house. The returns are much faster than the sceptics say for some reason .
With such big gas price jumps, it now means the financial return on solar panels has changed dramatically. Especially if your charge your ev and part heat with electric fan heaters when you have enough spare power.
It’s not just about the financial numbers.
My system in three weeks has saved almost 100 kg of C02 and 2 kg of sulphur dioxide going into the atmosphere. This is also about making sure the grandkids have a planet to live on, and the North Pole hadn’t turned to mush.
There have been so many daft comments below I may have to switch off comments on this video - Paul

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© 2022 MGTracey Ltd - Something for Everyone

[pind]

It's not always about pay back time it's more related to having peace of mind that you don't have to pay bill for almost rest of your life. Also contributing towards clean energy and our environment at the same time

[aclegendary]

What is the capacity of each panel you have installed as you have 12 panels? And what is the positioning of your roof?

[peterlangridge]

We haven't begun our solar journey yet but are considering it. Q. Do you still pay your grid supplier a silly amount daily for standing charges? Ours presently is close to 45 p a day, considering they're only offering SEG rates of 4/5 p per Kw seems a mockery.
So far, I've had two quotes for 16/12 425 watt panels, 6KW inverter and 5KW battery, both different equipment but costs are similar. One offer was for 16 panels, the other suggested we only needed 12. As cost difference was minimal should we opt for "bigger is better" and have the extra units?
As far as batteries are concerned, is one type better than another?
Your helpful advice will be much appreciated.

[jonnyswalk]

Perhaps a naive question here….but I’m thinking forward to when electric cars etc are compulsory and I’m genuinely wondering what sort of a system you’d need to be able to run your house and charge up your car at the same time? Im wondering would you have to have “2 roofs” and “a loft caving in with batteries”….or does anyone know some new or clever ways that things will be going in the future?Thanks 👍

[stuartburns]

Got a relatively new installation ourselves. Mid September.
6k PV and 8.2k battery with 5k inverter.
Last month pretty much been topping up battery to 100% via Octopus Go.
Tumbler and washing machine we also set to run during the cheap period.
4 year period payback seems optimistic?

[DragonXDrei]

Does your panel warranty get voided if you put the bird netting? I thought you shouldn't attach anything to them.

[GWAYGWAY]

How much does the limit on export actually make a difference to the costs to you of the solar power?

[thepaintedsock]

Thanks for sharing the video. I'm interested in your annual credit/deficit and total kwh actually used. Regarding installing the plastic around the edges of the solar panels? Surely you can buy some chicken wire for £20 and get a roofer to do it for a days job at a quarter of the price?

[UK-Expat-in-USA]

Being an Ex-Pat living in Las Vegas with Solar and a Tesla Powerwall over the past 3 years we have Not paid a power bill, we bank enough credits during summer with our Time Of User power rate that it covers us for the rest of the year, I've interested what kind of savings you get in the UK for if we decide to return home

[aeca]

What size battery u recommend for 12 panel system?

[dan]

I have the pipe on my roof aswell, how did you go about removing it? Have you got any more info on that?

[Erks]

We don’t have any sunshine in UK, does this actually work?

[harryhaines]

Lots of interesting comments here, and I wanted to share my personal view on solar as I work with several of the largest companies using my software.

Solar is, without doubt an excellent investment. But you have to be mindful of the reasoning behind your decision to have solar installed. For example, make sure you do your due diligence when it comes to finding the right provider. So many solar companies are using the market boom to boost their profits, and I myself have had to stop selling my software as it was being misused and frankly abused.

Payback period varies depending on your situation.

Where is your property located, what system do you have, what inverter have you gone for, the amount of sun time in a calendar year, how clean and close to full capacity is your system working. These are just a few questions in the sum of a solar payback.

However, let's be smart about this and understand the climate situation.

Without doubt the UK government will make it mandatory for most houses in the UK to have solar, subsidised or not.

But, the real question is, does having solar installed increase your property value, while reducing your monthly expenses. I would have to side with yes (not financial advice).

[theoldskoolboyzzzz]

how many panels did you get and how long will it take to pay itself off cheers Rob

[KJSvitko]

An energy efficient home or business is more comfortable and saves money in the long run.
Solar energy on your roof combined with battery storage can make people more independent from the grid and natural gas supplies. Add solar and supplemental electric heating or a heat pump for home heating..
Added insulation, triple glaze windows, energy efficient doors, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, energy efficient appliances, LED lighting, smart thermostats, solar panels combined with battery storage and a electric vehicle charger in the garage or car park. People are too focused on the short term costs and miss out on long term savings and comfort. Blower door testing and air sealing are under appreciated tools.Even if you have money to burn you should not waste it. Climate Change will impact everyone. Leave a better future for your children and grandchildren. Join in and speak up for the future of the planet.

[rocky]

Do the batteries become less efficient over time?

[SPIDERman]

all i need to know is this..do having solar power cut my energy bills per month or not?

[LukaszStolarczuk]

May I know the cost of all from start to finish?

[philiplindley]

I've watched videos of people in the southern states in the USA saying it takes 10/12 years to recoup the investment so saying it can be done in 4 years in the UK makes me dubious?

[scriptedpixelsltd]

How have you found the sun synk gear? Is there many companies that support it incase the company who does the install goes bust?

Also, what’s wired to your mains meter from the install?

Looking at getting solar installed & just doing my research. It’s the same install as yours too, coincidentally