June is becoming a bit of a scorcher with temperatures due to reach the high 20’s later in the week. It is little surprise that many home owners are starting to think about using less carbon, cutting electricity bills by importing less electricity from the grid and moving to renewable energy – this includes solar panels.

With greater solar energy capacity in the UK increasing along with new storage methods, there are many reasons why you should consider generating your own energy with solar.

Solar energy is generated from solar PV panels installed on homes, which put simply turns daylight into energy.

Each solar panel is made up of small solar cells that turn daylight into electric currents that feed through an inverter into your home – this will power lights and appliances.  A 6kW solar panesl system is recommended for a home with over five people, while a 5kW

If you make your home more energy efficient at the time of installation, then you may find that solar panels provide the bulk of your electrical requirements. The new smart meters work with solar panels and other photovoltaic systems – they allow the consumer to see exactly how much energy they are using from their installation and how much they are importing from the grid.

Solar panels can also be used for charging hybrid or electric vehicles. . The energy generated in the daytime can be stored in solar batteries which means that you don’t have to use it immediately.

There is a misconception that the sunnier the day, the more electricity solar panels will generate – they actually create electricity during all daylight hours whatever the weather.

So, what are the advantages of having solar panels installed

• A vital step in helping to combat climate change is cutting your carbon footprint – solar power is a source of clean energy so using this sustainable method to power your home will help to achieve this. Cutting your carbon footprint will mean that you are helping local economies, communities and even helping to protect wildlife
• By generating your own power, solar panels can reduce your electricity bills substantially, which currently is even more of a bonus as household bills are rocketing, plus, if you generate more power than you use, you can earn money by selling it back to the grid – also, if the grid goes down, you will still have electricity
• Solar panels actually take about a day to install and are easy to install, meaning you can quickly be up and running – they also last for about 25 years.
• As a renewable source of energy, solar can help reduce air pollution as well as helping combat climate change.
• Whilst there is no actual hard and fast rule – solar panels can add between 4-14% on average to the value of your home., they will not devalue your property even if in some places they don’t look too attractive

Solar energy does have some disadvantages, however the benefit more than outweigh these

• Solar panels reach maximum efficiency when the days are sunny and although the panels will generate electricity on cloudy days you will get the most benefit when the days are full of sunshine (like today)
• Some people don’t like how solar panels look on their roof, however new designs for integrated panels mean that soon you won’t be able to tell the difference as they look more natural and blend in much easier.
• Solar panels will help reduce your electricity bills however, you will have to pay an initial installation fee (which is getting cheaper all the time!).

So as we enjoy these days of glorious sunshine, then solar panels may be something you wish to consider.

If you are thinking of selling your home and would like a free market appraisal with David Phillip FRICS, call 01134 676 400 to arrange and appointment.

86, Leeds Road, Bramhope,  Leeds, Leeds LS16 9Covering Leeds, North Leeds, Bramhope, Adel, Cookridge, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Otley.