Installing solar panels can be a great way to reduce your home’s energy bills.
What do solar panels do?
Solar panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity that can power the appliances in your home, charge an electric vehicle or help power a heat pump.
How do solar panels work?
When sunshine hits a solar panel, its solar cells become energised and create an electric charge. The amount of electricity generated depends on the strength of the sunshine hitting your solar panels. The stronger the sunshine, the more energy is generated.
While solar panels work best in direct sunlight, they can still generate electricity on cloudy days. This is because solar panels can absorb visible sunlight, as well as the wavelengths of light that pass through clouds.
If your solar panels generate more electricity than your home can use, you can:
- Store the extra electricity in a home battery to use at night.
- Sell the extra electricity to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee.
Are solar panels right for me?
The ideal place to install panels is on your roof, so long as it:
- Faces south (though east or west are suitable too)
- Doesn’t get much shade from nearby trees and tall buildings
- Has around 25m2 of space
If you’re interested in getting solar panels and want to know more, we can help. You can fill out our quick contact form or call our expert advice team for free on 0808 175 9345 and we’ll talk you through your options.
How do I install solar panels?
It’s important to make sure any installer or tradesperson is fully qualified and certified by a reputable industry body. For solar panels, installers need to be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
You can discover certified installers in your area, through the ‘Find a local installer’ page on our website.
We can support you with one-to-one guidance throughout the installation process, as well as find you a trusted installer, simply get in touch with us.
How much will I save?
When your home is using clean energy from its solar panels, it uses less energy from the grid, lowering the amount of energy you need to pay for each month.
The amount you could save using a solar panel system depends on:
- How much of the solar electricity you’re able to use yourself.
- Whether you sign up for export payments like the Smart Export Guarantee.
Once you’ve paid the initial cost of installing the panels, you’ll save on your energy bills every year.
You may also be able to get cheaper solar panels by joining the Switch Together North East solar group buying scheme. If you’re unsure about your options and costs, get in touch with us.
