Michael got in touch with the expert advice team at North East Warm Homes, who explained how best to approach the installation of solar panels. He’s now saving 25p on every unit of electricity he uses when the sun is shining.
How we helped
Michael moved into his new end terrace, 2-bedroom home in North Shields in April 2025 and was interested in solar power for his home.
Michael got in touch with the expert advice team at North East Warm Homes, who explained how best to approach the installation of solar panels. A short time later, Michael invested in a 4.5kW solar array, with 10 solar panels installed across his front and rear-facing rooftops. The system is expected to generate around 3600kWh a year, which is equal to the average energy consumption of mid-to–high energy use household in the UK.
I’ve always wanted solar – my own personal power plant. No one thinks twice about bulk buying the expensive coffee when it’s on a good offer, so why should electricity be any different?
Michael
With solar panels installed, he saves around 25p on every unit of electricity he uses. The more he uses, the more he saves, so he always tries to iron, vacuum, cook, charge and wash his clothes as close to 1pm as he can, when it’s the sunniest. When he is producing more than he needs, he can sell it to his energy supplier for 12p per unit of electricity through the smart export guarantee.
The solar PV system cost Michael £4150, but his bank offered £1000 in cashback if he installed solar within 12 months of moving into his new home. Using a 0% interest credit card to spread out the cost, he will pay off the installation in just two years.
Using his new solar panels, Michael made back £370 in five months and expects to make back £540 in the first year of having them installed. As things stand, the solar panels will have paid for themselves in 5 years and will give him up to 20 more years of essentially free electricity.
With the cost of petrol rising, Michael has also made the switch to an electric car – which will be even cheaper to run thanks to his solar panels.
With solar panels, insulation and an array of smaller energy efficiency measures, Michael has improved his home’s EPC rating from a D to an A – the highest on his street. On top of this, his home has increased in value, has reduced energy bills all year around and become cosier in winter and cooler in summer – without costing the earth.
How can we help you?
Our advisors are available to talk from 9am to 5pm – Monday to Friday on freephone 0808 175 9345, or request a call or email from one of our advisors.
