Going solar is a big decision, but an exciting one too. In this guide, we cover the main benefits of solar panels, plus a few things to consider before you invest – so you can decide if solar panels are worth it for you.
What is solar energy?
Simply put, solar energy is electricity generated from the sun’s rays by solar panels – making it a clean, renewable way to power your home.
The science and technology of solar energy is quite something. And if you’re keen on learning more, check out our article on how solar works, which goes into more detail.
What are the advantages of solar energy?
There are plenty of reasons why solar power is becoming increasingly popular with UK homeowners. From saving money to reducing your carbon footprint, here are the biggest benefits of solar panels for your home:
Lower energy bills
Arguably the biggest benefit of solar panels is the electricity they generate for your home. That means buying less electricity from your energy supplier, for lower monthly bills. Depending on how much energy you use (and when), they could seriously cut your energy costs, especially if you're often at home during the day and can make the most of the solar power they’re generating.
And there’s even more benefits to your bills if you add a battery to your system – more on that later.
Making money from your excess electricity
On top of saving you money, your solar panels can help you earn money, too. That’s because, thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), when your solar panels produce more electricity than you need, you can sell it back to the grid and get paid for what you don’t use.
You’ll just need a SEG tariff, which our friends at British Gas can take care of for you.
Renewable, eco-friendly energy
Is solar energy renewable? It’s one of the most common questions about solar power. And the answer is yes, absolutely. It’s widely considered one of the cleanest, most sustainable energy sources available to us. Unlike burning fossil fuels for energy, solar power doesn’t emit carbon dioxide or other pollutants. So by installing solar panels, you’re genuinely reducing your environmental impact and doing your bit for our planet.
Battery storage means more benefits
While not essential, pairing your solar panels with battery storage lets you put some electricity you’re not immediately using aside for later. This is great in the evening, when you still need electricity at home but the sun isn’t shining.
Because you’ll be using your stored electricity instead of buying it from your energy supplier, battery storage can also make you a bit more energy independent – with some battery types automatically keeping your home running during power cuts, for example.
Quick and easy installation
Having solar panels installed is often quicker and simpler than people expect. For most homes, the work can be done in just a day or two, depending on the size of your system and how easy it is to access your roof.[MR15] [E(16] Your installers will sort out any scaffolding they need to carry out the work – and this is included in the installation price.
They’re low maintenance
Another benefit of solar panels is that they need very little maintenance. Most systems only require an occasional clean and a routine check-up every few years to keep working at their best.
Solar panels installed by our partners at Effective Home and Forster come with a performance guarantee of 25 years or more. Once your system’s in place, it’ll keep working quietly away in the background with minimal upkeep –and no regular servicing costs. All while reducing your bills.
The other perks of solar power
One of the benefits of solar panels that’s often overlooked is the freedom and independence they give you from fluctuating energy prices. As you won’t be needing to buy nearly as much electricity from your energy supplier, any changes in prices won’t affect you as much as they might do otherwise.
And while people typically think of solar panels as a long-term investment, they can increase the value of your home by as much as 2%.1 And help your home stand out in a crowded property market – particularly to eco-conscious buyers.
Potential considerations of solar energy
There aren’t any real disadvantages to solar energy, but there are some practical things you should think about before deciding whether solar panels are worth it for your home. These aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re good to know in advance:
The upfront cost
The biggest consideration for many homeowners is the initial cost. A typical solar panel system costs an average of £5,600.² But the final price will depend on the size you need and how complicated it ends up being to install. If you opt for a battery as well, you should expect to pay £8,000 - £10,000. There are several ways you could bring the bill down, though. There are many types of government, local council and energy provider grants available, as well as special low-interest loans that could help with the upfront cost.³
Then there’s the Smart Export Guarantee, where you can earn money back for the electricity you sell back to the grid. And remember that, with Hive, your solar system is designed to last 25 years. It could help cut electricity costs in the first year alone – and over the years could end up paying for itself.
Why invest in a battery?
As we’ve already said, adding battery storage to your solar system is completely optional – but definitely worth considering if you want to make the most of the electricity you’re generating. The trade-off? Battery storage can add a few thousand pounds to your installation cost. Still, many homeowners find the increased energy savings and independence justify the extra spend. It's a longer-term investment with longer-term benefits.
Roof suitability
Solar panels work best on south-facing roofs that get plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. If your roof is north-facing or heavily shaded, your panels might not work as efficiently. The type and condition of your roof also matters. Some older roofs or ones made with certain materials may need reinforcing or could just make mounting panels a bit more complicated, which can add time and cost to the installation. That said, you don’t need to figure all that out on your own. Our experts can carry out a free, personalised home survey and talk you through your options.
You can’t control the weather
Solar panels don’t need blazing sunshine to work, but they are affected by the weather. Surprise surprise, on cloudy or rainy days they’ll generate less electricity than they would do on clear ones. Heat can be a factor, too – panels work best on cooler sunny days.
That said, modern solar panels are extremely efficient, and do a great job of turning all available daylight into electricity even when it’s overcast.
Finally, where you live can also affect how much power you get from your panels – because the south tends to get more sun than the north. For what you need to know about your part of the country, read our guide to the UK’s solar sweet spots.
Do you like the look?
While solar panels have become progressively sleeker with time, some homeowners can be put off by the way they look. That’s understandable – your roof is a prominent feature of your home. But today’s panels are more streamlined and sit lower than they’ve ever done, and black panels with concealed frames can be particularly inconspicuous and even blend in with darker roof tiles. If making sure your solar panels don’t end up feeling like an eyesore is a priority, there are plenty of options to keep things looking neat and tidy.
Looking to install solar panels?
We’re the experts, so we’d be happy to help with that. Get started with a free home survey from one of our third-party installers, where they’ll find the best solar power set-up for you and your home, then put together a fixed-price quote.⁴
Get solar panels with Hive
Learn more about solar power
How much can you save with solar?
We crunch the numbers from initial costs to lifetime savings to help you figure out if solar panels are worth installing.
How many solar panels do I need?
Make sure you get the right solar panel set-up to maximise energy independence and cost savings with our handy guide.
Solar panel grants: everything you need to know
You might think solar panels are pricey, but there’s government help available that can cover some of the cost.⁵
¹ WWF Better Homes, Cooler Planet report from 2022 analysed over five million house sales and found up to 2% value increase for homes with solar panels.
² Price for an 8 panel system. Price is based on typical pricing for installations in England & Wales by independent installers, Effective Home. Pricing may vary in Scotland and/or depending on your home's set up.
³ Subject to eligibility
⁴ Conditional on no specification changes
⁵ Subject to eligibility
