As energy prices continue to rise across the UK, more and more homeowners in Taunton are looking to solar panels as a way to reduce their energy bills. Installing solar panels Taunton can provide multiple benefits beyond just cost savings. Here are some of the top reasons why Taunton homeowners should consider installing solar panels.
Reduced Electricity Bills:
The most obvious advantage of solar panels Taunton is the ability to reduce your electricity bills. Solar panels can generate a good portion of a household’s electricity needs during daylight hours. Any excess electricity that’s produced can even be sold back to the grid through the government’s feed-in tariff scheme. It’s estimated that solar panels Taunton can cut an average homeowner’s electricity bill by 20-40%. With power prices set to keep rising, solar panels represent a way to lock in savings for years to come.
Protect Against Rising Energy Prices:
Electricity prices in the UK increased by 54% from April 2021 to April 2022. Experts warn that prices could rise again in 2023. Installing solar panels Taunton can help shield homeowners from volatile price hikes in the years ahead. Once the solar panels are installed, they can provide 20+ years of free electricity during daylight hours. This protects homeowners from inflation and changes to energy pricing policies. As fossil fuel supplies dwindle in the decades ahead, having established solar panels Taunton will provide greater energy security.
Lower Carbon Footprint:
Climate change is an ever-growing threat that requires action at both government and consumer levels. Installing solar panels Taunton on your roof allows you to generate clean, renewable electricity all through the sun’s rays every day. This lowers the home’s reliance on fossil fuel-based grid electricity. Even if you still draw some power from the grid overnight, solar panels drastically cut a household’s carbon footprint. Going solar is a great way for environmentally-conscious homeowners to reduce their personal contribution to climate change.
Return on Investment:
While solar panels Taunton do involve an upfront investment, they offer an impressive return over their lifespan and in fact can increase the resale value of your home substantially. Most solar power systems have a lifespan of at least 20-25 years. When factored across this 25+ year lifespan, solar panels offer a 10-15% annual return on investment. This payback timeline will only accelerate in coming years as energy prices continue their upward trajectory. Investing in solar panels now locks in decades of free power generation.
Improved Home Resale Value:
Investing in solar panels Taunton has repeatedly been shown to improve resale value of homes. One recent study found that homes with solar power systems sell for an average of 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar power. With solar panels lasting upwards of 25 years, they add great value for future homeowners as well. Upgrading your home with solar panels is a sure way to maximize your property value down the road.
Feed-In Tariff Payments:
The UK government currently offers a generous feed-in tariff scheme that pays homeowners for excess solar electricity they export back to the grid. As an incentive to expand adoption of renewables, households with solar panels Taunton get paid for contributing this clean energy. Feed-in tariff rates are guaranteed for 20 years and increase annually with inflation. In 2020, the average solar panel owner earned £280 through feed-in payments. This provides yet another income stream that solar adopters can benefit from.
Take Charge of Energy Production:
One of the most satisfying benefits of owning solar panels Taunton is taking charge of your own energy production. Rather than being subject to the volatile energy market, you can generate your own secure supply from the sun. Tracking energy production from your solar panels is also rewarding and may encourage your household to find new ways to shift consumption to daylight hours when solar output is highest.
Lower Energy Imports:
The UK currently imports roughly 38% of its energy needs from abroad. The more homes that install solar panels Taunton locally, the more the UK can lower energy imports. Increasing domestic solar capacity improves national energy security and fortifies the UK grid against potential shocks or supply shortages from foreign providers. Supporting local solar supports the UK.
Triggers Energy Storage Innovation:
By providing so much excess power during peak sunlight hours, solar panels Taunton help advance energy storage solutions. With solar owners producing abundant midday energy, companies are racing to develop storage solutions like batteries that allow this excess energy to be shifted to nighttime usage. Solar power and energy storage work hand in hand to offer 24/7 clean energy.
Supports Local Jobs:
When you choose to install solar panels Taunton, your investment supports local contractors and solar companies. The solar power industry employs over 10,000 workers in the UK, providing stable jobs in construction, installation, maintenance and more. Supporting local solar supports local employment. Factoring in these job creation benefits, solar power brings even greater returns for local communities.
Allows Upgrade Freedom:
One underrated benefit of solar panels Taunton is the freedom they provide homeowners looking to upgrade or improve their property. Since solar systems easily pay for themselves within their first decade, the panels unleash money for other home upgrades. Families looking to upgrade bathrooms, kitchens, flooring or more can do so guilt-free knowing their energy supply and bills are secured through their solar panels investment. Solar paves way for additional upgrade spending.
Delivers Energy When Needed Most:
Solar panels Taunton produce the most electricity on hot, sunny summer days when AC and refrigeration demand is highest. Solar output coincides with peak energy needs. Meanwhile, solar panels are less affected by winter storms that can cripple hydro and fossil fuel plants. This reliability during both peak demand seasons and adverse weather makes solar power incredibly valuable to the evolving grid.
Reduces Health/Environmental Damage:
Studies show that replacing fossil fuel plants with solar and renewable energy avoids upwards of 3 million global deaths annually. Eliminating so many harmful pollutants and emissions provides massive public health benefits. On top of health impacts, moving to solar energy prevents environmental degradation from mining, drilling and transportation of coal, oil and natural gas. Installing solar panels Taunton avoids so much damage down the supply chain.
As this overview illustrates, solar panels Taunton provide tremendous financial, environmental and personal benefits to local homeowners. With so many advantages to generating your own sunlight for electricity, solar panels offer a win-win upgrade investment. As energy concerns mount in the years ahead, owning established solar panels will provide security and peace of mind. Forward-looking homeowners across Taunton are turning to solar to take control of their energy future.