How do solar panels work with your electricity bill (UK)?

 

One of the most exciting parts about commercial solar panel installation is the huge potential for a reduction in your electricity bills. 

While it’s true that solar panels require an initial investment, their long-term financial benefits are widely recognised. By harnessing solar technology, you’re essentially accessing a source of free, environmentally friendly energy, which can lead to significant savings over time.

We know this more than anyone here at Ember Energy Lancashire. You may recall that last year, one of our clients, Rishton Waste Paper, was able to slash their monthly electricity expenses by over £5,000.

This month, we’re sharing with you how solar panels work with your electricity bill in the UK, how it affects your payments, and when you need to tell your energy supplier about your panels. 

Let’s take a look…

How do solar panels affect your electricity bills?

Your solar panels will reduce the amount of energy used on your electricity bill. However, it is worth noting that your electricity supplier will not tell you how much solar energy you’ve used in any given month. Instead, the overall amount of electricity you’ve used will simply go down. 

In essence, even though your electricity provider might not explicitly acknowledge the impact of your solar panel usage on reducing your electricity bill, the evidence is clearly reflected in your lower energy costs – a classic case of ‘the proof is in the pudding.

Do you need to tell your energy supplier that you have new solar panels?

For busy Lancashire business owners who often feel there aren’t enough hours in the day, we have some welcome news for you. You do not need to inform your energy supplier about the installation of your new solar panels. 

The only exception of this would be if you were wanting to sign up to a Smart Export Gurantee (SEG) to sell your excess solar energy back to the grid. However if this is the case, we can do this for you here at Ember Energy Lancashire. 

How are your solar panels connected to the national grid?

When we install new solar panels for you, we will notify your distribution network operator (DNO) about the installation. The DNO is the company that controls the hardware that provides your local area with electricity. 

If the DNO isn’t made aware of your solar panels, then they won’t know how much electricity is feeding into the grid and thus won’t be able to manage the network effectively. 

Choosing the right solar panel installer is crucial, as they should inform the DNO about your installation within 28 days of its commissioning. At Ember Energy, we handle this process by directly communicating with your local DNO, relieving you of the burden of making contact yourself.

What other factors can affect the impact of my solar panel on my electricity bill?

Although solar panels are virtually certain to decrease your reliance on the national grid and subsequently lower your electricity bills, there are additional factors that can affect their overall efficiency.

These are:

  • The size of your solar panels and system
  • The cost of electricity in your area
  • The current weather conditions and sun coverage
  • The position of the solar panels and exposure to sunlight

You can get the most from your solar panels by…

  1. Battery storage 

Implementing a battery storage system can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your solar panels. By storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours, you can use this energy during less sunny periods or during the night, ensuring a consistent and reliable energy supply.

  1. Position and angle of panels

The placement and angle of your solar panels are crucial for optimal performance. Proper positioning ensures maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day and year. This might involve adjusting the angle seasonally or choosing the best location on your property for installation.

  1. Regular maintenance

 Like any other piece of equipment, solar panels require regular maintenance to function efficiently. This includes cleaning the panels to remove dust, leaves, or snow that can block sunlight, as well as routine checks for any damage or wear and tear. Well-maintained solar panels will perform more efficiently and have a longer lifespan.

By focusing on the above factors, you can ensure that your solar panels operate at their highest capacity, leading to greater energy production and more significant savings on your electricity bills.

Choose Ember Energy

In summary, while solar panels are often an amazing commercial investment for reducing energy costs and promoting sustainability, their effectiveness is influenced by how they are managed and maintained. 

However, getting them installed and set up with your electricity supplier and DNO doesn’t have to be hard work. Instead, by picking the right installer, the process couldn’t be easier. 

At Ember Energy Lancashire, we not only provide quality solar panel installation but also offer expert advice and services to help you get the most out of your solar energy system.

For more advice or guidance, please ring William on 07464 7297 or contact us here.