Getting solar panels for your home in 2025
Investing in solar panels is a growing trend among UK homeowners, driven by the promise of energy savings and environmental benefits. But where to start?
We understand the significance of making informed decisions when upgrading your home with solar panels. That's why we're committed to simplifying the process for you, providing a seamless way to compare offerings from various solar panel providers across the UK.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to grasp the essential benefits, the latest in solar panel technology, and the competitive pricing landscape as of 2025. Once you’re ready to start comparing top-rated solar panel providers in the UK, fill out our solar panel comparison tool and we'll do the hard work for you, offering detailed quotes so you can get the right system at the best price.
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Understanding solar panels in more detail
Now we’ve had an overview of the types of solar panels available, let’s look more closely at how they work, their pros and cons, and how solar panel batteries fit into the equation.
How do solar panels work?
Without getting too technical, solar panels work because of photovoltaic cells. These are responsible for absorbing and converting energy from the sun into an electric current.
This process varies slightly across the different types of solar panels we’ve looked at — monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film — which is why their efficiency ratings differ.
Once your solar panels are fitted on your roof they’ll be connected to an inverter, which is usually kept inside the house. This is what allows you to use the electricity generated throughout your property.
Your solar panels might be out of sight but they won’t be out of mind. You’ll be able to see how much energy they’re creating by checking a display on your inverter or by connecting them to a smart meter.
Solar panels: pros and cons
Installing solar panels is a big job, so it’s vital that you know it’s the right choice for your home. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of solar panels is key in making your decision.
Solar panel benefits
First, let’s look at why you should consider solar panels.
- Self-sufficient energy supply: The major benefit of installing solar panels on your home in the UK is that you can generate your own energy. As the sun shines above your property, your solar panels will get to work to convert light into electricity for your home.
- Affordable energy generation: What’s more, your initial solar panel installation costs will be the largest fee you pay. Following this, you may choose to pay for maintenance and cleaning services when needed, but this shouldn’t set you back too much.
- Return on investment: Alongside being a low-maintenance addition to your home, solar panels could also help you save money on your monthly electricity bills. The rising cost of energy is a huge conversation in the UK currently, so it’s no surprise that generating your own electricity (and paying a company less each month) is appealing to many. You might also decide to sell your surplus electricity back to the National Grid. To do this, you can apply for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Once you’re set up, you can start making back some of the money you spent on your initial investment.
- An eco-friendly choice: Another advantage of solar panels is that they’re considered to be a relatively eco-friendly way of generating energy. This is largely down to the fact that solar energy is renewable — we’re not going to run out of it any time soon! Generating electricity from solar power is also much less harmful than using fossil fuels.
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What are the disadvantages of solar panels?
Although investing in solar panels for the home has many great benefits, it’s also worth getting to grips with some of the potential drawbacks. This is all part of making an informed purchase.
- Cost: Perhaps the most obvious one is the current cost of solar panels in the UK. The technology is becoming less expensive as it develops, but installing a whole solar panel system is still a big upfront investment. However, there are now many flexible finance options available to help speed up the return on investment.
- They only produce electricity in daylight: Another limitation is that solar panels need light to create electricity, which means they’re not in use 24/7. There are ways to mitigate the impact of this, such as by looking into solar panel batteries or using electricity more during daylight hours.
Of course, this isn’t to say that they aren’t worth it. You can also use SpotDif to compare quotes for solar panels, fittings and batteries to help you find a service that meets your budget. We’re here to help you take advantage of great deals in your local area, and it only takes a minute.
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Self-sufficient energy supply
Affordable energy generation
Return on investment
An eco-friendly choice
Cost
They only produce electricity in daylight
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How does solar power compare to other energy sources?
When considering the efficiency of solar panels in comparison to traditional energy sources like gas, oil, and other fossil fuels, it's important to look beyond the immediate output to understand the broader benefits.
Solar panels typically have an efficiency rate between 15% and 22%. While this might seem modest compared to the high-efficiency rates boasted by fossil fuel systems, the story doesn’t end there. Solar energy shines when you consider its clean, renewable nature and the long-term financial savings it offers.
What’s more, unlike fossil fuels, which produce harmful emissions and require extensive processes to extract and transport, solar panels offer a green alternative. They harness the sun's abundant power, providing a sustainable solution with a minimal environmental footprint.
But what about other renewable energy sources? How do solar panels compare to heat pumps, for instance? Both ground-source and air-source heat pumps are growing in popularity, and while they are effective, solar panels edge out in terms of maintenance and versatility. They’re simpler to install across a wide range of properties, making solar panels a practical choice for many.
It’s worth noting, however, that you also have the option to combine solar panels with a heat pump to get the best of both worlds. This combination offers a practical and versatile approach to energy independence, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and fostering a greener future.
What are solar panel batteries?
Solar panel batteries can help work around the fact that solar panels need daylight to produce electricity. They allow you to store electricity for later, rather than wasting any that you don’t use straight away. With a battery, you can store the electricity your panels generate during the day to use in the evening and throughout the night.
Solar panel batteries are another big investment, so you’ll need to do some research to find an option that suits your budget.
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Last updated on 22 Feb 2025 Last updated on 22 Feb 2025