In the UK, summer has definitely sprung – the nights are getting longer and the weather is perfect for some long walks and lazy days around the house. As the evenings become longer, many homeowners are increasingly turning to their roofs for help. Fortunately, we live in a world full of possibilities when it comes to generating your own energy and using less energy from the grid!
Often, the pitch for getting your home powered by solar energy is about money. After all, installing a photovoltaic (PV) system and paying for electricity can seem like an expensive option. However, once you have taken that initial financial hit, you will soon see the advantages of having your roof generate its own electricity.
Let’s take a look at the advantages of solar energy for your home.
Shiny And Functional
In the UK, there is currently no mandatory national policy to require all new homes to be environmentally-friendly, but more and more buyers are taking the opportunity to go green with their new build. In some cases, this can mean incorporating more eco-friendly products into the home, such as rainwater tanks, solar-powered lighting and energy-saving appliances. Installing solar panels on your roof means you can generate your own electricity and also save a decent amount on your energy bills each month! Not only does this present an opportunity to reduce your ecological footprint, but it can also add a touch of luxury to your home!
In the morning, you can see the sun beautifully glinting off the roof surfaces. In the evening, the light from the setting sun paints the sky a stunning shade of orange, transforming your backyard into an enchanting landscape! When the sun starts to set, you can see the temperature falling sharply and the air getting crisper. Installing a solar power system is a great way to ensure your home is comfortable all year round, no matter what the weather is like outside!
Along with the sun and air, the solar panels are also responsible for drawing in the rain. In the event of a heavy downpour, the waterproofing between the tiles is vital, otherwise, you may find your roof starts to leak. Fortunately, waterproofing is a very affordable fix and it can be retrofitted into most roofing systems with little effort! If you do experience any problems and the rain begins to seep in, you can always put up an outdoor shower so you can rinse off after taking a swim in the pool!
Energy Security
For those living in the UK who are concerned about climate change and its impact on our planet, installing solar energy on your roof is an ideal solution. One of the key reasons for this is because it provides energy security. This is particularly beneficial for those in more remote locations who rely on the grid for electricity and find themselves cut off from power in the event of a major national incident (such as a nuclear accident or a war). Installing solar energy means you can generate your own electricity, reducing the chances of your home being affected by power cuts and blackouts. In addition, you can store electricity in batteries so you can use the power when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing!
In general, it is not a good idea to completely exclude the possibility of future energy shortages. After all, the world is becoming increasingly dependent on non-renewable resources, such as oil and coal, to generate electricity. By generating your own energy through solar power, you can completely remove your reliance on fossil fuels and reduce your ecological footprint.
Longer Lifespan
If you are thinking about upgrading your home’s energy supply, it is important to bear in mind that solar energy can provide you with much longer-lasting power than the electricity that comes from the grid. This is partly because the panels are built to last years of heavy use, but it is also due to the fact that they produce no carbon emissions. In the world of electricity, every unit generates an equal amount of carbon, so when you are using electricity you are indirectly contributing to global warming. Not so with solar power!
The sun is one of the planet’s most powerful sources of energy, capable of producing as much electricity as we need, every day, all year round. When you add this to the fact that it doesn’t heat up the environment like coal and oil-generated electricity, you can see why more and more homeowners are turning to their roofs for help.
Whether you live in a small town or a big city, the sun will still be able to shine brightly on your roof, providing you with enough energy to keep your home functioning throughout the year. Meaning less bills!
Increased Productivity And Less Stress
Some people may find it hard to believe, but having your own power supply can actually increase your productivity. In the event of a power cut or a blackout, you lose a lot of efficiency and speed, because you either have to rely on what you have stored or you have to wait for the grid to be restored. Installing solar energy on your roof solves this problem. Even if it’s cloudy and dark outside, your panels will still be generating electricity, thanks to the sun!
Similarly, many people experience stress when they are dependent on electricity bills, fluctuating energy costs and the threat of blackouts. While this might be an issue for people living in areas that suffer from severe winter weather, the chance to reduce your energy bills and become independent of the grid can make a huge difference in your quality of life. If you have kids, this can be even more stressful. After all, their room probably has the highest energy consumption per square metre of any room in the house. Whether they are playing games or using devices plugged into the wall, the lights are always on! Installing solar panels can alleviate this problem, allowing you to save money for something else, like relaxing on the weekend!
Saving Money
It is always a good idea to consider your finances before committing to any major home remodelling project. In the same way, it’s important to think about the long-term costs and benefits of joining a solar energy community, it’s worth looking at the expense versus the payback when deciding whether or not to install solar panels.
If you are planning to install panels on your roof, you will initially need to purchase a few thousand dollars’ worth of materials. In addition, you will need to ensure the area is properly geared up for accepting the weight of all that extra equipment and material. Once you have taken these initial costs into consideration, you will soon see the benefits of having your own solar power system.
An important factor to take into consideration is the price of the electricity that you will generate. Photovoltaic systems are very efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, but even the most efficient ones are still relatively expensive. Luckily, there are a number of grants and subsidies available for those looking to invest in renewable energy. In the UK, the government provides financial support for those looking to install solar panels, meaning that the cost of electricity that you will generate may be considerably less than you would pay on the open market!
For those looking to install a solar power system, it is important to bear in mind that proper planning and research is essential. This way, you can be sure that you make the right choice and that you take full advantage of all that your solar roof has to offer! No matter what your reasons are for wanting to go green, solar energy is an ideal solution for those looking for an affordable and long-term option!