As energy prices continue to rise across the UK, homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their bills and become more energy efficient. One increasingly popular option is installing solar panels. While many people associate solar panels with sunny summer days, autumn is an ideal time to get them fitted. In fact, getting solar panels installed during the autumn months can help you save significantly on energy costs throughout the winter. Here’s why:
Take Advantage of the Installation Process Before the Winter Rush
Autumn is a less busy time for solar panel installations compared to the summer. By getting your panels installed in the autumn, you can avoid the winter rush and potential delays. Many people wait until the colder months to start thinking about reducing energy costs, so installation companies can get booked up during winter.
Having solar panels fitted in autumn ensures your system is up and running just in time for winter when energy demand (and prices) peak. Even though the days get shorter, your system will still generate electricity and offset the power you’d otherwise draw from the grid. This helps cut down on energy bills when it matters most.
Generate Electricity Even on Cloudy Days
One of the common misconceptions about solar panels in the UK is that they only work efficiently in bright, sunny weather. While solar panels are indeed more productive in direct sunlight, they are still capable of generating electricity on cloudy and overcast days, which are typical during autumn and winter in the UK.
Solar panels use daylight, not just sunlight, meaning that they can still harness diffuse solar radiation from the sky even when it’s cloudy. According to the Energy Saving Trust, UK solar panels can still work at up to 60% efficiency on cloudy days, which makes them viable even in the greyest months of the year. Throughout winter, this energy can add up to a noticeable reduction in your electricity costs.
Offset Higher Winter Energy Costs
Energy demand tends to spike in winter due to the increased use of heating, lighting, and other appliances. This increased demand often coincides with higher energy prices, which can lead to higher bills. For many UK households, these winter months are the most expensive time of year for energy costs.
Solar panels help you become less reliant on the grid during these peak times by generating your own electricity. Even though solar energy production may be lower in winter than in summer, the savings can still be significant. According to data from the Solar Trade Association, a typical UK household can save up to £240 per year on electricity by installing solar panels, and that’s without the inclusion of battery storage systems which can increase savings even further.
Take Advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
Another reason to install solar panels in autumn is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which allows you to sell excess electricity generated by your panels back to the National Grid. This is especially useful if you install your solar panels before winter when your energy consumption might increase, but your system might still generate surplus energy during daylight hours.
SEG payments vary depending on your provider, but even on cloudy days, there may be times when your panels produce more electricity than you use. By exporting this extra electricity, you can earn some income to offset your winter energy bills. The government requires all major energy suppliers to offer SEG tariffs, and this can be a valuable addition to your solar panel benefits during the winter.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Improve Energy Security
Beyond the financial benefits, installing solar panels helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint. The UK is committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and adopting renewable energy sources like solar is crucial to achieving that goal.
According to Solar Energy UK, a typical 4kW solar panel system can save around 1.5 to 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. By reducing your reliance on fossil fuels during the winter, you not only cut your energy bills but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
Moreover, solar panels can provide you with a degree of energy security. With energy prices continuing to rise and potential fluctuations in supply, generating your power can protect you from external energy market pressures. This is particularly important as the UK’s reliance on imported gas has made energy prices more volatile in recent years.
Lock in Lower Costs Before Future Price Hikes
Energy prices in the UK are notoriously unpredictable, and many experts predict that prices will continue to rise. Installing solar panels in autumn allows you to take control of your energy use and lock in savings before further price hikes occur. According to the Office for National Statistics, UK energy prices increased by 28.3% in 2022, and with inflationary pressures, there is always a risk that future bills will rise even more.
Government Support and Incentives
The UK government actively supports the adoption of renewable energy through various grants, subsidies, and incentives. Programs like the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and the previously mentioned SEG make it financially viable for households to switch to solar power. Additionally, the reduction of VAT on solar panel installations further reduces the initial investment cost, making solar energy more accessible to a broader range of homeowners.
By investing in solar panels now, you can make the most of the remaining autumn daylight and prepare your home to generate cost-effective, clean energy throughout the colder months. With electricity prices likely to rise again, the sooner you act, the more you’ll save in the long term.
Final Thoughts
Installing solar panels in autumn is a smart choice for UK homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs ahead of winter. With installation companies less busy, cloudy-day efficiency, the Smart Export Guarantee, and long-term savings on energy bills, there are plenty of reasons to take the plunge this season. Not only will you see savings on your energy costs, but you’ll also be reducing your environmental impact and gaining greater energy independence for the future.
Contact us for more information and see how our experts can save you money this winter.
