Do solar panels generate electricity?

That said, the rate at which solar panels generate electricity varies depending on the amount of direct sunlight and the quality, size, number and location of panels in use. Even in winter, solar panel technology is still effective; at one point in February 2022, solar was providing more than 20% of the UK’s electricity.1

How to install solar panels?

Make space for the solar panel accessories (solar inverter, cables and solar batteries, if desired), for instance in a plant room 4. Plan a day for installation 5. Erect the scaffolding (this can be done by your supplier or by a company you organise) 6. The solar panel mounts will be installed 7. The professionals will install the solar panels 8.

What if I don't use my solar panels?

If your solar panels produce electricity you don’t use – as the great majority of panels do – you can sign up to a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff and sell your excess solar energy back to the grid.

Do you own solar panels?

You OWN the solar panels. Under these schemes, you pay for solar panels over a fixed period, say 20 years. There are no upfront costs, and instead you pay a monthly fee, which usually covers the solar panel and battery installation, repairs and maintenance.

Do solar panels need a battery?

Some people also decide to pair their solar panels with a solar battery, which will store excess solar energy to be used on cloudy days or during the night time. If you have a solar battery in your system, the battery also needs to be connected to the inverter at this point. Find out more about how solar batteries are installed on our page.

Why should you install solar panels?

Installing solar panels lets you use free, renewable, low carbon electricity. You can sell surplus electricity to the grid or store it for later use. According to low-carbon certification organisation MCS , there were more than 183,000 solar panel installations across the UK in 2023.