Beating the reluctance for solar

A recent survey has found that many people in the UK may be unaware of recent cost reductions for solar energy. It also reveals public reticence around installing solar.

The survey asked over 600 members of the public why they don’t use solar panels.

Over 50 per cent of those responding said cost was the main reason they don’t have solar, despite the fact that domestic solar power systems have significantly fallen in price over the past five years.

Aesthetics and availability were other reasons for lack of solar panel use. Seven per cent of respondents questioned the effectiveness of solar, thereby revealing a need for further education on this topic.

The survey also found:

• 55 per cent of respondents said cost was the main reason they did not have solar panels.
• 18 per cent said the aesthetics of solar panels would put them off.
• 16 per cent said unavailability of solar panels in their area was a barrier.
• 7 per cent chose 'functionality' (examples of such answers being along the lines of "I don’t think they work").

Since 2011, the average cost of a domestic solar PV system has fallen by between 70 and 80 per cent. The average price for a 1 kilowatt to 4 kilowatt array in 2010 was around £15,000, compared to just £6,000 in 2017.

At Larkfleet Homes we offer new homes with solar PV systems fitted as standard on many sites. Solar panels can add value to your home. The lower electricity bills are a great draw to buyers due to the steeply rising price of traditional energy. A recent study has shown that a third of UK buyers would be willing to pay more for a house with solar PV installed, to benefit from these lower energy bills. Solar panels also last for a long time with little maintenance, when properly installed by an MCS approved installer.

Solar panels can also add value to your house by raising the house’s EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) grade. Every house being bought or sold in the UK needs to have a valid EPC. After being assessed your house will be awarded a grade from A (highest) to G (lowest).

EPC ratings can have a significant effect on house values. Solar panels have been known to raise a house’s EPC rating by at least two grades. This is reflected in the house's value. For example, increasing the EPC from a band D to a band B could raise the value of an average house by more than £16,000.