Experiences with Solar Panels in the UK

Considering the installation of solar panels in the UK can be an incredibly smart decision. I personally have solar panels and I generate approximately 4 MWh annually with a 4 kWp system. On an average year, I self-consume about 60% of the electricity generated, which is around 2.4 MWh in a year. Would you like to know how much electricity you use and export? Let's dive into the details.

Factors Influencing Solar Panel Efficiency

Several factors play a significant role in the efficiency and productivity of your solar panel system. These include the system size, energy consumption patterns, and weather conditions. A west-facing roof, such as mine, can maximize the number of solar panels and thus increase the amount of electricity generated. However, an east-facing roof can also be suitable depending on the local climate.

No Need for Export Metering

According to the UK Feed-In Tariff system, you are compensated based on the total generated energy, regardless of whether you use it or export it. Typically, domestic systems do not bother metering the amount you export, as they assume you use 50% of the generated power and export the other 50%. This means that any electricity you use yourself is essentially “free.” The installation, reading, and maintenance of an export meter usually cost more than the potential savings in a year, making it not really worth the hassle.

Usage and Export Analysis

Assuming my system generates around 4 MWh annually, I would estimate that I use about 10% and export about 90%. I am usually at work during the day, when most of the power is generated. To make the most of the solar power, my dishwasher is programmed to start in the late morning or during the sunniest part of the day.

Potential Future Changes

As my diesel car needs a replacement, I am considering going all-electric. This will significantly boost my self-consumption of solar-generated electricity, as it will align with the charging rate of the generated power. During the transition, my usage will rise, enabling me to consume a higher percentage of the solar-generated electricity.

Conditions and Output

Solar panels do not require direct sunshine to generate electricity. On bright and cloudy days, my system still manages to generate around 2-3 kW. Over the past six years, my system has only gone without generating any power for a full day once. Even on dull and miserable days, a few kWh can be generated, highlighting the resilience of solar panel systems.

Conclusion

Installing solar panels in the UK can offer numerous benefits, including financial savings and environmental sustainability. If you're considering a similar installation, consulting with a local solar expert can provide you with valuable personalized advice. For more detailed information on your specific situation, explore my Quora Profile on Solar Energy.