What do I need to know about solar panels?
From how long solar panels will last to whether you need a battery, we’re here to help shed some light on the common myths and questions about solar panels. We want you to be informed and ready to start generating your own green electricity.
What do I need to know about solar panels?
From how long solar panels will last to whether you need a battery, we’re here to help shed some light on the common myths and questions about solar panels. We want you to be informed and ready to start generating your own green electricity.
Can I save money with solar panels?
Good for the planet
You could save on your energy bills by having a more energy efficient home.
Earn money back
Get paid for surplus energy you generate with a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff [1].
Add a solar battery
Store surplus electricity you generate to use later or sell back to the grid with a SEG tariff.
Low maintenance costs
With no moving parts aside from the inverter, solar systems don’t generally require a lot of maintenance.
Can I save money with solar panels?
Good for the planet
You could save on your energy bills by having a more energy efficient home.
Earn money back
Get paid for surplus energy you generate with a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff [1].
Add a solar battery
Store surplus electricity you generate to use later or sell back to the grid with a SEG tariff.
Low maintenance costs
With no moving parts aside from the inverter, solar systems don’t generally require a lot of maintenance.
How many solar panels do I need?
The important things to consider when designing your solar package are how many panels can be installed, and what will be the best return on investment for you. This varies property to property based on several factors, such as the direction the panels will face, if there is any shading, how much energy you use and when.
We'll calculate how many panels you need as part of your proposal. We’ll then provide you with a solution for solar panels only and a proposal if you added a battery. Get your guide price.
How many solar panels do I need?
The important things to consider when designing your solar package are how many panels can be installed, and what will be the best return on investment for you. This varies property to property based on several factors, such as the direction the panels will face, if there is any shading, how much energy you use and when.
We'll calculate how many panels you need as part of your proposal. We’ll then provide you with a solution for solar panels only and a proposal if you added a battery. Get your guide price.
Can solar panels power my house or car?
Yes! By their very nature, solar panels are designed to generate energy to power your home - whether that’s to power your heating, lighting or appliances.
If you drive an electric car and have an EV home charger, you can use the energy generated by your solar panels to charge your car. Our EV saver tariff lets you charge for less at home overnight.
Can solar panels power my house or car?
Yes! By their very nature, solar panels are designed to generate energy to power your home - whether that’s to power your heating, lighting or appliances.
If you drive an electric car and have an EV home charger, you can use the energy generated by your solar panels to charge your car. Our EV saver tariff lets you charge for less at home overnight.
What are the environmental benefits of a solar panel system?
Good for the planet
Solar power doesn’t create any greenhouse gases, making it one of the cleanest and more sustainable ways to generate electricity.
Solar won't run out
As a natural source of energy, we don't need to worry about solar power running out. For as long as there’s daylight, we can utilise it for clean renewable energy.
All sorts of uses
You can combine solar PV with other renewable technologies such as, electric vehicle chargers or heat pumps, which can make your home even greener.
What are the environmental benefits of a solar panel system?
Good for the planet
Solar power doesn’t create any greenhouse gases, making it one of the cleanest and more sustainable ways to generate electricity.
Solar won't run out
As a natural source of energy, we don't need to worry about solar power running out. For as long as there’s daylight, we can utilise it for clean renewable energy.
All sorts of uses
You can combine solar PV with other renewable technologies such as, electric vehicle chargers or heat pumps, which can make your home even greener.
Do solar panels have to face south?
While south-facing solar panels are often ideal for maximizing sunlight exposure, they don’t necessarily have to face south to be effective. Other factors include:
More than one direction: If suitable, we can also add panels facing more than one direction (east and south, for example) to maximize the amount of electricity your panels generate. We'll consider this when designing your solar package.
Other directions: East and west-facing panels can also be effective, especially if your roof or property layout doesn't allow for south-facing panels. East-facing panels capture morning sun, while west-facing panels capture afternoon sun.
Shading: If your roof is impacted by shading - whether it's from trees, buildings or other obstructions - we'll factor this into your solar solution and design an optimized system to help reduce the impact.
Do solar panels have to face south?
While south-facing solar panels are often ideal for maximizing sunlight exposure, they don’t necessarily have to face south to be effective. Other factors include:
More than one direction: If suitable, we can also add panels facing more than one direction (east and south, for example) to maximize the amount of electricity your panels generate. We'll consider this when designing your solar package.
Other directions: East and west-facing panels can also be effective, especially if your roof or property layout doesn't allow for south-facing panels. East-facing panels capture morning sun, while west-facing panels capture afternoon sun.
Shading: If your roof is impacted by shading - whether it's from trees, buildings or other obstructions - we'll factor this into your solar solution and design an optimized system to help reduce the impact.
Do I need a battery with solar panels?
When we create your solar solution, we’ll design the best option for your home based on several factors, including your current maximum daily energy use.
A solar battery is a great way to make the most of any electricity you generate. You'll have even less reliance on your energy supplier, will see a bigger reduction in your electricity bills, and can enjoy more control over the amount of energy you use and generate. In fact, most of our customers choose to install a battery with their solar panels.
The choice is always yours. However, it's more cost effective to install solar panels and a battery at the same time. If you do choose to install a battery later, we can add a solar battery to your existing solar system. They don't need to have been installed by us.
Do I need a battery with solar panels?
When we create your solar solution, we’ll design the best option for your home based on several factors, including your current maximum daily energy use.
A solar battery is a great way to make the most of any electricity you generate. You'll have even less reliance on your energy supplier, will see a bigger reduction in your electricity bills, and can enjoy more control over the amount of energy you use and generate. In fact, most of our customers choose to install a battery with their solar panels.
The choice is always yours. However, it's more cost effective to install solar panels and a battery at the same time. If you do choose to install a battery later, we can add a solar battery to your existing solar system. They don't need to have been installed by us.
Do solar panels work...
In winter
Solar panels work all year round. However, the shorter days and lower sun does mean solar panels will typically generate less energy in the winter. A surprising benefit is that cold temperatures actually mean solar panels work more efficiently[2].
At night
As solar panels rely on daylight; they won't produce electricity at night . But this is when a solar battery comes in. When you have a battery installed, you can use your stored energy to power your home even when it’s dark.
In places with less sunlight, like Scotland?
While the overall energy production of solar panels on a house in Scotland might typically generate less energy than one in London, solar panels can still be a viable option in less sunny areas. Especially when combined with a battery.
Do solar panels work...
In winter
Solar panels work all year round. However, the shorter days and lower sun does mean solar panels will typically generate less energy in the winter. A surprising benefit is that cold temperatures actually mean solar panels work more efficiently[2].
At night
As solar panels rely on daylight; they won't produce electricity at night . But this is when a solar battery comes in. When you have a battery installed, you can use your stored energy to power your home even when it’s dark.
In places with less sunlight, like Scotland?
While the overall energy production of solar panels on a house in Scotland might typically generate less energy than one in London, solar panels can still be a viable option in less sunny areas. Especially when combined with a battery.
Tailored for your location
When we design your solar system, we’ll consider where you live and seasonal changes to create an optimised solution for your home.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
At ScottishPower, we only use fully certified installers, so you can be certain your installation will be completed correctly, to a high-standard, and will not cause any damage to your roof. Learn more about our accredited installers here.
If fitted correctly, solar panels will not damage your roof. But if they’re not installed correctly, this can lead to issues.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
At ScottishPower, we only use fully certified installers, so you can be certain your installation will be completed correctly, to a high-standard, and will not cause any damage to your roof. Learn more about our accredited installers here.
If fitted correctly, solar panels will not damage your roof. But if they’re not installed correctly, this can lead to issues.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are generally expected to last for 25 to 30 years[3], making them a great investment for your home.
Our standard installation includes several warranties for your added peace of mind. These include:
- 25-year manufacturer warranty on your solar panels
- 25-year performance warranty
- 10-year inverter warranty
- 10-year battery warranty
- 2-year workmanship warranty
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are generally expected to last for 25 to 30 years[3], making them a great investment for your home.
Our standard installation includes several warranties for your added peace of mind. These include:
- 25-year manufacturer warranty on your solar panels
- 25-year performance warranty
- 10-year inverter warranty
- 10-year battery warranty
- 2-year workmanship warranty
What happens if I move house?
If you have solar panels and a battery installed and decide to move house, it's more cost effective to leave your solar installation for the new owner. If you haven't fully paid off your solar system by your move out date (for example if you've borrowed money over a period of time), you'll need to continue paying off your solar system, as per your agreement.
However, it's worth noting that any ongoing payments may be offset when you sell your home. In 2022, we found that there’s potential to increase the value of your home by £10,000 when you install solar panels in our "Better Homes, Cooler Planet" report with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF-UK).
What happens if I move house?
If you have solar panels and a battery installed and decide to move house, it's more cost effective to leave your solar installation for the new owner. If you haven't fully paid off your solar system by your move out date (for example if you've borrowed money over a period of time), you'll need to continue paying off your solar system, as per your agreement.
However, it's worth noting that any ongoing payments may be offset when you sell your home. In 2022, we found that there’s potential to increase the value of your home by £10,000 when you install solar panels in our "Better Homes, Cooler Planet" report with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF-UK).
1
Subject to eligibility criteria, see https://www.scottishpower.co.uk/smart-export-guarantee for more details.