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It’s no secret that solar panels are known for creating savings on your energy bills, and with prices continuing to rise, more UK homeowners are turning to solar panels to take back control of their energy supply. But how much can they actually help you save? In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of installing solar panels, how they help cut energy bills and provide peace of mind.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?
The cost of solar panels in the UK varies depending on your property size, energy use, and the type of system installed. On average, domestic solar panels are around 3.5 kWp and can cost between £4,500 and £9,000+. While this can seem like a large upfront investment, solar panels typically pay for themselves within 6 to 10 years, and their lifespan often exceeds 25 years. We’ve written a handy guide on the cost of solar panels to help you stay fully informed when deciding on whether solar energy is right for you.
How to Reduce Energy Bills with Solar Panels
The main way solar panels reduce energy bills is by allowing you to generate your own electricity, meaning you no longer need to rely on the grid. During daylight hours, any power you generate is used to run your home appliances so you’re drawing less energy from your provider. This way, you can create smart habits, such as running things like washing machines, dishwashers, or EV charging during the day, and make the most of your savings.
How Do Solar Panels Save You Money?
Solar panels reduce your reliance on grid electricity, generate free power during the day, and can even allow you to earn income as well; all these aspects contribute to your long-term savings. These are the main ways solar panels help to keep overall costs down and make money for the long-term:
- Generate Your Own Electricity: Using the energy your panels generate instead of purchasing from the grid
- Get Paid for any Excess Electricity: Send back to the grid with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), a way to earn passive income for the energy you don’t use.
- Protect Yourself Against Price Hikes: Become energy independent by removing the need for energy providers who can put the price up with little warning.
- Increase Your Home’s Value: Homes with solar installations boost property value and create a long-term investment.
What Can Influence Savings?
How much you save depends on a few different factors:
- Sun Exposure:
The more sun your panels are exposed to, the more power they generate. This makes south-facing roofs with minimal shading the most optimal for creating savings.
- Size of System:
Simply put, bigger systems generate more power, therefore aiding in the production of more energy and helping you to save on your bills.
- Energy Usage:
The amount of energy you use contributes to the amount you end up spending, during the day is the best time to use any energy generated. To help you save further, use a battery to store excess energy created during peak times to use on an evening or during a time energy production is low.
- Battery Storage:
A battery allows you to store electricity for later use, such as during evenings or if you’re on a tariff with peak and off-peak rates. Without a battery, you will have to use solar energy as soon as it’s produced, otherwise your system will export it to the grid. You can still save on energy bills without a battery, but not nearly as much if you were to have one.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Your solar panels should last between 25 to 30 years or longer. While the panels themselves can last for much longer, it is the inverter, which converts solar energy into electricity, that often needs replacing after around 12 years. However, this doesn’t mean a solar panel completely shuts down between 25 and 30 years. A solar panel’s efficiency will fall by a very small amount each year and naturally reaches a point where the output just isn’t worth having as it will have fallen too low. To keep your panels running at top efficiency, it’s important to keep on top of maintenance such as:
- Cleaning
- Pest protection
- Keeping an eye on potential faults and issues
At East Yorkshire Solar, we offer routine maintenance and servicing to keep your panels in good working condition to ensure they continue to produce clean, renewable energy. Even minor issues, such as dirt build-up, can impact the systems efficiency. By properly maintaining your panels, you will extend the life of your system and make your investment go further.
How Much do Solar Panels Save?
To sum up, there is no one answer to how much do solar panels save, due to savings being impacted from several different aspects. How much you save depends on:
- How much electricity you use yourself.
- Whether you sign up for export payments such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
- Whether you live in an area with access to direct sunlight.
- The size of your system.
- Whether you own a battery to store excess energy and not go through the grid.
On average, solar panels can lower your monthly electricity bill by 50-80%. In 2025 in the UK, a typical household with a 3.5-kilowatt system will be looking at saving between £190 and £350 a year on energy bills by simply switching to renewable energy.
Ultimately, the more self-generated energy you use and store, the greater your long-term savings. Investing in solar means you’re making a smart decision for both your wallet and the planet.
Why Choose East Yorkshire Solar
Choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the system itself. At East Yorkshire Solar, we pride ourselves on being a trusted, local expert for homeowners and businesses looking to make the switch to renewable energy.
Learn more about what sets us apart on our why East Yorkshire Solar page.
Further Support
We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts today for further advice or receive your free instant quote.
Email: info@eastyorkshiresolar.co.uk
Telephone: 01482 230 422