Everything you need to know about solar panels for your home
With energy costs high and more people thinking seriously about their impact on the environment, it’s no surprise that solar panels are becoming the go-to solution for homeowners. In fact, 40% of new build homes last year were fitted with solar panels according to Solar Energy UK.
MCS, the organisation that certifies renewable energy products and installers, reported that older homes are going solar too. January 2025 saw 15,496 installations – a 16.5% increase from the same time last year.
Globally, the shift is clear. Ember, an energy think-tank says 40% of the world’s electricity was generated without burning fossil fuels in 2024 – and solar is still the fastest growing source.
If you’re thinking about solar panels for your home, here’s everything you need to know.
How solar panels for home work
Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. This electricity can be used to power your home, and any excess can either be stored in a battery or exported back to the grid – which can even earn you money.
Unlike what many people think, the panels don’t need direct sunlight all day, every day. While sunnier days will generate more power than cloudy ones, solar panels will create electricity during all daylight hours whatever the weather.
Benefits of solar panels
Sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation, your electricity costs will be reduced and this reduction could be up to £400 annually.
You’ll also be cutting your Co2 emissions, since solar is a clean, renewable energy source. A typical home solar panel system could save around one tonne of carbon per year, depending on where you live in the UK.
In-roof vs on-roof solar panels
We offer two kinds of solar panel design – on-roof, which sit on top of your existing roof tiles and in-roof which are set into the tiles for a sleek and clean look.
In-roof solar panels
Because they sit flush in your roof tiles, in-roof solar panel installation involves removing a section of your existing roof tiles and replacing them with the solar panel system. They are a lot lighter in weight (around 10kg instead of 20kg) and most people prefer the look of these.
On-roof solar panels
You’re likely to see more on-roof solar panels on homes around the UK. They’re typically less expensive than in-roof systems and can be easily added to most roofs without significant modification. They also allow for better ventilation behind the panels, which can improve efficiency.
Is your home suitable for solar? →
The good news is that most homes in the UK are suitable for solar panels, but there are a few things to consider. The ideal setup is a roof that faces south and gets a decent amount of daylight throughout the day. That said, east or west-facing roofs can still generate a lot of energy, and even a north-facing roof might be viable with the right design and equipment.
Most residential solar panel installations fall under permitted development, which means you don’t usually need planning permission. If your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building, there may be extra steps to take. We can guide you through this when we conduct a free site survey.
You will need to think about the angle and condition of your roof, whether there’s any shading from trees or chimneys, and how much space is available. This is where the site survey really matters. We’ll take a look at all of these factors and give you honest, expert advice on what’s possible – and what’s not – so you can make an informed decision.
Installation and maintenance →
We help you through the whole process, from design and installation to aftercare. Installing solar panels is generally quicker and less disruptive than people expect. We usually complete installations in just one day, but never more than two.
Our immaculate solar panel design and installation is carried out to the highest standards by our team of accredited professionals, so you can expect a seamless, hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Solar panels require very little maintenance, however they will be more like to last 40+ years with regular inspections. We can offer safety checks and cleaning services as part of your package, as well as upgrades on your existing installations if we think you could be getting more power for a lower cost.
How best to use solar panels →
Solar panels on their own offer lower electricity bills and clean energy, but they’re at their best when combined with other renewable technologies, such as battery storage, EV chargers and air source heat pumps.
Battery storage lets you save any extra solar power for use when they aren’t generating energy. This reduces the need to import and pay for electricity from the grid during peak times. If you have a hybrid or electric vehicle, you can use the energy generated by your solar panels to charge your car at home.
Solar panels can be used to power your air source heat pump, a cleaner, greener and more cost-effective alternative to your boiler. Combining these two can lower your electricity and your heating bills. You can currently get a £7,500 grant towards the cost of your pump with the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), and we take care of the application on your behalf.
Why choose EE Renewables
Investing in solar panels is a big decision. That’s why we offer a complete service to make things easy. From the initial free consultation and survey to design and installation, everything is handled by our friendly team – no confusion or hidden costs.
With us you get expert advice backed by more than 50 years’ experience, outstanding service and aftercare, and a team with a genuine passion for what they do.
Use our handy calculator to get an idea of what size solar panel system is right for you.
Contact your local energy experts on 0800 802 1116 or email sales@eerenewables.co.uk.