An important question to answer when investing in solar is, ’Why should you consider a larger solar panel system?’
Solar systems offer various benefits, including saving you up to £690 annually, depending on where you live in the UK and your electricity usage. Getting a larger solar panel system can be a worthwhile investment that can save you even more money on energy bills and provide you with an income from selling excess electricity.
A larger solar panel system can be more cost-effective and impactful in the long run, so don’t hesitate to make a big investment.
Quick Takeaways on why you should consider a larger solar panel system:
- A larger panel system allows you to sell more electricity
- It enhances your cost savings
- It allows you to make the most of available space and increases your home’s value
- It offers more energy independence and ensures you’re ready for future energy needs
Why Should You Consider A Larger Solar Panel System?
1. You Can Sell Excess Electricity
You can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee, which ensures you’re paid when you export the electricity you generate from your solar panels. Export payments through tariffs can influence how much you save using your solar panel system, with different tariffs offering competitive rates in 2024.
For example, tariff rates for Intelligent Octopus Plus can reach as high as 35p per kWh during the peak periods between 4 pm and 7 pm, making it ideal if you have flexible energy usage patterns. The tariff also ensures you get the same amount for your exported electricity per kilowatt hour as you pay for importing electricity at any given time.
With a bigger system, you can sell more electricity and profit significantly. More energy suppliers will likely set similar prices to maintain competitiveness, which is more good news if you have a bigger system.
2. The Cost Change Can Be Negligible
Most of the costs you’ll incur when installing a solar system involve labour, inverters, cables, and scaffolding. Such fixed expenses don’t change regardless of the size of your solar panel system, meaning you’ll pay nearly the same amount whether you’re installing a smaller or larger system.
The panels’ cost will likely have the biggest change, but they can be worth it, given the benefits you get. Bill savings from generating free electricity and payments from exporting excess energy can quickly make up for the difference.
3. You Get Enhanced Cost Savings
The long-term financial benefits will easily outweigh the initial investment. Larger systems offer better economies of scale, meaning the cost per watt of installed capacity is lower than smaller systems. Over time, the increased energy production translates into greater savings on your electricity bill.
Investing in a larger solar panel system can shield you from rising energy costs caused by domestic and global factors. The more energy you produce, the less you’ll rely on expensive grid electricity, protecting you against future price hikes.
Adding battery storage to your system can allow you to use your solar power during peak hours, maximizing your savings.
4. You Make the Most of Available Space
If you have a large, unshaded roof with optimal sun exposure, it makes sense to take full advantage of this resource by installing a larger system. Additionally, if the roof is smaller or partially shaded, a larger system can help compensate for the reduced efficiency.
You can also use ground-mounted systems to take advantage of your outdoor space. They offer more flexibility, and you can position the panels at different angles and orientations to maximise energy production.
5. It Will Increase Your Home’s Value
Findings from a study on the value of solar property show that installing a solar energy system can increase the sales price of a typical home by at least £1,800 while reducing annual energy bills by more than £300. The value increase is equivalent to over half of the cost of installing solar panels, even without factoring in the savings.
The findings highlight that upgrading your home with a larger solar power system can be a significant selling point. It can appeal to eco-conscious buyers and reduce utility costs for future owners. A larger system amplifies the benefit of moving into a home with lower running costs.
Even if you don’t plan on selling, a larger system increases your home’s intrinsic value by providing decades of energy savings while reducing its environmental impact.
6. It Will Prepare You for Future Energy Needs
Energy consumption trends are changing. Households are adopting electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and other electric-powered technologies, meaning energy needs will rise. A larger solar panel system allows you to future-proof your home by accommodating these increased demands.
Consider how your energy needs might increase in the future. You may want to get an electric vehicle (EV) as they become more mainstream. Charging it at home could add significantly to your electricity usage, but with a larger solar system, you’ll have enough power to support this.
If you’re planning a home expansion like adding a pool, installing central air conditioning, or building a home office, a larger system will help you meet the increased electricity demands of the upgrades.
Family growth is another factor to consider. The number of people in your household can also increase when you get married or have more kids, and so will your energy consumption. A larger system helps accommodate such changes.
Related solar guides:
- How many solar panels do you need?
- Smart Export Guarantee
- Can you install solar panels in a conservation area?
- Best 4kw solar system with battery storage
- Sunshine hours map UK
- Best Solar Panels
- Solar panel output calculator
7. A Larger Panel System Offers More Energy Independence
Energy independence is a growing concern for many households, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions that can impact energy prices and availability. Combining a larger solar panel system with battery storage will give you more self-sufficiency than smaller systems.
You’ll have greater capacity during power outages or grid instability, so you don’t have to worry about keeping essential appliances running. In some cases, you could even go entirely off-grid, especially when paired with energy storage solutions.
8. You’ll Help Support Grid Stability
A larger solar panel system will help you contribute to broader energy stability. Generating and exporting excess electricity will earn you money while helping ease demand on the grid, especially during peak hours.
Such support is especially valuable as the UK transitions to a more decentralized energy system. Some communities are even exploring local energy-sharing schemes, where households with surplus solar power can share it with their neighbours.
You can participate and benefit from such innovative models with a larger system.
9. You Can Unlock the Full Potential of Battery Storage
A larger solar panel system allows you to unlock the full potential of battery storage. Batteries store excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods. It can be especially useful in areas with intermittent sunshine or during the winter season.
A battery can ensure none of the excess energy you generate from your large system during peak hours goes to waste. Instead, it’s stored for later use, increasing your self-consumption rate and reducing your reliance on the grid. If you expand your energy storage in the future, a bigger solar system ensures you’ll have enough energy to fill the batteries.
10. It Allows You to Leverage New Technologies
Solar technology is evolving rapidly, and larger systems are often better equipped to integrate the latest advancements. Many larger installations come with smart monitoring systems that allow you to track energy production and consumption in real time. They can optimize performance and ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment.
New panel technologies like bifacial solar panels that capture sunlight on both sides are particularly effective in larger systems where panels can be spaced and angled for maximum exposure.
Larger systems also feature higher-quality inverters, which convert solar energy into usable electricity more efficiently. Some inverters even allow for battery storage integration and backup power capabilities.
Factors to Consider when Choosing A Larger Solar Panel System
Available Roof or Ground Space
Not all roofs can accommodate the number of panels required for a larger system. Limited space, odd roof shapes, or poor orientation can make installation difficult. Ground-mounted systems can offer an alternative, but they require substantial land and may involve additional costs for mounting structures and trenching.
Trees, buildings, or other structures can cast shadows on panels, reducing efficiency, especially in a larger system that requires significant unobstructed space.
High Initial Costs
Larger systems require more panels, inverters, and potentially battery storage, which significantly increases the upfront investment. Installation costs, including labor and permit fees, can also rise with the scale of the project, especially for complex setups.
Although loans and incentives exist, they’re usually limited to smaller systems. Securing sufficient funding for a larger system might be challenging, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Local Regulations and Permits
Larger systems often require more detailed and complex permits, which can delay the installation process. Some areas have zoning laws and restrictions or homeowner association (HOA) rules that limit the size, visibility, or placement of solar installations.
Larger systems can have a significant visual impact since they’ll likely dominate the appearance of a roof or yard. This can potentially impact curb appeal and draw complaints or pushback from neighbors or local groups concerned about land use or visual disruption.
Utility companies may also have export limits that restrict how much energy you can feed back into the grid, reducing the financial benefits of a larger system.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
A larger system will likely require higher-capacity inverters or multiple inverters, adding complexity and cost. Upgrading your connection to the grid to handle the higher energy output might involve additional expenses or approval delays from the utility company.
Ensuring the system works seamlessly with energy storage solutions can also complicate the design and installation process. The battery system must be large enough to store the excess energy generated, which can increase the costs. Rapid battery technology advancements can also make the current options obsolete, requiring you to upgrade to match future needs.
Maintenance and Upkeep
More panels mean more potential points of failure, increasing the maintenance needs. The system may require regular cleaning and inspections to maintain peak performance, and you may incur higher repair costs with larger systems due to the greater number of components.
Although solar panels can last for 25–30 years, you may need to replace or upgrade parts like inverters and batteries one or two times in the system’s lifetime, increasing the overall costs.
Weather and Environmental Challenges
Larger roof systems with more panels or ground-mounted installations will also face greater weather and environmental challenges than smaller systems. You may need to invest in reinforced mounts to withstand strong winds and keep the panels safe and secure.
The larger surface area will also increase the likelihood of snow, leaves, or dirt accumulating more frequently and affecting efficiency. It will also make it easier for the panels to overheat if you live in a hot climate, resulting in efficiency losses and making it harder to achieve the desired energy output from a larger system.
Time and Logistics Challenges
A larger system will take more time to design, install, and test, potentially delaying your ability to start generating power. It will also require more components, which could face supply chain delays in shipping or manufacturing, particularly during high-demand periods. Connecting a larger system to the grid also involves more coordination, increasing the risk of delays.
Overcoming Challenges As You Consider A Larger Solar Panel System
- Comprehensive Planning: Work with experienced solar designers and installers to create a tailored solution that addresses your specific needs and constraints.
- Utilize Incentives: Research and apply for all available financial incentives to reduce costs.
- Future-Proof Your System: Choose high-quality components and scalable designs to accommodate future growth or technology upgrades.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on local regulations, utility policies, and technological advancements to make informed decisions.
So Why Should You Consider A Larger Solar Panel System?
A larger solar panel system offers various benefits, making it a worthwhile and cost-effective investment. It can help you generate more electricity to sell and take advantage of lucrative tariffs while providing significant cost savings, increasing the value of your home, and ensuring you’re prepared for future energy needs changes.
Sources and References
- https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels/
- https://solarenergyuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/The-Value-of-Solar-Property-report_SEUK.pdf