James Elston
Published May 8, 2024
Expert Solar Panel Installation In Pudsey
If you are living or running a business or farm in Pudsey, you may find the addition of solar panels to be extremely beneficial. With added strain on resources, power outages are set to become more frequent and are expected to reach a critical point in 2028.
Solar panels allow you to have electricity during these dark times. Besides that, they are cost-effective, low maintenance, and easily installed, adding value to your property. Additionally, any excess electricity generated from your panels can be sold back to the national grid and paid back to you.
Eco Happy provides quality service and has experienced solar panel installers in Pudsey, Farsley and throughout Leeds. We strive to lower the UK’s carbon footprint by ensuring our clients receive the best advice and professional service when it comes to renewable energy.
Are Solar Panels Worth Installing In Pudsey?
Yes. Installing solar panels in Pudsey is worth it. On average, Pudsey receives 5.52 hours of sunlight a day. This amount of sunshine is ample to generate electricity for your household. By using a solar battery in conjunction with your panels you can have up to 24 hours of energy supply.
The moderate weather conditions in Pudsey also mean your solar panels are less likely to be damaged or worn out from harsh environmental conditions. The fact that over a million homes in the UK have installed solar panels should attest that they are worth it.
On top of that, residents and business owners don’t need to worry about their roof’s size, angle or material when it comes to solar panel installation. Solar panel systems can be fitted to almost any roof, apart from thatched roofs, as this poses a fire hazard. Panels can be customised and mounting systems can be easily modified to suit your needs.
What Are the Benefits of Installing Solar Panels in Pudsey?
Below are a few more ways in which Pudsey residents can benefit from solar panel installation:
Cost-effective
Solar panels may seem expensive but they actually save you money in the long run. The savings that you will reap after installation will outweigh the initial upfront costs.
Easy to set up and install
Unless your roof or structure is incredibly awkwardly angled, installations are easy and take no more than two days. But no matter the shape of your roof, installation is never impossible.
Lowers your carbon footprint
By using solar PV panels for electricity or thermal solar specifically to provide heat to your home, you are significantly reducing the emission of fossil fuels and their negative environmental impact.
Great return on investment
Your full ROI can be achieved between 6-17 years.
Increases property value
Research by Admiral Money has shown that the addition of solar panels increases property value by 25%
Reduces your energy bills
You could potentially save up to £500 a year on your energy bills – more if you use a solar battery. According to an analysis of government statistics, the BBC reported that the household energy bills in Yorkshire have “more than doubled” in the last five years. Installing solar panels will drastically reduce these bills and you could even earn money on your surplus electricity.
High energy resilience
This means you’re less likely to be affected by power outages or blackouts.
It can be aesthetically pleasing
Modern solar panels can be added to your roof without disrupting the appearance of your facade.
Customisable
Solar panels can be tailored to suit your home or business’s size, structural shape, and energy consumption.
Long-lasting
The shelf life of solar panels is more than 25 years which makes them a worthwhile investment
0% VAT
VAT on energy-efficient systems such as solar panels has been cut from 5% to 0%. This applies to either the product (panels) or the installation costs. This tax relief is only valid until 31st March 2027, after that, it will revert to 5% VAT.
It can be profitable
Surplus electricity can be sold back to the National Grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff. Utility providers with 150,000+ customers are obligated to pay solar owners for any excess electricity that is fed back into the grid.
Owners are paid per unit which will vary according to the provider. Other factors such as whether or not you use a heat pump or solar battery are also taken into consideration. Those eligible must verify that the installation and solar panel installers are MCS certified.
Examples of SEG rates according to utility provider:
| Supplier and tariff | Amount per kWh |
|---|---|
| British Gas (Export and Earn Plus) | 15p |
| E Gas and Electricity (ESEG January 2020.v.1) | 1p |
| E.ON (Net export Exclusive) | 16.5p |
| Good Energy (Solar Savings Exclusive) | 20p |
| Octopus Energy (Intelligent Octopus Flux) | 35p |
| OVO (OVO SEG Tariff) | 20p |
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need In Pudsey?
The number of solar panels you will need depends on several factors:
- Size of property
- How much energy is consumed/how much solar power output is required
- Roof size and space
- Number of people using or living in the property
- Type of solar panel
- Solar panel capacity and efficiency
Businesses and residential properties will have different energy requirements. Where a business may require larger solar panel systems, but not need to run all day, houses may require a smaller system that needs to run for a longer period.
Below are estimates of the number of panels that would be required to supply electricity to homes and commercial businesses according to varying factors.
Residential
The figures below are estimates according to varying home sizes. Panels of 250W, 350W and 450W are used as an example as this is the most common range used for residential properties. These panels are 1.6m x 1m.
| House Size | Electricity Consumption (Annual) | No of Solar Panels: 250W | No of Solar Panels: 350W | No of Solar Panels: 450W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat/1-bed house | < 2,000 kWh | 4 | 8 | 6 |
| 2-3 bed house | 2,000 – 4,000 kWh | 6 | 10 | 8 |
| 4-bed house | 4,000 – 6,000 kWh | 9 | 13 | 10 |
| 5-bed house | 6,000 – 8,000 kWh | 5 | 16 | 13 |
Commercial businesses
When calculating the number of solar panels needed for a business you would look at the annual energy consumption and the size of the business
If you need to work out your energy consumption try the online Power Cost Calculator. Since it is for a business, panels between 400W and 600W are recommended. The figures below are estimates according to energy consumption and size:
| Size of Business | Solar power system Size Requirement | No of Solar Panels: 400W | No of Solar Panels: 600W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 10 kWh – 20 kWh | 25 – 50 | 16 – 33 |
| Medium | 50 kWh – 60 kWh | 125 – 150 | 83 – 100 |
| Large | 80 kWh – 100 kWh | 200 – 250 | 133 – 166 |
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost In Pudsey?
Estimates can be given for the cost of solar panel installation. But it’s important to remember that costs may be further affected by:
- Solar panel system size (kWh)
- Number of panels
- Type of panel system
- Size of panels
- Roof size
- Labour costs
- Brand of solar panels
- Complexity of installation
The prices given below include a solar battery. These are also worth the investment if you want to use the electricity generated from your solar panels after the sun has set.
Below are estimates of what you might expect to pay for solar panel installation for your home or business premises.
Residential cost
| House Size | System Size Requirement | Solar Panel Cost (including installation) | Solar Battery Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat/1-bed house | 3 kWh | £5,000 – £6,000 | £2,500 – £3,500 | £7,500 – £9,500 |
| 1-2 bed house | 4 kWh | £6,000 – £8,000 | £3,500 – £4,000 | £9,500 – £12,000 |
| 3- 4-bed house | 5 kWh | £8,000 – £9,000 | £4,000 – £5,000 | £12,000 – £14,000 |
| 5-bed house | 6 kWh | £9,000 – £11,000 | £5,000 – £7,500 | £14,000 – £18,500 |
Commercial business cost
| Business Size | Recommended Solar Panel System Size | Number Of Solar Panels (400W) | Number Of Solar Panels (600W) | Estimated Costs (incl installation) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 20kW | 25 – 30 | 16 – 33 | £16,000-£30,000 |
| Medium | 60kW | 125 – 150 | 83 – 100 | £39,000-£75,000 |
| Large | 100kW | 200 – 250 | 133 – 166 | £60,000-£120,000 |
Are there solar panel grants available in Pudsey?
Yes, there are currently grants available to help with the installation of solar panels. The grants mentioned below are still available but do have an expiration date.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme
The ECO4 is aimed at low-income households. It incentivises the installation of energy-saving heating systems such as PV solar panels and is valid until March 2026. To qualify for the ECO4 grant, your house must be Energy Performance Certified (EPC) and band D-G.
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
The HUG is only available to those in England. If you are using a gas boiler as your main source of a heating system, you will not qualify for this grant. Your home must have an EPC between D-G to be eligible. Those who do qualify may be provided with up to £10,000 towards solar panel installation. This grant is valid until March 2025.
Why Choose Eco Happy
Below are just a few of the reasons why you should choose us for your solar panel installations.
Expertise
We have the best qualified and certified solar panel installers in Pudsey.
Hassle-free installations
Our team ensures that the installation process is seamless and quick without compromising the quality of our work.
High-quality solar panels
We use only the best-quality materials and equipment when it comes to our solar panel installations.
Customer service
We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and are committed to providing you with exceptional service.
Get Your Solar Panel Installation Quote Today
Contact Eco Happy today for a free solar panel installation quote for your home or business in the Pudsey area. Do remember that the above-mentioned grants and tariffs won’t be around forever, so act quickly!
FAQs
Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?
The majority of residential properties in the UK do not require planning permission for the installation of solar panels. However, flats, listed buildings and properties in a conservation area may require permission.
Does my roof need to be South facing for solar panel installation?
No. The directionality of your roof or property does not matter. As long as there is sunlight reaching your roof, your solar panels will perform well. Any trees or shading may, however, lessen the efficiency of the energy output.
Will the solar panels work when it’s cloudy?
They will work even if there is no direct sunlight due to cloud coverage. They will just generate less electricity depending on the extent of the cloud cover.
How long does it take to have solar panels installed?
Depending on the size of your home, and accessibility to your roof, solar panel installations shouldn’t take more than two days.
James Elston
Boiler Expert
James Elston is the top boiler replacement and heating expert at Eco Happy. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry, focusing on Gas Safe boiler installations and offering home-heating and energy-saving solutions to homeowners across the UK. From sourcing the most energy-efficient combi boiler to providing specialist heating advice, James ensures that Eco Happy maintains the highest standards and best customer service.