solar panel installer in birstall
James Elston

James Elston

Published May 8, 2024

Expert Solar Panel Installation In Birstall

Answer these simple questions and we will find you the BEST prices.

Which type of solar quotes do you need?

What is your preferred time of installation?

It only takes 30 seconds 100% free and with no obligation

Are Solar Panels Worth Installing In Birstall? 

Yes, it is worth it. If you’re on the fence about installing solar panels in Birstall, here are some points to consider:

  1. Energy prices have more than doubled for West Yorkshire residents in the last five years, according to a report by the BBC.
  2. Annual carbon emissions in West Yorkshire are equivalent to 11.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
  3. In March 2024, over 1,078 homes and businesses were left without electricity following a major outage.

Birstall also has more than a sufficient amount of sunlight hours a day to allow for ample electricity generation.

The longest daylight hours occur on June 22 with 17.1 hours of light, while the shortest on December 21st has 7.4 hours. To generate electricity, solar panels require at least 4-5 hours of sunlight a day, making the Birstall sunlight hours ideal. Keep in mind that these panels harness solar energy even on cloudy days.

On top of that, the mild weather in Birstall is actually a plus, as it means your solar PV system is less likely to incur damage from extreme environmental elements, further adding to the low maintenance appeal.

Another reason solar panels are worth it is their adaptability. Solar panel systems can be fitted to almost any roof regardless of its size, shape, inclination, orientation, and roofing material. Our skilled installers can customise solar installations to fit various roofing structures. It is worth noting that thatched roofs are considered to be unsuitable for solar panel installation, as it has a high fire risk. 

What Are the Benefits of Installing Solar Panels in Birstall?

The benefits of installing solar panels are numerous, many of which you may have yet to realise.

Long lifespan

Solar panels have a lifespan that is more than 25 years. This, coupled with the fact that a full ROI can be achieved in as little as 8 years, makes them a great investment.

You are less likely to be affected by power outages

The country’s resources are taking strain and the threat of blackouts has become a reality. This is expected to reach a critical point by 2028. Having solar panels can lessen and even eradicate the likelihood of your home or business being affected.

Significant increase in property value

Statistics have shown that properties with solar panels have an increased overall value of up to 25%.

Lowers carbon footprint

When solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, there are no greenhouse gas emissions. This is a clean renewable energy source that does not harm the environment.

Low-cost and reduces energy bills

Solar panels have proven to be cost-effective. You could see savings on your energy bills by as much as £565 a year.

Solar batteries allow for a 24/7 electricity supply

The inclusion of a solar battery means that unused energy can be stored and used after the sun has set. This gives you further immunity during power outages.

0% VAT

There is currently 0% VAT on solar panel costs. This is only valid until 31 March 2027, whereafter it will revert to its original 5%.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) can be profitable

With the Smart Export Guarantee, surplus energy from solar panels can be placed back into the national grid. Your utility provider will then pay you per unit. Examples of payout rates:

Supplier and tariffAmount 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 Birstall?

When trying to determine how many solar panels you would need for your home or business, the answer ultimately depends on the following factors:

  • Your power consumption.
  • The overall size of the solar PV system you need.
  • The wattage of each panel; higher wattage means fewer panels are required for it to be efficient.
  • Your roof size.
  • Orientation of your roof; if your roof is not south-facing, additional solar panels may be required to reach the optimum level of efficiency.
  • Any shading over your roof.
  • The efficiency and quality of the solar panels.

Residential

We recommend solar panels that have an output range between 250W and 450W, with 350W being the most commonly used panel size. These panels measure 1.89m x 1m and are approximately 3.99cm thick. Below are rough estimates of the number of solar panels you may need to supply your home with electricity.

House SizeElectricity Consumption (Annual)No of Solar Panels: 250WNo of Solar Panels: 350WNo of Solar Panels: 450W
Flat/1-bed house< 2,000 kWh486
2-3 bed house2,000 – 4,000 kWh6108
4-bed house4,000 – 6,000 kWh91310
5-bed house6,000 – 8,000 kWh51613

Commercial Businesses

Panels with an output range between 400W and 600W are recommended for commercial business properties. Below are estimates of the number of panels needed for small, medium, and large commercial businesses.

Size of BusinessSolar power system Size RequirementNo of Solar Panels: 400WNo of Solar Panels: 600W
Small10 kWh – 20 kWh25 – 5016 – 33
Medium50 kWh – 60 kWh125 – 15083 – 100
Large80 kWh – 100 kWh200 – 250133 – 166

How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost In Birstall?

On average, solar panel systems cost upward of £7,000, this includes the panels and installation. Factors that may add to the cost of solar panel installation include:

  • Solar panel system size (kWh)
  • Energy consumption
  • Complexity of the installation
  • Brand of solar panels

Below are cost estimates for solar panel installation including a solar battery:

Residential solar panel systems (with solar battery)

House SizeSystem Size RequirementSolar Panel Cost (including installation)Solar Battery Cost Total Cost
Flat/1-bed house3 kWh£5,000 – £6,000£2,500 – £3,500£7,500 – £9,500
1-2 bed house4 kWh£6,000 – £8,000£3,500 – £4,000£9,500 – £12,000
3- 4-bed house5 kWh£8,000 – £9,000£4,000 – £5,000£12,000 – £14,000
5-bed house6 kWh£9,000 – £11,000£5,000 – £7,500£14,000 – £18,500

Commercial businesses 

Business SizeRecommended Solar Panel System Size Number Of Solar Panels (400W)Number Of Solar Panels (600W)Estimated Costs (incl installation)
Small20kW25 – 3016 – 33£16,000-£30,000
Medium60kW125 – 15083 – 100£39,000-£75,000
Large100kW200 – 250133 – 166£60,000-£120,000

Are There Solar Panel Grants Available In Birstall?

Yes, solar panel installations can be financed with the help of two government grants:

1. Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)

To be eligible: 

  • You must qualify as a low-income household 
  • Be off the gas grid. 
  • Have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating between D and G. 

Those who qualify could receive up to £10,000 towards the installation of a solar panel system. This grant is only valid until March 2025.

2. The Energy Company Obligation Scheme (ECO4)

This is aimed at low-income households with an EPC rating between D and G. This scheme incentivises the installation of energy-saving systems such as solar panels and is valid until March 2026.

Why Choose Eco Happy

If you have decided to install solar panels, you have made the right choice. Your next step is to choose a company with proven expertise in the industry. Here’s why Eco Happy is the best choice for the job:

Get Your Solar Panel Installation Quote Today

It’s time to start saving and investing in a greener future. Request a free solar panel quote for your home or business today. We are always available to answer any questions you have regarding solar panels.

FAQs

Do you need planning permission for solar panels in Birstall?

Planning permission is not required for homeowners. However, if you are renting, have a listed building, or have a property in a conservation area, permission is likely required. Specific information can be obtained from your local council.

Can I install solar panels on a thatched roof?

Installing a solar panel system on a thatched roof is not impossible, but it is not recommended. Firstly, it poses a huge fire risk. Secondly, the shadows from solar panels may cause the thatched area to retain moisture and eventually lead to rotting.

Can solar panels be installed if my roofing tiles are brittle or delicate?

Yes! Certain roofing materials such as clay or concrete tiles run the risk of cracking during the installation process. If this is the case, our expert installers will remove tiles from the area where the mounting system is fitted and replace them with a more suitable material. This will not be visible, and won’t affect the aesthetic of your property.

Can I install solar panels anywhere other than my roof?

If you find that you have limited roof space, solar panel systems can be installed on carports and garden sheds. They can even be ground mounted.

Other Areas We Service Near Birstall

HorsforthFarsleyMirfield
PudseyRothwellBatley
BrooklandsBingleyBrighouse
LiversedgeFeatherstoneHeckmondwike
WakefieldLeedsGuiseley
CleckheatonCastlefordClayton
Dewsbury
James Elston

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *