James Elston
Published May 15, 2024
Expert Solar Panel Installation In Batley
If you have been considering installing solar panels for your home or business in Batley, you will be tapping into the numerous benefits of this renewable energy source. You will be reducing your carbon emissions and energy bills, and adding value to your property. It’s also a nifty way to get some extra change in your pocket since excess electricity from solar panels can be sold back to the national grid.
Eco Happy has helped many residents and business owners in Batley, Birstall and Dewsbury reduce their energy bills and enjoy a stable supply of electricity. Our team of professional solar panel installers advise on the type of solar panel system you need and follows through with a hassle-free installation.
Is It Worth Installing Solar Panels In Batley?
Yes, it is worth it! In March 2024, more than 1,000 residential and business properties in West Yorkshire were affected by a sudden power outage. Solar panels are a surefire way to keep your lights on during such times.
Additionally, Batley receives an average of 1,081 hours of sunlight per year. For solar panels in the UK to function efficiently, a daily average of 3-4 sunlight hours is required. This equates to an annual total of 900-1,100 hours. So, Batley is well within this range,
The mild weather in Batley is also an advantage. Even on cloudy days, solar PV systems can still generate electricity. The moderate climate also ensures that you won’t have to worry about damage caused to your solar panels due to extreme weather conditions.
Varying roof sizes, shapes, and materials do not hinder solar panel installations. Our expert installers will advise if any modifications need to be made to customise your solar panel installation.
Whether your roof is pitched, flat, curved, or made of asphalt shingles, clay tiles or metal, installation can be done. The one exception here is thatched roofing. It is not impossible to install solar panels on this type of material, but many professionals either refuse or strongly advise against it due to the fire risks.
Renewable energy sources such as solar panels are no stranger to the Batley area. For many years the metropolitan borough of Kirklees has been extremely proactive in ensuring that its towns are taking the proper steps towards a greener future.
On average, there are approximately 14,357 households in Batley. The use of solar panels in one household can reduce carbon emissions by up to 1 tonne a year. If 50% of households installed solar panels, there would be a reduction of around 7,180 tonnes a year in Batley alone!
What are the benefits of installing solar panels in Batley?
Installing solar panels has a great deal of benefits, such as:
Cost-effective
A solar panel system is relatively low cost when the savings, benefits, and bountiful supply and electricity are taken into consideration.
Lower your energy bills
A solar panel system could save you up to £565 a year on energy bills.
A solar battery can provide power 24/7
Using a solar battery allows round-the-clock access to solar energy collected during the day. The battery storage ensures a sufficient power supply even during blackouts or at night.
Solar panels have a long lifespan
Solar PV panels have a lifespan of over 25 years on average, making them more of an investment than an addition.
0% VAT
There is currently a 0% VAT on solar panel installations for residential properties. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak estimates that this tax reduction translates to savings of over £1,000 on installations. This is only valid until 31 March 2027, whereafter it will revert to its original 5% VAT.
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) means you can earn back money
If saving money on your bills isn’t enough, solar panels can also be profitable. The Smart Export Guarantee states that certain utility providers are obliged to pay customers for any excess energy that is put back into the grid. For example:
| 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 |
Increased property value
Research conducted by Admiral Money has shown that solar panels increase a home’s value by 25%.
Good return on investment
On average, your ROI could potentially be achieved in as little as 8 years. However, various factors could impact this.
Lower your carbon emissions
Using renewable energy through a solar panel system significantly lowers your carbon emissions. West Yorkshire emits approximately 11.1 million tonnes of carbon each year. A solar PV system emits no greenhouse gases during the solar conversion process, which will help reduce overall emissions in the Batley borough.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need In Batley?
Determining how many panels you require for your commercial or residential property depends on:
- Your overall power consumption; lower energy consumption means fewer panels are required.
- The size of the solar PV system (kWh).
- The efficiency and quality of the solar panel.
- Your roof size.
- The size of the house or building.
- The orientation of your roof; if your roof is north-facing, more panels may be required to supply sufficient electricity.
- Any shading that covers your roof; shading from trees or other structures that cannot be removed means additional panels are required to harness the required solar energy.
Most residential solar panels have an output range of 250W, 350W and 450W. Commercial business properties often require a larger supply of energy. Therefore, panels with an output range between 400W and 600W are recommended.
The tables below illustrate an estimate of how many panels would be required for various-sized homes and businesses.
Residential
| 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
| 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 Batley?
The average solar panel installation can cost between £5,000 and £13,000 for homes and from £16,000 to £70,000 for a commercial business. These costs can be further affected by:
- Size of the property
- Energy consumption
- Brand of solar panel
- Size of solar panel system (kWh)
- Number of solar PV panels required for optimum efficiency
- Complexity of installation
- Roof size
The tables below show cost estimates for homes and commercial buildings.
Residential costs (including a solar battery)
| 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 costs
| 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 Batley?
There are currently two government grants available to Batley residents:
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG)
The Home Upgrade Grant provides financial support for energy-efficient upgrades such as solar panel installations. Successful applicants could receive up to £10,000 towards the cost of a solar PV system. Eligible applicants must be low-income, off the gas grid and have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) between D and G.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme
The Energy Company Obligation Scheme is a government grant that provides free energy-efficiency home improvement products such as solar panels. To qualify for this scheme you must be a low-income household (less than £36,000 a year), have an EPC with an energy efficiency rating of E or lower, and receive certain qualifying government benefits. This grant is valid until 31 March 2026.
Why Choose Eco Happy
Expertise
Our expert team will guide you through the solar panel installation process from start to finish.
Hassle-free installations
We ensure the installation process is done quickly and with the best attention to detail and quality.
High-quality solar panels
Solar panels are an investment, and this is why we use only the highest quality materials and equipment during installation.
Customer service
At Eco Happy, customer satisfaction is our priority.
Get Your Solar Panel Installation Quote Today
Are you ready to let Eco Happy make your Batley home or business more energy efficient? Get a free quote for a solar panel installation today, and start reaping all the benefits and savings of solar panels.
FAQs
Do you need planning permission for solar panels?
Thanks to more relaxed laws, most residential property owners do not require planning permission for solar panel installations. However, flats, listed buildings and houses in protected or conservation areas often require permission. If you are renting, permission is required from the owner.
How does a solar battery work?
Only a fraction of all the solar energy converted into electricity during the day gets used. Installing a solar battery stores this unused energy, which can be used well after daylight hours.
How much do solar batteries cost?
The price of a solar battery will depend on its storage capacity. A 5 kWh battery, which is best suited to households, ranges between £3,500 and £5,000. For commercial business premises, a 20 kWh is recommended, which ranges between £10,000 and £12,500.
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.