James Elston
Published May 8, 2024
Expert Solar Panel Installation In Birstall
With rising energy prices and the threat of power outages becoming more frequent, Birstall residents and businesses stand to gain a lot by installing solar panels.
Relying on a solar PV system for your electricity means saving money on energy bills, adding value to your property, and lowering your carbon footprint. There is also a possibility to earn money on excess electricity that is put back into the national grid.
Eco Happy provides expert solar panel installation services in Birstall, Cleckheaton and Batley. We pride ourselves on our quality customer service, seamless installation process and affordable prices. If you are striving for a green energy solution, we can help you get there. It’s time for you to start enjoying the benefits that come with solar panels.
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:
- Energy prices have more than doubled for West Yorkshire residents in the last five years, according to a report by the BBC.
- Annual carbon emissions in West Yorkshire are equivalent to 11.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
- 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 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 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 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
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 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 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 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 businesses
| 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 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:
Expertise
Our team of solar panel installers are highly experienced and certified.
Hassle-free installations
Our installation process is impeccably planned out to ensure that things run smoothly from start to finish.
High-quality solar panels
Using only the highest standard of materials and equipment is one of the ways we ensure that your solar panel systems are long-lasting investments.
Customer service
At Eco Happy, customer satisfaction is our priority.
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.
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.