Solar Together Blog

10 Hard-to-Believe Solar Energy Facts

Solar energy is one of the most promising forms of renewable energy available today. It is clean, efficient, and has the potential to meet a large percentage of our energy needs. Despite all of its benefits, solar energy still faces some challenges regarding public perception. In particular, some people find it difficult to believe that solar...

Solar PV

How long until solar panels pay for themselves?

Perhaps the best thing about installing solar panels is how it can increase your independence from the grid and help you save money. But you have to balance that fact with initial installation costs. So, how long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves? It’s difficult to say, but the answer depends on...

Solar PV

Will solar panels work during a power outage?

One of the best things about having solar panels is that you can produce electricity yourself rather than being reliant on your energy supplier. It stands to reason that when you don’t take any electricity from your energy supplier, you would not be affected by a blackout. So, do solar panels work during a power...

Solar PV

If I have solar panels, do I still pay for electricity?

The number one reason to install solar panels is to help save on your energy bill in a sustainable way. While they may be costly to set up in the first place, you’ll eventually break even thanks to reduced energy bills – and you’ll make money on all the solar energy you don’t use, by...

Solar PV

Do solar panels affect the value of your home?

Anyone who owns a home will naturally want to maximise its value. Typical ways are with new carpets, new windows, insulation and the like. But what about solar panels: can they increase the value of your home? Are solar panels and property value linked? They are; houses with solar panels sell for £1,891 more on average,...

Solar PV

Do I need planning permission for a solar panel installation?

Installing a solar PV system is a fantastic way to generate renewable energy, help the environment and save money on powering your home. But you may be wondering about solar panels and planning permission. Do you need to seek planning permission if you want to install solar panels? In most cases, the answer is no. Most...

Solar PV

Solar panel maintenance: Everything you need to know

Solar panels may require periodic cleaning and maintenance throughout their lifetime. This is because dust, debris, and the effects of the weather can impair the performance of the photovoltaic cells over time. Maintaining your solar panels ensures that they are always working at peak efficiency. But what exactly does “maintenance” mean for solar panels, and...

Solar PV

Smart meters and solar panels: Everything you need to know

Smart meters are great at giving you control over your energy usage. Solar panels are great at bringing your energy bills down and helping us all move towards a greener future. They might be useful enough separately, but what about together? Can you use solar without a smart meter? Will solar lower your bills if...

Solar PV

Do solar panels work on cloudy days and in the winter months?

This is by far one of the most frequently asked questions by would-be owners of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It’s only natural for UK residents to wonder whether solar panels produce energy in the winter. How long will solar panels continue to generate energy when the temperatures drop and the skies darken? In a place...