Solar Panels in Cornwall: Will they Work for Your Home?

If you're considering solar panels for your home, Cornwall’s unique environment as one of the sunnest regions of the UK makes it an excellent location for enjoying the many benefits that come with solar. 

This chart shows the number of sunshine hours in the UK per year, for each region (Met Office, 2023):

As a trusted solar panel installer in Cornwall, here at Natural Generation we’re able to guide you through the pros and cons of solar panels, to help you decide if they’re the right choice for your Cornish home.

 

Why Choose Solar Panels in Cornwall?

Cornwall is one of the sunniest regions in the UK, with high levels of solar irradiation compared to other parts of the country. As well as making it a wonderful place to live, this also makes it an ideal location for solar panel installation!

We're proud that Cornwall is the highest renewable energy generator of all UK regions; and with more than 1.3 million solar panel installations across the UK, over 24,500 of those are right here in Kernow.

As Cornwall is so much sunnier than most of the UK, you’ll be able to break even on solar panels faster here too, with your solar panels paying for themselves in around 11.1 years - far quicker than the UK average of 13.08 years!

Here are some more great reasons to consider when it comes to installing solar panels to your home:

• Lower Energy Bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce your energy costs by providing free electricity from the sun.
  
  
• Environmental Benefits: By switching to solar energy for your home, you can lower your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
  
  
• Energy Independence: Generate your own power and become less reliant on traditional energy providers, fluctuating prices and power outages. 
  

 

How Much of My Electricity Can I Generate from Solar?

The amount of electricity you can generate from solar panels depends on several factors, including the size of your system, your location and the orientation of your panels. 

In Cornwall, a typical 4kW system can generate around 3,800 kWh of electricity per year. This is enough to cover approximately 50-70% of an average UK household’s energy needs, depending on usage patterns. By storing excess energy with a solar battery system, you can further increase your energy self-sufficiency.

 

How Much Could I Save on My Electricity Bill with Solar Panels at Home?

Solar panels can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. A typical UK household with a 4kW solar panel system could save between £300 and £500 annually, depending on energy usage and electricity tariffs. 

If you pair your solar panels with a battery storage system, you can store excess energy generated during the day and use it during peak hours, potentially saving even more. Over the 20 year life of a solar system, these savings can add up to thousands of pounds, making solar a worthwhile investment.

 

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

There are several pros and cons when it comes to installing solar panels, and these are important to consider when deciding if solar is the right choice for you and your needs.

Here’s a round up of a few of the main advantages and disadvantages of solar panels…

 

Pros:

• Renewable Energy Source: Solar energy is a sustainable and inexhaustible source of electricity, creating clean, green energy to power your home.

• Low Maintenance Costs: Solar panels require minimal maintenance, with only occasional cleaning and servicing required.

• Increased Property Value: Homes with solar panels are often more attractive to buyers, helping to boost the value of your home.

• Government Incentives: You can send any electricity from your solar panels that you don’t use back into the grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) you will be paid for every unit of electricity that you feed back. To get set up, you can apply directly to an SEG tariff supplier.

 

Cons:

• Initial Investment: The upfront cost of solar panel installation can be significant, though it pays off in the long term through reduced electricity bills - we can help you work out how much you could save with solar.

• Weather Dependence: Solar energy generation is lower on cloudy days, though modern systems are efficient even in lower light conditions.

• Space Requirements: You need adequate roof or land space for installation, ideally facing south with minimal shading, and in good enough condition to mount your solar panels.

 

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK?

The cost of solar panels can vary depending on the size and type of the system you choose. On average, homeowners in the UK can expect to pay between £5,000 and £8,000 for a standard 4kW system. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that influence costs:

1. System Size: Larger systems generate more energy but cost more upfront.
2. Type of Panels: Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but generally more expensive than polycrystalline options.
3. Installation Costs: These depend on the complexity of the installation and the expertise of the solar installer.
4. Additional Components: Items like inverters, mounting equipment and battery storage (if opted for) can add to the overall cost.

 

While the initial investment may seem high, government incentives, financing options and energy savings over time can offset these costs significantly. Simply book a free consultation with our experienced team to get your tailored cost estimate.

Choosing the Right Solar Installers in Cornwall

Natural Generation has been helping homeowners in Cornwall switch to renewable energy for years. 

Our team provides you with:

• Free consultations to assess your home’s solar potential.
  
• Tailored solutions to meet your energy needs and budget.
• Professional installation and ongoing support.

 

Take the Next Step Toward Solar Energy for Your Home

With our sunny climate and supportive community, Cornwall is a fantastic place to embrace solar energy. Whether you’re looking to lower your energy bills, reduce your environmental impact, enjoy freedom from the grid or increase your property’s value, solar panels can be a real game-changer.

Contact Natural Generation today to learn more about solar panel installation and discover how we can help you harness the power of the sun for your home.