10 causes Brits are holding again on photo voltaic panels regardless of potential financial savings
A new survey has revealed the most common reasons people are put off installing solar panels in their homes – despite the potential savings and environmental benefits
A staggering one in 10 adults are shunning solar panels because they reckon ‘the UK is never sunny’ – despite the potential savings on energy bills.
A survey of 2,000 homeowners without the eco-friendly power source has highlighted the most common concerns Brits have about solar panels as it revealed 22% would never consider installing them.
According to the survey, nearly half are put off by the time it takes to profit from their investment, and a whopping 69% reckon the cost is just too steep to justify.
Another 30% are worried about roof damage and 16% are not too bothered about being eco-conscious.
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But these common misconceptions could be stopping nearly four million homes a chance to slash their electricity bills by up to 7%0%.
The research, conducted by Utilita Energy, comes as they gear up to launch a taskforce set to fit solar PV systems in 500 homes monthly.
Bill Bullen, Utilita’s founder and CEO who has his sights set on leading the UK’s solar revolution, said: “There are lots of misconceptions associated with solar panels which is often rooted in a combination of outdated information, lack of awareness, and misunderstanding of the technology.
“Take the weather, for example – people often associate solar power with sunny climates and mistakenly believe that solar panels require constant sunshine to work effectively.
“However, some of the best producing days can actually be in winter as they work even better when they are cold.
“It’s misconceptions like this that can put people off, but the government has now set out its plans to triple solar power generation in the UK by 2030, and we are eager to lead this transformative journey.”
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The study also revealed that 25 % of people think that the energy produced by solar panels doesn’t makeup for their purchase and installation costs – but according to Utilita, industry averages show the average payback period is between seven and nine years.
Additionally, 24% believe the panels can’t be moved from one property to another, and 22% think they only pay off if you sell excess electricity back to the grid.
It also turns out that 45% presume solar panels require heavy maintenance and need to be replaced after about 18 years, when according to Utilita they actually have a lifespan of between 25-30 years.
Data from OnePoll.com also indicates that are also a significant consideration, as 40% feel solar panels detract from the appearance of a building.
For 20% they would be turned off by a house sporting solar panels if they were thinking of moving.
Despite this, 36% would be more inclined to purchase them if they knew someone who had already made the eco-friendly jump.
“Solar panels offer numerous benefits, both for individuals and society as a whole,” Bill added. “”Rooftop solar is central to Clean Power 2030 and delivery of local, low-cost decarbonisation, reducing household energy spend.”
“[It] is the most efficient way to ease the burden on the National Grid,” he stressed., adding that with UK households bracing for another electricity price hike in April, “Solar PV generation has never been more cost-effective.”
Adding a final word on industry progress, he noted: “Panel efficiency has dramatically improved over the last decade, while the price of panels has reduced, meaning the overall return on investment is better than ever.”
TOP 10 SOLAR PANEL MISCONCEPTIONS
- The power generated by solar panels does not cover the cost of buying and installing them
- Solar panels cannot be transferred from one property to another
- Solar panels may damage your roof
- Solar panels are only worthwhile if you sell electricity back to the grid
- Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity
- Solar panels affect your buildings insurance/ increase your premium
- You can only use solar energy during the day and you still need to use energy from the grid at night
- Solar panels are advancing at such a rapid pace that the panels are very quickly out of date
- Solar panels only work on south-facing roofs
- Solar systems are too complicated to install/ manage
