Rain, wind, and soggy socks are all familiar in Scotland. But when you bring up solar panels, people often ask you a question. Is it the sun here? Enough to sustain a household? It’s not quite as stupid as it looks. Quotes Near You
First, things first. It is true that Barcelona experiences more sunny days than Scotland. However, solar photovoltaic panels don’t need bright, continuous sunshine. Instead of using direct sunlight, they generate electricity using daylight. Your kettle still gets electricity from those panels, even on a gloomy morning. Bravo for the technology.
It’s time to talk about pounds and pence. Solar panel installation comes with a hefty upfront expense. Most families spend between £4,000 and £6,000 on a standard setup. Such a terrible pill, that is. Maybe not. The good news is that energy bills break down faster than a crappy wool jumper. In Scotland, the average household can save hundreds of dollars annually on their electricity costs. Some even pay a little checkback to the system by selling their unused power.
Let me clarify: there are peculiarities. Roofs don’t always work. North-facing roofs, big chimneys, or too much shade from those lucky neighbors’ trees could all be trouble spots. In the event that you are in a listed structure or conservation area, the topic of planning approval may come up. The vast majority of persons in the green, however, are those who have some exposure to the south and open space.
Additionally, incentives add sweetness to the bargain. The UK government’s Smart Export Guarantee allows you to receive payment for returning excess electricity. While the money doesn’t make all the difference, it does help tip the scales.
A common misconception is that during the Scottish winter, panels essentially become elaborate roof decorations. No, not precisely. Shorter days, of course, lead to less output. Despite this, panels work all year long, and the savings in the spring and summer are substantial. These things are long-lasting as well. Performance won’t start to drastically deteriorate for another 25 years or sometimes 30 years.
To be honest, being energy independent feels great. Watching your meter move slowly while the sky does its thing gives you a sense of peaceful contentment, even in Scotland’s harsh weather.
When it comes to solar panels, there isn’t a single, universally applicable option for people who are keen to become green. With the correct roof and a little persistence, however, they are not just found in sunny Spain. Even when clouds are bothersome, the Scottish sky can withstand them. Is this magic? Not really. It is, however, intelligent. Outside, everything appears to be as natural as a hedgehog donning a raincoat.