Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular in Scotland and around the world. With this, there has been an uptake in homeowners opting to have solar panels installed on their roof.
The popularity of renewable energy has been growing steadily over the past decade. 2018 saw renewable energy make up 74% of the energy produced in Scotland, up from 31% in 2011. This has been helped by advances in technology, rising energy costs and a greater social awareness for environmentally friendly solutions.
What has been driving this surge in popularity? And what are the benefits of solar PV?
No Planning Permission Required for Solar PV Installation
This makes solar panels perfect and hassle-free for homeowners. In the vast majority of cases solar panels do not require planning permission prior to installation.
The exceptions to this include:
- Listed buildings.
- Conservation areas.
- National parks.
So if these don’t apply to your property you will be good to have them installed at your home!
Falling Prices
The rise in popularity has driven prices of solar PV down, which in turn is generating a greater demand! We love consumer capitalism!
Compared to a decade ago prices have fallen by over 60% in Scotland. As well as the increase in popularity, advances in technology have increased the efficiency and production of solar panels. This has made them far more affordable, and will only continue to do so in the future.
Solar Panels Save You Money!
This is one of the most appealing – if not the most appealing – benefits of solar PV. You generate your own electricity, meaning you buy less from the National Grid and power your home with your own energy. With rising energy prices and a cost of living crisis this means that solar panels should be a no brainer for many people!
If you manage your energy use wisely you could end up using your solar-generated electricity for your entire home, all the time. This offsets the initial cost of installation and makes it a great option if you are settled in your home with the long term benefits simply increasing with time.
Increase Your Home’s Value
If you’re not sure about the length of time you’ll be staying in your current home you might be put off of solar panels. What’s the point in spending money on solar PV if you aren’t going to benefit from them long term?
You will benefit from them! As mentioned before, solar panels are in high demand and are only getting more popular. This means properties will be more desirable as a result of having solar panels installed. So your home will actually be worth more by virtue of having solar panels!
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Renewable energy is a far more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional energy production.
Solar panels allow each individual to play their part and generate their own power – or part of it at least. Not only do solar panels produce zero-carbon electricity, they also release no harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
A typical solar PV system can produce between 700kg and 1 tonne less CO2 from one property annually. So the reasons for getting solar panels installed extend beyond monetary benefits – they benefit the world around you as well.
If solar PV systems are something you’re considering for your home then get in touch with our team. We are qualified to install solar panels and are active in the Central Belt area of Scotland. Contact us to find out more!
