How Do Solar Panels Work With Your Electric Bill?

Solar panels, also called photovoltaics, are transforming how households in the UK manage their energy consumption and save money. By harnessing the sun's power, these systems reduce reliance on the national grid, lowering electricity bills significantly.

Whether you aim to cut costs, achieve energy independence, or adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle, understanding how they work with your electricity bill is key.

This article will explore the savings potential, the role of batteries, and essential tips for optimising your setup. Let’s get started!

Installing a photovoltaic array at home will always reduce your electricity bill, provided your energy usage does not increase. After installation and your distribution network operator (DNO) inspects and approves your system, your home’s primary energy source will automatically switch to your home array. That way, you only use power from the grid if you consume more than your system produces.

Depending on how many photovoltaics you have, this could significantly reduce your monthly electricity costs. Those with a large enough array to live off the grid will pay no more electrical bills. To achieve that, you will need solar battery storage to store the power you produce during the day so you still have electricity when the sun isn’t shining.

The average monthly electricity bill for a UK household varies with the size of the home and the number of people in it. Without photovoltaics, a one-bedroom home or flat might cost about £58.72 monthly or £704.63 annually, while large five-bedroom homes can expect to pay about £108.14 monthly or £1,297.73 yearly.

Every photovoltaic panel you invest in will reduce those bills. For instance, the average electricity bill for a three-bedroom home with a 3.5kW system is just £19.67 monthly or £236 per year, a savings of about 70%!

If you invest in solar battery storage to use solar at night and during peak electricity hours, you could save up to £1,180 a year, meaning that you could pay little to nothing for electricity.

The short answer is no, you won’t have electricity bills. However, it depends on the size of your array and how much electricity you use. You must also install a battery storage system to have power when the sun isn’t shining.

The EcoFlow PowerOcean series starts with a single battery with a 5kWh capacity that is easily expandable up to 45kWh. That’s enough even for large homes with high power needs. It comes in different options: the EcoFlow PowerOcean (Three-Phase) for those on a three-phase system and the EcoFlow PowerOcean (Single-Phase) for single-phase systems.

Combine your system with an EcoFlow PowerHeat air-to-water heat pump, and you can also significantly reduce your heating costs, regardless of what you use for heat.

You must inform your distribution network operator (DNO) that you have photovoltaics. Note that the DNO is not the same as your local energy supplier. DNOs are the regional operators that own and maintain the wires that carry power from the national grid to your home. Visit the Energy Networks Association and enter your postcode to find your DNO.

You or your installer must notify your distribution network operator (DNO) about the installation about two weeks before it occurs. This allows them to account for your energy generation and ensure the efficiency of their network. After installation, they inspect and test your system to ensure everything works.

Finally, they will switch your home’s primary energy source to your home array, relying on the grid only when you are not generating enough.

Several factors will affect how much your photovoltaic system will reduce your energy bill. Here are some of the most important ones.

Like anything, paying attention to proper installation, use, and maintenance will help you get the most out of your photovoltaic array. Here are some tips to help you produce more energy and save money.

The position and orientation of your panels are critical for optimal performance. If possible, you want your panels facing south and angled to get the most peak sunlight when the sun is directly overhead, maximising your output. Seasonal adjustments to that angle are recommended since the sun's angle changes with the season.

Photovoltaics require minimal yearly maintenance to ensure your system operates at maximum efficiency. It involves cleaning them to remove dust, debris, leaves, or snow that can block sunlight. You should also check the wires and connections to ensure they are still secure and no animals have been chewing on them. A well-maintained system will operate more efficiently and last longer.

Using a battery storage system will significantly enhance what you can get from your system. It’s because they will store all the excess energy generated during the day when the sun is shining brightly, so you can use it on cloudy days when they generate less, but also at night when they are not generating any. They also allow you to use stored energy during those more expensive peak electricity hours when your electricity company charges you the most.

EcoFlow's PowerOcean battery storage system starts at 5kWh and is expandable to 45kWh, providing plenty of power for small and large homes to gain complete energy independence.

Plenty of innovative technology options can help you further maximise your savings. For instance, the EcoFlow App enables you to monitor your energy production and usage in the home. You can also get smart thermostats to set according to your schedule, so you don’t have to remember to turn them up or down manually.

There are also smart appliances with eco-friendly modes and scheduling options to avoid using too much power during those dreaded peak electricity hours; this means no more getting up in the middle of the night to start your laundry.

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) replaced the Feed-in-Tariff system when it ended and works similarly. This is where you can sell any excess energy you generate back to the grid to reduce your bills.

To take advantage of this system, you must register with an energy supplier licensed to offer the SEG tariff. They all have different application processes, so check the SEG licensee you are dealing with for their specific requirements.

Investing in solar panels is a smart step toward reducing energy bills and embracing sustainable living. With proper installation and the addition of a battery storage system, homeowners can maximise savings and even achieve energy independence.

Understanding key factors like system size, orientation, and maintenance and taking advantage of things like smart technology and the Smart Export Guarantee ensures you can maximise the return on your investment.

Explore EcoFlow's PowerOcean battery storage systems to help take control of your energy usage and save more each month while contributing to a greener future.