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Are you curious about solar power but feel overwhelmed by all the jargon and technical details? You’re not alone! Solar energy might sound complicated, but at its core, it’s simply about using the sun’s power to generate electricity. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down the basics of solar energy in plain, simple language so you can understand how it works and why it’s worth considering for your home.
Let’s start with the basics: solar power is energy from the sun. Solar panels act as suncatchers. They capture sunlight and turn it into electricity that you can use to power your home, gadgets, or even a car.
Do they actually work? Yes. They do. Here’s how:
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Solar panels are made of special materials that soak up sunlight.
- When the sunlight hits these materials, it creates a flow of electricity.
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That electricity is then sent to your home to power your lights, appliances, and more.
Considering the rapid growth of installations over the past few years, it’s clear that solar energy is resonating with homeowners. By the end of 2023, a whopping 1.44 million UK homes were host to solar panels. So, why should you consider it, too?
Solar saves you money. Once you have panels, they can help lower your electricity bills. The sun’s energy is free, so the more you use it, the less you pay your utility company.
Solar helps you live greener. Solar power doesn’t create pollution, so it’s great for the environment. It’s one way to help fight climate change and leave a better planet for future generations.
Solar gives you energy independence. With solar panels, you’re generating your own electricity. This means you rely less on big power companies and feel more in control of your energy.
Solar setups look different in each home, but the basics of each system are always the same. It starts with solar panels. Each system consists of a number of panels; the number of panels depends on the size of your roof. These will go on your roof to collect sunlight. Then you need an inverter. This is a device which changes the electricity made by your panels into a usable form of energy within your home.
Some homes choose to add battery storage to their system. These batteries store excess energy for you to use at night or on cloudy days. And finally, most solar systems remain connected to the Grid. If your home is still connected to the power grid, you can still use electricity from the grid in the case that your panels are not generating enough.
You might be wondering if it’s worth investing in solar if you live in the UK. No, we aren’t a particularly warm country. But thankfully, solar works with light - not heat. It’s true that solar does produce more electricity on bright, sunny days, but solar can still capture light even on cloudy days. If you live somewhere with lots of shade, you simply might just need more panels or optimisers to help capture the right amount of electricity you need.
Talking of investments, is solar a lot of money? In recent years, the price of solar panels has dropped dramatically, and is generally much more affordable for homeowners and business owners. The cost of solar is dependent on a number of factors, including the size of your home and how much electricity you use, the number of panels you need and whether you opt for extras such as battery storage. Most people choose to pay the cost upfront, with self-funding solar typically paying back their investment within 7 years. Other people choose to finance their solar rather than paying upfront, so that they’re spreading the cost.
Is solar right for everyone? To tell the truth, no. Some homes are simply not suitable. But for the majority of us, it can work well. There are a few questions to consider when thinking about solar.
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Do you own your own home? Solar panels are a long-term investment, so they work best for homeowners.
- Do you get a lot of sunlight? If your home gets a decent amount of sun, you’re a great candidate for solar.
- Do you want to save on electricity? If lowering your bills sounds appealing, solar might be a smart move.
- Are you conscious of the environment? Solar is a clean, renewable energy source, making it a great choice for eco-conscious folk.
Getting started with solar is easier than you think. With our qualified energy analysts ready to do all the hard work for you, all you have to do is give us a call to get us round for a free quote. We will visit your home or business at a time that is suitable for you, gather all the necessary information and then send you a proposal within 7 days. You can then review your proposal and let us know your thoughts, and after that the final step is to install your system. It really is that easy.
Switching to solar power is more than just a smart energy choice—it’s a way to take control of your electricity, save money, and help the planet. Plus, it’s easier to get started now than ever before.
So why not take the first step? Whether you’re dreaming of lower bills or simply want to make a difference, solar power can light the way to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Last Updated: 17/01/2025
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EXCELLENT Based on 75 reviews Judith Burgess17/08/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Not only has buying solar panels been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, the aftercare service from Future Power Team has been fantastic. You really feel they want to help and no question is too daft. Very happy with the team. Maciej Siejak24/07/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. great job thanks Michael Lamb18/07/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A quick and flexible delivery and installation on an 8 panel system on a steep 3 story roof. Would recommend to anyone looking for solar. Yorkshire Jags14/07/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to Kane at Future Power team in a little desperation after an experience with another company fell through. Kane came out very quickly and surveyed my house. He offered a couple of different options, the price was competitive and lead times were great ( I had an install date within 2 weeks) during this time a new product, a GivEnergy All In One was released which I preferred, even though FPT had never installed Kane worked with me and got a good quote and install date which was only a week later. Come install time the electricians were professional and did an excellent job. I’m very happy with the job Kane and FPT did and would highly recommend them. I will be returning for PV Panels when I have saved the pennies. John Tsang27/06/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience with Future Power Team from beginning to the scaffolding going down and the support beyond that has been really good. When I first called up, Kane was happy to come and see me and was a really up front and straight to the point without all that sales malarkey. He explained it as detailed as I could comprehend and deciphered anything I didn't understand. My partner and I reviewed all the quotes we had and both agreed that Kane came across the most sincere and although it wasn't the cheapest quote, we both felt that it was a fair from the conversation we had when he came around. As I had specific requirements for the panels there was a lead time and was delayed but at no fault of Future Power Team as it was due to shipping delays etc. When I called up to check, Kane provided me with updated timelines provided by the supplier. Once the panels had come in then installation date was scheduled and on the installation day the system was installed without any issues. The system has been working really well and for the past week I have probably paid £2-3 so really happy with how it's working and the support I get from Kane. Patryk Czapiewski01/06/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm very happy. The installation was successful, I received a lot of information about the whole system, both before and during the installation. I highly recommend David Parker25/05/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our house was not the easiest to equip with solar panels given its orientation and significant shading because of trees so we had a some problems arose along the way. But we liked the way the boss took personal control of the installation in order to deal with them. Communications were quick and easy due to the efficiency and helpfulness of the office; the installation team of roofers and electricians were equally efficient and helpful. The price was very competitive and there was no attempt to inflate the quoted sum when extra work and material was required. It was a pleasure to work with this company and we are more than satisfied with the result. Karen Lambert-Sykes18/05/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really good team, always happy to answer any questions. Arrived when they said they would and was spot on fitting or solar system, they didn't leave till everything was up and running and we were happy with the job. Highly recommend David Lambert18/05/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First class service from first meeting for quote to final sign off , all work carried out as quoted , always kept upto date with where we were at all the way through , all work completed on dates agreed , install team were informative on the day so we knew what to expect throughout the install , all in a first class service from Kane and the team , thanks very much 5* ahmad tariq18/05/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am really happy with the service. Very professional work. Nice and friendly team. They guided me about everything very clearly. Very helpful when I need and fair in advising. I got good price compared to other solar companies. Highly recommended.