A Beginner’s Guide to Solar Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels being installed on a roof

Switching to EVs, following a more plant-centric diet, and recycling old plastics are all a given when it comes to adopting a more sustainable way of living. But how about if you were able to generate your own renewable electricity, all from the comfort of your own home or office? Enter - the power of solar panels.

In this guide, we’ll be covering:

What do solar panels do?
What are the benefits of solar panels?
What are the main types of solar panels?
Which solar panel system is right for you?
How much do solar panels cost?
Do solar panels require maintenance?

First things first, let’s lay it out on the table (or roof): solar panels aren’t exactly new to the eco-world. In fact, the invention of solar dates back over 100 years. But it’s only in the last decade that they have become more accessible for everyone. Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon are just a few of the global companies reaping the solar benefits - and for good reason, too.

In 2025 there are over 1.5 million homes in the UK with solar panels installed

With countless benefits such as increasing your energy security while decreasing your usage, it’s no wonder that the demand for solar panels has rapidly increased. There are currently 1.5 million UK homes using solar generated power. And as their popularity grows, so do the technological advancements. Manufacturers are continuing to tweak the technology to become more effective for smaller-scale businesses and homes - and not just for the big-shot brands. What’s more? They’re becoming more affordable than ever. In 2021, the UK government revealed that they were 88% cheaper than they were in 2010. Now, that’s no ‘light’ work.

Curious to learn how all of this can work for you? Read ahead to discover everything you need to know about solar panels for your property, as well as the key things to look out for when choosing the perfect type for your needs. It’s time to power up…

What exactly do solar panels do?

Simply put, solar electricity panels, or ‘photovoltaics’ (PV), work by converting the sun’s light into renewable energy for your home or workplace. The device is made up of energy cells called ‘photons’ which create direct current (DC) electricity when the light shines on them. This is then used to power household appliances, which use alternating current (AC), all year round. It can also be sold and transferred to the National Grid for optimum energy security.

While they’re most effective when in contact with strong sunlight (think 200-350W), you can be rest assured it doesn’t need to be a blazing hot day for solar panels to work. They’re just as effective on an overcast Tuesday in November as they are on a sunny Friday in July. So, great news all round if you’re in the UK.

What are the advantages of solar panels?

No matter the size of your home or business, solar panels provide fantastic economic benefits. From keeping energy bills to a minimum right through to enabling you to run on more sustainable energy, let’s look at just a few of the ways solar panels can power your NetZero journey.

Reduces carbon emissions - The most significant benefit to come from solar is the fact that it can help you to reduce your carbon footprint. We all know that unsustainable energy sources such as oil and gas are detrimental to the planet. Renewable energy, however, allows for a truly green way of living - keeping the need for high-carbon fuels to a bare minimum. It’s a no brainer.
Highly cost effective - Despite the large initial investment of solar panels the reusable electricity they create means you can make impactful cost savings in the long-term. With the cost-of-living crisis and energy bills soaring higher than ever before, solar panels are a highly beneficial asset for both home and business owners to consider adopting. What’s more, if you generate more energy than you need to use, there's also potential to sell it on to the National Grid.
Varied usage - From powering up your electrical devices right and keeping your home or office lit up right through to ensuring your water and surroundings stay warm, solar energy can be used for a diverse range of residential uses. What’s not to like?
Easy to maintain - There’s a common assumption that solar panels are expensive and time-consuming to maintain. Well, we’re happy to tell you that this is far from the truth. Generally, you only need to clean them twice a year - and because there are no moving parts, the likelihood of them breaking is extremely low.
Increased energy security - Unlike unsustainable sources of energy, solar energy will never run out. It will also mean you’re depending less on the National Grid and more on your own source of electricity. If there was a power cut for example, you can have peace of mind that you have a reliable source of energy as a backup.

What are the three main types of solar panels?

The great thing about solar panels is that there’s an option for almost everyone. While there’s multiple varieties, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film are the most common types of commercial solar panels available here in the UK. Let’s shine a light on them.

Monocrystalline

Made from the purest form of crystal silicone cells, monocrystalline is the most advanced and impactful form of solar panels. The sleek black aesthetic, long life-span and high efficiency rating makes them an extremely popular choice for those who are ready to invest and commit to a more solar way of living.

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline panels are also made with silicone - but the cheaper production process means the energy cells have less room to move, so they’re not quite as efficient. Striking a strong balance between affordability and effectiveness - these blue, rectangular panels make for a good compromise.

Thin film

Different from the two above, thin-film solar panels are designed using semi-conducting materials to form layers that capture sunlight. What makes them attractive to many is that they are not only the cheapest available, but also extremely thin and flexible - great if you want a discreet look. The downside? They’re the least efficient. If you want to generate a decent amount of energy, you’d need a considerable amount of space (and panels) to achieve your goals.

How do I choose the right solar system for me?

Now you’re up to speed with all things solar, it’s time to convert this new inspiration into practicality. Finding the right solar panel for your individual needs can feel overwhelming - especially with so much choice on the market. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the four key components to consider when starting your search…

Space - Of course, the size of your roof will of course be a big factor to think about when shopping around. Monocrystalline panels are generally the best for areas limited in size as they don’t need as much space when installing. Think maximum outcomes, minimum space.
Budget - It comes as no surprise that the initial cost of solar panels is a huge barrier for many. While monocrystalline panels are known to be on the pricier side, don’t forget that polycrystalline solar panels are much cheaper to buy upfront - and are almost as effective.
Impact - With efficiency ratings of 15-20%, monocrystalline panels come out tops for providing maximum results. However, polycrystalline doesn't fall too far behind - with an impressive 13-17%. It’s worth taking the time to weigh up your options, as it will depend on how reliant you plan on being with the solar energy you generate.
Design - Want your solar panels to look good as well as do good? Sleek and sophisticated, monocrystalline panels are known to shine on roofs in more ways than one. If your budget can’t stretch that far, thin film panels are an affordable and highly popular option with homeowners - but keep in mind they’re the least efficient.

How much do solar panels cost?

The cost of solar panels can vary depending on the type, size of the system, and installation setup. In general, the higher the quality (for example, panels made with purer silicon), the greater the upfront cost, but also the greater the long-term savings on your energy bills.

Lower-cost systems are available too, but they tend to deliver more modest savings over time. It’s about finding the right balance for your home and budget.

Worried about upfront costs? There’s good news. Several UK government grants are available to help cover installation. For example:

The ECO4 scheme can save eligible households up to £1,600 per year.
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) offers up to £10,000 towards solar and other home energy improvements.

Plus, thanks to rapid advancements in solar tech, the cost of installing solar panels has come down significantly in recent years, much like with electric vehicles.

Curious about what it could cost for your home? You can get a tailored quote based on your postcode from the National Solar Energy website.

Scheme	Benefit	Eligibility	Region	Expires
ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation)	Up to 100% funding for solar panel installation	Households on income‑related benefits or low EPC ratings (D–G); income under ~£31k; referred by energy supplier/local authority	England, Wales, Scotland	31 March 2026
Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2)	Grants up to £10k for solar + energy efficiency	Low-income (under ~£39k), off‑gas-grid homes with EPC D–G; area dependent (currently ~45 councils)	Selected English councils	March 2025
Warm Homes Plan	Up to £30k for home improvements (incl. solar)	Low-income households, renters, social housing tenants	England (via local councils)	2028
Zero‑rate VAT	0% VAT on solar panels & installation	All domestic homeowners, if panels and install from same provider	UK-wide	31 March 2027
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)	₤0.15–₤0.25/kWh paid for excess energy exported	Any MCS-certified solar PV ≤5 MW + smart meter	UK-wide	Ongoing
Home Energy Scotland Loan	Interest-free loan up to ₤6k for solar PV/battery	All homeowners in Scotland	Scotland	Varies (check scheme)
Welsh Nest Scheme	Free home energy improvements, incl. solar	Low-income/benefit recipients in Wales	Wales	Ongoing
Solar Together	Group‑buy discount on solar + storage	Homeowners/renters in participating councils	Selected local authorities	Varies by region
LA Flex (Local Authority Flexibility)	Extended ECO4 eligibility	Households not on benefits but struggling with costs; councils apply flexibly	England, Scotland, Wales	Runs with ECO4

Do solar panels require maintenance?

Solar PV systems do need a little looking after, but not much. So long as they’re installed in a place well away from trees to avoid blocking sunlight and well cared for, your panels should provide you with up to 25 years of energy-saving benefits. They can be washed by the rain (more great news for Brits), but if they do gather dust or debris, it costs around £4-£15 per panel to have them professionally cleaned.

Maintenance wise, the inverter is the one part that typically needs replacing at some point over the duration of usage. Many come with a minimum warranty of five years, which can then be extended if you want optimum peace of mind. Have a chat with your installer for advice on what would be best for your needs.

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