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As more drivers in the UK switch to electric vehicles (EVs), the next big decision is how to charge them cheaply and efficiently. That’s where EV-specific energy tariffs come in.
Whether you’re a new EV owner or looking to switch suppliers, the right EV tariff can save you hundreds of pounds a year by offering cheaper overnight electricity rates and faster home charging.
In this guide, we’ll break down how EV tariffs work, who they’re for, and which suppliers offer the best deals in 2025 — so you can drive greener and spend less.
| Supplier | Off-Peak Rate | Off-Peak Hours | Smart Charger Needed? |
| Octopus Go | 7.5p/kWh | 12:30am–4:30am | No (recommended) |
| OVO Anytime | 7p/kWh | Variable (AI-based) | Yes |
| British Gas | 8.5p/kWh | 12am–5am | No |
| E.ON Next | 9p/kWh | 12am–6am | No |
An EV tariff is a specialist electricity deal that offers cheaper rates at night, when energy demand is low — perfect for charging your car while you sleep.
Most EV tariffs include:
Some tariffs even link with specific chargers or car brands to automatically schedule your charging for the cheapest times.
Let’s break it down. If you were to remain on a ‘Standard Variable’ tariff, which has a single rate set at 26.4p per kilowatt hour (kWh), in accordance with the Energy Price Cap set by the energy regulator Ofgem as of 1st October 2025, the cost to charge a 60kWh EV battery would be £15.84. However, if you charged using an EV tariff, offering off-peak unit rates of 7.5p per kilowatt hour (kWh), the cost would be £4.50. This offers a saving of £11.34 per charge. If you average 10,000 miles per year, with a 60kWh battery, you would be charging the vehicle around 33 times a year making an annual saving of around £374.22.
| Tariff Type | Rate | Cost to Charge 60kWh |
| Standard Electricity Tariff | ~26.4p/kWh | £15.84 |
| EV Tariff (off-peak) | ~7.5p/kWh | £4.50 |
| Saving | ~18.9p/kWh | £11.34 |
If you add in a battery storage unit, the savings keep on growing.
The average UK home, excluding charging an EV, uses around 2,700kWh per year which is around 7kWh per day. Using 2,700kWh on a ‘Standard Variable’ tariff at 26.4p per/kWh would cost £712.80 per year. Using 2,700kwh from a pre-charged battery storage unit at 7.5p per/kWh would cost £202.50 saving a further £510.30.
We’ve reviewed the latest EV tariffs from UK energy suppliers. Here are our top picks:
Best for: Reliable off-peak savings with a trusted supplier
Best for: Maximising eco credentials and hands-free savings
Best for: Existing British Gas customers who want everything in one place
Best for: New EV owners looking for setup support
With energy prices set to increase by a further 2% from 1st October 2025, now is a good time to review your energy usage and consider switching if:
NOTE: Ensure you have a smart meter installed, as most EV tariffs require half-hourly data.
Most EV tariffs work best with a smart charger. This allows you to:
When choosing an EV tariff, consider:
Export tariffs – If you also have solar panels, look for suppliers with good Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates
If you’re based in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, or Essex and want to combine solar panels with an EV charger, The Solar Co can help.
We’ll:
Help you cut your energy bills and drive greener
Design a tailored solar + EV charging system
Recommend the best tariff for your usage
The direction your solar panels face is one of the most important decisions in your installation. Orientation affects how much sunlight your system captures, directly impacting performance, efficiency, and long-term savings.
Whether you’re in Kent, Essex, Surrey, or elsewhere in the UK, choosing the correct orientation can maximise your solar production.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure as much sunlight reaches your solar panels as possible to maximise your solar production and improve your return on investment. Remember, solar panels work with diffused light rather than direct sunlight.
The direction of your solar panels is determined using the “azimuth angle,” which essentially takes a direction, e.g., South, and uses it as our reference point by assigning it the position of 0°. As we move East, the number moves into negatives, e.g., -90°. As we move West, the number moves into the positives, e.g. 90°.
| Direction | Azimuth Angle |
| South | 0° |
| West | +90° |
| North | 180° |
| East | -90° |
Using the above guide, a 45° orientation would be South-West facing, whereas a -45° orientation would be South-East facing.
Studies have shown that whilst solar panels’ orientation (azimuth angle) impacts solar production, the technology has advanced to maintain solar production where a South orientation is not possible. For example, studies by the University of York show that solar panels with a +30° orientation, i.e. South-West, achieved almost 97% solar production as panels facing South. Conversely, solar panels with a -17° orientation, i.e. South-East, achieved 99% solar production as panels facing South. In essence, proving that you don’t have to have a south-facing roof to benefit from solar panels.
“You don’t have to have a south-facing roof to benefit from solar panels.”
Studies have also shown that, due to improvements in solar panel technology, even with North-facing panels, solar production still achieves 54% of that from South-facing panels.
When considering the direction you want your panels to face, it is also worth considering when you want to generate electricity to match your usage. Whilst the saying goes that the sun “rises in the east and sets in the west”, this isn’t valid year-round and varies to the benefit of solar production in the brighter summer months.
Here is where the sun rises and sets in the UK, depending on the time of year:
| Season | Sunrise | Sunset |
| Winter | South-East | South-West |
| Spring | East | West |
| Summer | North-East | North-West |
| Autumn | East | West |
As such, North-facing panels are likely to boost solar production in the morning and evening during the summer months, therefore extending the use of solar electricity, enabling you to avoid paying inflated electricity costs from the grid of around £0.25p per kilowatt hour (kWh).
As a guide, consider these orientations to meet your demand throughout the day:
| Day Usage | Orientation |
| Morning | East or South-East |
| Afternoon | West or South-West |
| All Day / Battery Storage | South |
As shown above, it’s not only south-facing roofs that will benefit from solar panels. Yes, they will maximise your solar production; however, even with a north-facing roof, you can harness solar power. Better still, if you do have a south-facing roof, this essentially means you have a north-facing roof on the other side, which could add another +50% of your solar production. As the installer will already be on site and have scaffolding covered, this isn’t a case of doubling the cost. Instead, we estimate doubling up would add 50% to your install costs. Generally speaking, this will mean your return on investment remains about the same, but increases your export capacity and lifetime earnings by selling your excess back to the grid.
With orientation sorted, the next important factor for your solar panels is “tilt angle”. In the UK, the angle of the sun varies between 60° and 20° depending on the time of year, i.e. the sun is higher in the sky during Summer (60°) and lower in the sky during Winter (20°). In an ideal World, you would have adjustable brackets to alter the angle of your panels throughout the year. Studies have shown that this can increase annual solar production by almost 7%. However, as this is not always possible (or practical), UK solar panels are generally set to 30-40° to maximise solar production year-round.
Here is a table showing the optimal tilt angles for solar panels across the UK:
| City | Tilt Angle |
| London | 37° – 47° |
| Birmingham | 38° – 48° |
| Manchester | 39° – 49° |
| Newcastle | 40° – 50° |
| Edinburgh | 41° – 51° |
The lower angle is to optimise summer solar production when the sun is higher in the sky.
The higher angle is to optimise winter solar production when the sun is lower in the sky.
As you can see above, the tilt angle depends on where you are in the country, with a greater angle required the further North you go. The ideal tilt varies across the country depending on your latitude. To gauge your optimal tilt angle, you can find your latitude and apply the following calculation as a general rule of thumb:
Latitude x 0.76 + 3.1 = Tilt Angle
To ensure you can achieve your optimal tilt angle, you should also consider that in the UK, most roofs pitch between 30° and 50°. For what it is worth, anything below 10° is considered as a flat roof.
If you don’t know the angle of your roof, you can work this out using a smartphone app or using trigonometry with a tape measure and a spirit level. To do this, hold the spirit level straight with one edge touching the roof. From a measured distance along the spirit level (e.g. 12 inches), you then use your tape measure to measure the distance vertically down to the roof (e.g. 10 inches). Once you have this, you can enter these measurements into an online calculator. If using a mobile phone calculator, you want to use the atan-1 of your trigonometry settings e.g. atan(0.625) = 32°.
North-facing panels are rarely optimal in the UK unless no south-facing surface is available.
| Orientation | Output (UK) | Best For |
| South-facing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%) | Maximum generation, all-year use |
| East/West-facing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (80–85%) | Morning or evening energy peaks |
| North-facing | ⭐⭐ (60–70%) | Reduced output but will boost solar production with other orientations especially through Summer |
If you’re in the UK or northern hemisphere, south-facing panels are the top choice for:
If your roof only allows north-facing installs, consider:
Not sure which orientation works best for your home? We’ll help you:
We install across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Essex.
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No — solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity, so they don’t produce power after dark.
In the UK, solar panels produce electricity for 6 – 17 hours per day, depending on the time of year.
In Winter, when we have shorter days, solar panels generate electricity between 08:30am and 15:30pm.
In Summer, when we have longer days, solar panels generate electricity between the hours of 05:00am and 22:00pm.
However, that doesn’t mean your home goes dark when the sun sets.
Combining your solar set-up with a battery storage unit allows you to harness the sun’s power throughout the entire 24-hour day.
A battery storage unit, otherwise known as a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), is a battery installed at your property to store energy that can be used at a later date. In simpler terms, imagine it as a power bank for your home.
These batteries vary in size but an average 10kWh to 13kWh battery, such as the Tesla Powerwall 3, would measure approximately 1,000mm (height) x 600mm (width) x 200mm (depth).
Adding one to your green home set-up, you can charge it up as follows:
Those with a battery storage unit can use cheap, often renewable energy from the grid when demand is low. This electricity is charged at around £0.06 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh) instead of the much higher on-peak rate of £0.25 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). Charging the battery up using this cheaper electricity then enables the customer to use the battery during the day when electricity prices are at a premium. Here, with a 10kWh battery, you’d be charging it up for £0.60 per day. That same 10kWh of electricity directly from the grid during the day would cost you £2.50, making a daily saving of £1.90.
Suppose your solar panels are producing excess electricity. In that case, you can either sell this back to the grid on Smart Export Guarantee tariffs for around £0.15 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh) or you can use this free solar power to charge your battery storage unit for free and then draw on this electricity when required. This is great if you are a higher electricity user in the evening, i.e. you’re at work during the day or when the nights draw in, and you want that extra warm feeling from using free solar power that you’ve stored up during the day. Here, even better than using cheap “off-peak” electricity, you can now harness your solar energy and use it for free when required.
To harness the full benefits of your solar panel set-up, pairing it with a battery storage unit enables you to benefit from:
You will generate free electricity from the sun. This electricity can be used for your immediate consumption or to charge your battery storage unit for use later in the day/night (perfect for Winter). It can also be used to sell excess electricity back to the grid via a Smart Export Guarantee tariff. Essentially, enabling you to sell it for around £0.15 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh), so your energy supplier can then sell it back to your neighbour for £0.25.
A battery storage unit can be charged using unused solar power or it can be charged up using cheap “off-peak” electricity between the hours of 12am – 7am (depending on the supplier and tariff). You can then draw on this electricity, meaning you’re either using free stored solar energy or cheap “off-peak” electricity. If you are away on holiday, it can also be usedto simply charge at night for £0.06 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh) and then sell back to the grid for £0.15 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh).
The first thing we need to remember with solar panels, especially in the UK, is that they produce most of their energy during the long summer months. At the same time, this is when our electricity consumption drops, meaning during these months, most of that electricity will be exported to the grid and/or used to charge a battery storage unit for use later in the day.
Overall, the average UK home with solar panels will consume around 60-70% of its solar generation. The remaining 30-40% will be exported to the grid or used to charge a battery.
Here is how the average UK home breaks down in terms of the percentage of annual electricity by month.
NOTE: You can use these percentages of your annual electricity consumption to gauge how your usage will vary throughout the year. If you don’t know what your ‘Estimated Annual Energy Consumption’ is, you can find it on your latest energy bill.
| Month | % Annual Electricity Consumption | Kilowatt Hours (kWh) |
| January | 9.9% | 267 |
| February | 9.7% | 262 |
| March | 9.0% | 243 |
| April | 7.2% | 194 |
| May | 7.1% | 192 |
| June | 7.1% | 192 |
| July | 7.1% | 192 |
| August | 7.1% | 192 |
| September | 7.3% | 197 |
| October | 9.0% | 243 |
| November | 9.6% | 259 |
| December | 9.9% | 267 |
| Total | 100.0% | 2,700 |
If we consider a solar array that would produce the required output for an average UK home (2,700kWh), we would install around 8 x 430W panels.
Here is how we calculate this.
First, we need to calculate our kilowatt peak (kWp), which is the maximum output of a solar panel system under standard test conditions.
The combined kilowatt peak (kWp) would be 8 x 430W = 3.44kWp.
Remember, 1,000 Watts equals 1 Kilowatt, so the calculation is 8 x 430W = 3,440 / 1,000 = 3.44kWp.
Factoring in location, tilt, orientation and system losses, the average UK system produces 950kWh/kWp.
The total annual production is 3.44 x 950 = 3,268kWh.
Real-life set-ups will work at around 85% of the manufacturer’s standard test conditions, giving us 2,770kWh of annual solar energy production.
To see what our solar array will generate throughout the year, we need to look at the likely generation by month. Remember, solar panels rely on light to generate electricity, meaning that Spring and Summer are the biggest months for solar generation in the UK.
In the Winter, when it’s cloudy and the days are short, solar generation falls but doesn’t stop altogether.
Here is how it breaks down for our 8-panel set-up:
| Month | % Annual Solar Production | Solar Production kWh |
| January | 2.8% | 78 |
| February | 6.0% | 166 |
| March | 9.4% | 260 |
| April | 11.6% | 322 |
| May | 12.8% | 356 |
| June | 11.2% | 311 |
| July | 13.2% | 366 |
| August | 13.2% | 367 |
| September | 9.7% | 268 |
| October | 5.8% | 161 |
| November | 2.0% | 54 |
| December | 2.3% | 63 |
We can now compare our consumption to the likely output of the solar panels to determine where the deficits in solar production will be.
| Month | Consumption (kWh) | Solar Generation (kWh) | Deficit |
| January | 267 | 78 | -189 |
| February | 262 | 166 | -96 |
| March | 243 | 260 | 17 |
| April | 194 | 322 | 128 |
| May | 192 | 356 | 164 |
| June | 192 | 311 | 119 |
| July | 192 | 366 | 174 |
| August | 192 | 367 | 175 |
| September | 197 | 268 | 71 |
| October | 243 | 161 | -82 |
| November | 259 | 54 | -205 |
| December | 267 | 63 | -204 |
As we can see from the above, from March through September, our solar panels generate enough electricity to meet our consumption demand. However, that is only if our consumption occurs during the hours in which it is generated. If not, we either sell that solar generation to the grid (as mentioned above) or store it by installing a battery storage unit.
Our recommendation for this example scenario is to opt for an 8.8kW inverter with a 16.1kWh battery.
The larger inverter allows for a higher peak demand. An 8.8kW inverter lets you run your home, charge an EV, and route surplus PV into the battery (or vehicle) immediately.
The larger battery i.e. 16.1kWh instead of a 10kWh battery, means more free or cheap electricity can be stored and the less chance of you drawing higher “on-peak” electricity when the battery runs dry. This also maximises your earning potential when selling “off-peak” electricity back to the grid.
A lithium-ion battery should last for around 6,000 cycles. If it is charged and drained daily, that’s a lifespan of 16.5 years. Remember, by this point, as we have seen with the cost of solar panels, battery costs should continue to fall as the technology improves and demand increases.
“…battery costs should continue to fall as the technology improves and demand increases.”
Here is data from ‘Our World In Data’ showing how lithium-ion battery prices have changed over time. As more people buy these products, the price will continue to fall.
Source: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/average-battery-cell-price?country=~Average
We can’t rule out that some customers may wish to opt purely for a battery storage unit rather than combining them with a solar array.
In this case, let’s assume that you use all of your energy during “on-peak” hours i.e. 7am to 12am, which are charged at £0.25 pence per kilowatt hour (kWh). Again, let’s use the example of the average UK home with an annual electricity consumption of 2,700kWh.
2,700kWh x £0.25p per/kWh = £675 per year
Let’s assume you install a 10kWh battery storage unit to meet your maximum electricity demands of 9kWh per day in the Winter months. You fully charge your battery storage unit each night using “off-peak” electricity charged at £0.06 penceper kilowatt hour (kWh).
2,700kWh x £0.06p per/kWh = £162 per year
This saves you £513 per year.
Depending on where you are in the UK, the type of house you have, and where the installation needs to be carried out, a 10kwh battery, depending on the brand, e.g., Tesla Powerwall, would cost around £5,500 to £6,500.
This would therefore give a return on investment (ROI) range as follows:
| Install Cost | ROI (based on £513 saving per year) |
| £5,500 | 10.7 years |
| £6,500 | 12.7 years |
With a lifespan of 16.5 years, this would leave around 4 to 6 years of profit equating to £2,000 to £3,000. Not to mention the CO2 emissions you would have cut from the environment.
Since panels stop working after sunset, battery storage is vital in increasing the benefits you can reap from your solar panels.
Popular options: Tesla Powerwall, GivEnergy, and LG Chem RESU
Example: A 10kWh battery can typically power lighting, refrigeration, and internet for a night, depending on usage.
Combine solar with other renewables like:
These operate day and night, complementing solar’s daytime output.
Capture heat from the panels and convert it into usable thermal energy for heating or supplemental power.
| Benefit | Details |
| Backup Power | Stay powered during grid outages |
| Energy Independence | Rely less on utility companies |
| Lower Bills | Use your own energy day and night |
| Supports Grid Stability | Reduces peak demand strain on the UK grid |
| Eco-Friendly | Clean, silent, emission-free |
If your goal is:
…then yes, storage is a smart addition.
If your home is already energy efficient and you’re on a tight budget, a grid-tied solar system without batteries can still save you money.
Thinking about going solar? We’ll help you:
We cover Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Essex.
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In short, yes! Shorter days and overcast skies might raise doubts, but solar panels work in all seasons – including winter. Remember, solar panels need light, not heat, to generate electricity. Thanks to modern technology and diffused light capture, they continue to provide clean energy throughout the colder winter months.
Let’s look at the data to see how solar generation performs in the UK through the winter months.
Here, we can see the overall solar generation to the UK’s electricity grid through 2024, giving us a good view of how solar generation changes through different times of the year.
Source: Energy Dashboard
Here, we can see the same trend from an individual home set-up:
Source: Energy Stats
With cold temperatures not impacting solar panels, the decline in output is due to the number of daylight hours, the lower angle of the sun and the frequency of cloudy days experienced in the UK winter months compared to summer. The UK averages around 8 hours of daylight in winter compared to 16 hours in summer. That’s 50% fewer hours of daylight, which will immediately result in half the amount of solar production. As we can see above, when you factor this in, with the lower sun and cloudier days, winter output can drop to around 15.0% of that experienced in peak summer months.
Regarding solar panel efficiency, cold weather helps improve panel efficiency by reducing internal resistance. Solar panel output can vary in different temperatures (known as the temperature coefficient) but only declines in warmer weather, meaning the panel works more efficiently in colder temperatures.
Regarding panel efficiency, this temperature coefficient means that for every 1oC above 25oC, solar panels lose around -0.3% to -0.5 %. However, this is not an issue in the cold, meaning they perform no matter how cold it gets.
Another question many ask is, “How does daytime supply marry up to nighttime demand” during the more extended and darker nights? That is a valid question. However, it’s not limited to winter. Overall, homes with solar panels export around 50-60% of their generation. The amount they export is lower through winter at around 40-50% compared to 70% in summer. With the ‘Smart Export Guarantee’, energy tariffs are available for consumers to sell excess electricity back to the grid at around £0.15 per kWh. This income helps offset the cost of electricity you import from the grid, i.e. you’re now selling excess electricity to the grid for £0.15 per/kWh and then importing it for around £0.25 per/kWh. Therefore, the net cost for your solar electricity is around £0.10 per/kWh – a saving of 40%.
However, suppose you combine your solar panels with a Battery Storage Unit, such as the Tesla Powerwall. In that case, you can charge your battery during the day using your solar panels and then use this electricity through the night, further improving your savings and reducing your carbon footprint.
Whilst the UK continues to invest in solar at an individual, business, and grid level, we can see that the UK as a whole is generating 240GWh (240,000,000kWh) of electricity through December, which is enough to power almost 900,000 homes for the entire month.
If we look at other European countries with a similar latitude to the UK, this is how much of their electricity is now being generated by solar:
| Country | Solar % of Total Electricity |
| Netherlands | 17.7% (6th highest in Europe) |
| Germany | 14.8% |
| Belgium | 11.9% |
| Denmark | 11.3% |
Source: Our World in Data
Most panels have a temperature coefficient of around -0.35% per °C. That means they lose less performance to heat in colder weather, improving energy conversion rates.
For example, panels operating at 5°C will be more efficient than those at 25°C. This is another reason solar power performs well, even in places like Norway and Canada.
Even when the skies aren’t clear, scattered light still powers PV cells. However, on cloudy winter days, solar panels may produce 30–50% of their usual output.
Snow can:
Pro tip: Consider snow-friendly mounting angles and anti-reflective glass coatings for winter climates.
Despite the lower hours of sunlight, winter still brings measurable savings.
Depending on where you are in the UK, your electricity from the grid will cost around £0.25 per kilowatt hour (kWh). The average UK home will use around 9kWh per day during the winter months. During winter, a standard 4KW solar panel system produces between 3 and 6 kWh per day. It is not enough to make the average daily amount of 9kWh per day, but it is a decent enough chunk. Using this free solar energy from your panels would save you around £30 per month on your electricity bills.
When it comes to the environment, every little helps. Every kWh of energy you can use from the sun is another kWh you’re not pulling from the UK grid, which during November – February 2024, had 34.5% of electricity generated by burning fossil fuels in the form of gas.
Regular care keeps your system running smoothly when it matters most.
Monitoring systems help:
Some panels are simply built better for cold, cloudy climates.
| Panel Type | Efficiency | Winter Suitability |
| Monocrystalline | 15–22% | Best in low-light, compact, but higher cost |
| Polycrystalline | 13–16% | Good for milder climates, more budget-friendly |
| Thin-Film | 10–12% | Works in extreme cold, lower efficiency |
| Bifacial | 16–20%+ | Leverages snow reflection, ideal in snowy zones |
Monocrystalline panels with anti-reflective glass are ideal for UK winters.
Winter isn’t a barrier – it’s just another season your panels are ready for. With the right setup and proactive care, your solar system can:
Just remember:
📞 Ready to upgrade or install a winter-ready system? The Solar Co can help.
The short answer? Yes – they 100% do.
When you think of solar panels, you might imagine the need for endless sunny skies, but that’s unnecessary. Even in cloudy weather, solar panels generate electricity from natural daylight, meaning diffused sunlight, i.e. sunlight that is shining through clouds, works just fine.
The UK’s daylight hours, which vary from 8 to 16 hours depending on the time of year, and mild climate make solar energy a viable year-round solution.
To prove this claim, let’s look at some real-life data to show how UK solar generation compared on two very different days regarding the weather.
Friday, 9th May 2025 – Sunny day across the UK.
Here, we can see the total solar generation to the National Grid in Gigawatt Hours (GWh).
Thursday, 6th June 2025 – cloudy and wet across the UK.
Here we can see the cloud cover across the UK:
And here is the comparable total solar generation to the National Grid in Gigawatt Hours (GWh) on this cloudy day.
Let’s compare these two days’ half-hourly generation (showing every hour for ease). We get the following data showing the overall average variance in solar output on a cloudy day across the UK, which was 43.6% of a sunny day with no clouds.
| Time | Friday, 9th May (Gigawatts) | Thursday, 6th June (Gigawatts) | Variance % (Cloud Vs Sunny) |
| 07:00am | 0.622 | 0.246 | 39.5% |
| 08:00am | 2.321 | 0.897 | 38.6% |
| 09:00am | 4.724 | 1.621 | 34.3% |
| 10:00am | 7.642 | 2.624 | 34.3% |
| 11:00am | 10.150 | 3.763 | 37.1% |
| 12:00pm | 12.055 | 4.564 | 37.9% |
| 13:00pm | 12.901 | 5.514 | 42.7% |
| 14:00pm | 12.721 | 6.203 | 48.8% |
| 15:00pm | 12.049 | 5.735 | 47.6% |
| 16:00pm | 10.645 | 5.510 | 51.8% |
| 17:00pm | 8.731 | 4.176 | 47.8% |
| 18:00pm | 6.129 | 2.993 | 48.8% |
| 19:00pm | 3.602 | 1.916 | 53.2% |
| 20:00pm | 1.566 | 0.751 | 48.0% |
Source: https://www.energydashboard.co.uk/historical
Here we have images from a The Solar Co customer proudly showing us how, despite cloudy conditions, his solar set-up was still generating enough electricity to meet his demand and producing a little extra to sell back to the grid.
Whilst this data shows a drop in solar generation, as you would expect, solar panels continue to generate electricity even on cloudy days. Also, let’s not forget that if it rains, that will help clean the solar panels, removing dust and dirt that will otherwise start to reduce the panel’s efficiency.
The results shown above explain, in part at least, why record numbers of UK consumers are opting to invest in solar panels to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint and ultimately help the environment. Latest data from the UK government shows how solar panel sales are surging:
Over 75% of solar panel installations have been domestic, and the remaining 25% commercial. Of the domestic installations, 80% are retrofitted to existing properties, and 20% have been installed on new builds.
In addition to producing free electricity all year round, most solar panels come with an output warranty of around 30 years. Depending on the quality of the panel, e.g. Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline, the loss of power output against the minimum peak power at standard test conditions should be around +80% after 30 years of use.
For context, if you have a system installed with an Annual Solar Energy Production of 5,000 kilowatt hours (kWh), your panels will be under warranty to still be producing +80% of that after 30 years which would equate to an Annual Solar Energy Production of 4,000 kilowatt hours (kWh). Remember, that is what the manufacturer is willing to put under warranty, so the reality is that output should be higher than this over a more extended period.
Several factors determine how efficient your system performs:
In terms of overall efficiency, solar panels can last for 25-30 years with the output of your panels only degrading by around 0.3% to 1.0% per year.
These factors mean a well-installed system will perform consistently – even in Winter.
Solar panels generate electricity without direct sunlight thanks to photovoltaic (PV) cells that absorb light, whether direct or diffused when the sun’s rays shine through clouds.
“Germany – with weather very similar to the UK – is one of the global leaders in solar energy production.”
Whilst output on overcast days drops to 10–50% of full sunlight levels, newer technologies and premium panels help improve efficiency and solar production.
Yes, Winter reduces solar output – but it doesn’t stop it. In the UK, we average around 12 hours of daylight each day, varying between 8 hours in the Winter and 16 hours in the Summer. For a more detailed breakdown, here is how many hours of daylight we see by month in the UK:
If we look at overall UK solar generation at a grid level, this also gives a good illustration of how your solar output performs throughout the year:
As we can see, solar output during Autumn/Winter will be lower (around 25.0% of your annual solar energy production), while your electricity consumption increases (around 57.0% of your annual electricity consumption). Therefore, to enhance your setup even further, you can pair your solar panels with a battery storage unit to store your solar power for later in the day when the nights draw in.
Investing in solar is a strategic move, environmentally and financially.
| Solar is right for you if… | You may reconsider if… |
| You live in the UK and want to cut bills | You want full power output in Winter |
| You care about reducing carbon emissions | You have poor roof orientation or shading |
| You want protection from volatile energy costs | You’re expecting 100% off-grid living |
| You want long-term investment value | |
| You have suitable roof orientation, i.e. south facing | |
| You want energy security |
Even in cloudy weather, UK homeowners can benefit from solar power thanks to efficient technology, smart installations, and long daylight hours – up to 16 hours during Summer months.
Live in the South-East? Let us design your perfect system.
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Here at The Solar Co., we have extensive experience installing integrated solar panels, alongside more traditional on-roof setups in the South-East. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that addresses some of the questions we most often receive from customers. This will help you decide if they are right for you.
Integrated solar panels, also known as in-roof solar panels, seamlessly blend into a building’s roof. Unlike conventional solar panels that sit on top of an existing roof, integrated panels become part of the roof itself, providing a more aesthetically pleasing finish.
In this guide, we’ll cover the following:
Advantages:
✅ More aesthetically pleasing
✅ Likely to add even more value to your property
✅ Prevents birds nesting behind panels
✅ Saves money on meshing
✅ Will save money on tiles if done at build stage
Disadvantages:
❌ Increased costs to install retrospectively
❌ Impact on efficiency during hotter periods
❌ Designated Flashing Zones: Integrated panels require flashing zones around the system’s border, limiting usable space and often resulting in fewer panels compared to on-roof systems.
❌ Rigid Layout Constraints: Fixed mounting trays must align perfectly, preventing panel staggering or orientation changes, which limits layout flexibility.
The cost of integrated Solar Panels will vary depending on whether they are added to a new build or retrofitted into an existing roof.
Retrofitting will naturally involve removing a large percentage of the existing tiles and replacing them with the in-roof solar panels. This will incur a larger cost due to the added manual labour and extra expense associated with disposing of the removed tiles. Where the roof is already tiled, integrated solar panels generally cost an additional £150 – £250 per panel compared to on-roof systems.
For new builds, they are integrated into the roof at the build stage. There are additional costs to integrate them, around £100-£150 per panel versus a traditional set-up, but there is something important to bear in mind.
Each solar panel typically covers around 2m² meaning that for every panel installed there is a relative saving on the roofing cost of that area, i.e. you will need fewer tiles and labour.
Given that installed slate tiles cost approximately £160 to £275 per m² and concrete tiles around £60 to £80 per m², the avoided expense of tiling 2 m² per panel can significantly reduce the overall cost difference, making integrated solar a cost-effective option.
Your roofer might not be inclined to tell you this!
Top-level, integrating your solar panels may reduce the efficiency of the system by 2-5%.
Let us explain why it’s difficult to provide a more precise number.
All solar panels lose efficiency when they are above a certain temperature, around 25c.
There are not many days in the UK when the temperature exceeds 25c, however note this is the temperature of the panel, not the air.
With Integrated solar panels sitting flush with the room, there is slightly reduced airflow to cool the panels. This reduced air could increase the temperature of the panel itself by 5c to 10c.
An individual panel may produce around 0.5% less power per Celsius above 25c, so on those days, the panels are likely to be 5% less efficient than a traditional on-roof solution.
On a hot August day, if you exported 30kWh with a traditional on-roof solution, you would export 28.5kWh with an integrated set up. At an export rate of 15p per kWh, that would be £4.27 rather than £4.50. That is a 23p difference.
There will only be so many days of the year when this becomes relevant, owing to the seasonal climate of the UK.
The loss of efficiency should be balanced against the additional value it adds to the property.
This graphic gives you a good example of how the finish can differ:
Opting for integrated solar panels versus a traditional on-roof solution is likely to add even more value to your house.
Reduced electricity bills from a system already in place is very appealing to many prospective buyers. Any installation therefore is likely to increase the value of your property.
However, integrated panels provide a very nice aesthetically pleasing finish, which is likely to be preferred by the majority, and therefore valued even more.
Numerous studies show properties with efficiency upgrades (such as solar panels) sell for as much as 15% more. This could be caveated that someone who has invested in solar panels in their home are likely to have made other investments to command a higher selling price, but there is plenty of evidence that it’s a key part in selling a home for a bigger price, and faster.
There is a good chance that the extra cost of integrating the panels, and then the slight drop in efficiency is completely offset by the extra value it adds to the house because of the better finish.
Get them if:
You want your solar panels to look seamless and are happy to compromise on a small amount of efficiency during some months and have the budget to integrate them.
Don’t get them if:
You think a traditional on-roof installation looks fine, want to maximise the power you generate, want as many panels as possible and want to keep costs as low as possible.
If you’re based in the South East, then contact The Solar Co and get a quote.
We install both on-roof and integrated solutions and can help advise on what is right for you.
The Solar Co designs the most optimal systems for each customer. For each system we design, we do the following
Give us a call, WhatsApp or an email and let us help you.
We’re thrilled to announce that The Solar Co has been shortlisted for a national Which? Award in the category of Renewables Installer of the Year!
Which? is one of the UK’s most trusted consumer organisations, known for standing up for high standards, transparency and great service. Each year, their awards recognise companies that go the extra mile for their customers – and we’re incredibly proud to be one of just a handful of businesses highlighted in the renewables category.
Based right here in Bromley, we’ve worked hard to help local homeowners take control of their energy bills with expertly installed solar panels and battery systems. From initial consultation through to aftercare, we pride ourselves on being professional, transparent and friendly – and we’re proud to have received outstanding reviews from our customers on Google Maps and Trustpilot.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised by Which?,” said George, co-founder of The Solar Co. “It’s a name people across the UK associate with honesty and high standards, and this nomination means a lot to us and to our customers.”
“This is a real moment of pride for the whole team that has made this possible,” added Mark. “We’ve worked hard to build a company that genuinely helps people—whether it’s saving money on bills or doing their bit for the planet. To be shortlisted for a national award like this is a fantastic recognition of that mission.”
Thank you to all of our amazing customers for your support. We’re proud to be representing Bromley on the national stage – and excited for what’s ahead!
Owning a Tesla is exciting, but understanding the nuances of electric vehicle (EV) charging can be a bit of a learning curve. A common question among Tesla owners is: should I plug in my car every night? It’s a valid concern, as proper battery care is crucial for longevity and optimal performance. Let’s delve into the details and find the best charging strategy for your Tesla. We’re here to help you navigate the world of EV charging, so you can keep your Tesla running smoothly!
Teslas, like most EVs, use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries work by moving lithium ions between the anode and cathode to store and release energy. It’s a complex process, but the key takeaway is that these batteries, like all batteries, degrade over time.
Battery degradation refers to the gradual loss of a battery’s ability to hold a charge. Several factors contribute to this, including:
It’s important to dispel the myth of battery “memory.” Older battery technologies sometimes suffered from this issue, where repeated partial discharges would reduce capacity. Modern lithium-ion batteries don’t have this problem, so you don’t need to worry about fully discharging your Tesla’s battery regularly.
There are definite advantages to plugging in your Tesla every night:
While plugging in every night offers convenience, there are potential drawbacks:
Luckily, Tesla makes it easy to manage your charging habits. You can set charging limits within the car’s software, preventing it from charging beyond your desired percentage. I highly recommend taking advantage of this feature.
Here are some specific recommendations for Tesla charging:
Tesla offers a battery warranty that covers defects and excessive degradation. It’s important to familiarise yourself with the specifics of your warranty.
Here are some additional tips for maintaining long-term battery health:
Whether you should plug in your Tesla every night depends on your individual driving habits and needs. While there’s no single right answer, understanding the principles of battery chemistry and following best charging practices can help you maximise your battery’s lifespan and ensure optimal Tesla performance. By implementing the advice in this guide, you can confidently manage your Tesla’s charging and enjoy the benefits of electric vehicle ownership.
If you are looking for a certified Tesla installer to help you with an EV Installation or a Tesla Powerwall installation then be sure to get in touch today to learn how we can help you achieve your perfect home or business!
Did you know that the amount of solar energy that hits the Earth in just one hour is more than the entire world’s energy consumption for a whole year?! That’s mind-blowing, isn’t it? Imagine harnessing that incredible power to fuel your everyday life. It’s not science fiction—it’s solar energy! But how exactly do those sleek panels on your roof translate sunlight into usable electricity for your home? It’s a fascinating process involving several key components. I’m here to break it down for you in simple terms, so you can understand the journey from sunlight to powering your lights, appliances, and everything in between. Let’s dive in!
At the heart of every solar system is, of course, the solar panel itself. These panels are like tiny powerhouses, working their magic through something called the photovoltaic effect. This fancy term simply means that when sunlight (photons) hits the silicon in the solar cells, it knocks electrons loose, creating an electrical current. This current is direct current (DC) electricity, which flows in one direction.
Now, let’s talk about what these panels are made of. They’re built from multiple layers, with the crucial part being the silicon cells. These cells are arranged in a grid-like pattern and sandwiched between protective layers of glass and other materials. This construction protects the delicate silicon and ensures the panels can withstand the elements.
You might have heard of different types of solar panels. The most common are:
Here’s where things get interesting! Remember that solar panels produce DC electricity, but most of our household appliances use alternating current (AC) electricity, which flows in alternating directions. This is where the inverter comes in. It’s like a translator, converting the DC power from the panels into AC power that your lights, fridge, and telly can use.
There are a couple of main types of inverters:
Inverter efficiency is crucial. A more efficient inverter means less energy is lost during the conversion process, maximising your solar system’s output.
Once the inverter has converted the DC power to AC power, it needs to be integrated into your home’s electrical system. This is done by connecting the inverter to your electrical panel (also known as the breaker box or fuse box).
Your electrical panel is the central hub of your home’s electrical wiring. It distributes power to different circuits throughout your house. The connection from the inverter is made through a dedicated breaker, which protects the system from overloads and short circuits.
Here’s another cool bit: net metering. If your solar system produces more electricity than your home is using, the excess energy is sent back to the grid! This is often measured by a bi-directional meter that tracks both the electricity you use from the grid and the electricity you send back. In many areas, you can receive credits on your electricity bill for this excess energy – how brilliant is that?!
Wouldn’t it be great to see how much energy your solar panels are generating? Well, you can! Modern solar systems come with monitoring systems that track energy production in real-time. These systems can range from simple displays on the inverter to sophisticated online platforms and mobile apps.
Monitoring is incredibly useful. It allows you to:
Some systems even integrate with smart home technology, allowing you to control appliances and manage your energy consumption more efficiently. Imagine turning off your lights remotely or scheduling your washing machine to run when solar production is at its peak!
Now, a very important point: safety. Working with electricity can be dangerous, so it’s absolutely crucial to have your solar panels professionally installed. Qualified solar installers have the expertise and training to ensure the system is installed correctly and safely, adhering to all electrical codes and regulations.
Here are a few safety precautions related to solar panel systems:
Don’t forget about permits and inspections! Before you install your system, you’ll likely need to obtain permits from your local council. After installation, an inspection will be carried out to ensure everything meets safety standards.
Rather than risk your life or damaging your property – be sure to get in touch today with one of our expert team members. As a MCS Certified Solar Installer we will help make sure that your Solar System is designed perfectly for your personal needs and ensure the installation happens hassle free with a promise of maintenance and support after the job is done! Reach out today to hear how we can help!
