Do solar panels work in the UK?

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As many people in the UK consider whether or not they should get solar panels fitted at their homes, one of the biggest questions that is often posed is whether solar panels are able to work effectively in the UK. 

This is a somewhat understandable question, given that most places in the UK are not exactly known for the amount of sunlight that we receive for the majority of the year!

In reality, the situation is quite different with regards to how solar energy is generated and how that impacts the effectiveness of solar panels in the UK, so we are pleased to be able to break some of these misconceptions down for you here as you make a decision on solar panels for yourself.


The fundamental misunderstanding in this area is that solar panels require a sunny day to generate solar energy. While of course a sustained period of sunshine would be highly conducive to generating a good amount of solar energy, in reality all the solar panel needs is daylight in order to be able to convert solar into the energy that can be used in your home.

So, while it is true that solar panels will tend to generate more energy during summer, this will tend to be much more down to the greater number of daylight hours rather than the greater likelihood of sunbathing weather!

This is very encouraging for UK homeowners looking to add the option of home solar energy, whether for environmental reasons, economic reasons, or both. It means that there is much to be gained in both environmental and financial terms for a home with solar panels in the UK, as you’ll be generating a significant amount of solar energy for large portions of the year.


If you want to know more about the exact amount of solar energy you would expect to generate - which will also depend on the number of solar panels you add to your roof - then it is well worth getting in touch with one or several solar panel suppliers to see what they can recommend. 

It may also be worth looking into the possibility of a solar battery for storing solar energy to use at a time that suits you best.


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