You don't believe the hype. You question everything. You've probably dismissed solar before. Good.
You’re Right to Be Sceptical
The solar industry is full of cowboys, liars and get-rich-quick merchants.
“Free solar panels!” (They’re not free.) “Government grants available!” (They ended years ago.) “Save millions on your electricity bills!” (Probably not millions.)
You’ve heard it all. You don’t believe any of it.
Good. Neither do we.
The Claims That Made You Sceptical
“Solar panels pay for themselves in 3-5 years!” Reality: 8-12 years is more realistic for most UK homes. (Installing a storage battery as well, will reduce that period and your return on investment.)
“You’ll never pay an electricity bill again!” Reality: You’ll still have standing charges and winter usage.
“Solar panels work even in cloudy weather!” Reality: They work, but generate much less electricity.
“Your house value will increase by more than the installation cost!” Reality: Maybe. Depends on the buyer and local market.
“Solar panels last forever with no maintenance!” Reality: 25-year lifespan, minimal but not zero maintenance.
No wonder you switched off.
The Honest Truth About Solar
It’s Not Free Money: Solar panels cost money upfront. They save money over time. It’s an investment, not a gift.
It’s Not Suitable for Everyone: North-facing roofs, heavily shaded properties, low electricity usage – sometimes solar doesn’t make sense.
It’s Not Maintenance-Free: Panels need occasional cleaning. Inverters eventually fail. Nothing lasts forever.
It’s Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme: Payback periods are measured in years, not months. This is long-term thinking.
It’s Not Going to Save the Planet: Your 4kW system will save about 1.5 tonnes of CO2 annually. Every bit helps, but let’s be realistic.
What Solar Actually Does
Reduces Your Electricity Bills: By 40-70% typically, depending on your usage patterns and system size.
Provides Some Energy Independence: You generate your own electricity during daylight hours.
Offers Predictable Energy Costs: Once installed, your generation costs are fixed for 25 years.
Requires Minimal Maintenance: Annual visual inspection, occasional cleaning, inverter replacement after 10-15 years.
Has a Reasonable Payback Period: 8-12 years for most installations, with 25-year system lifespan.
The Questions Sceptics Ask
“What happens when it’s cloudy?” Panels still generate electricity, just less. UK solar systems typically produce 20-30% of summer output during winter months.
“What about hail damage?” Modern panels are tested to withstand 25mm hailstones at 80mph. Your roof tiles are more likely to break.
“Don’t panels contain toxic materials?” Silicon panels contain no toxic materials. Recycling programs exist for end-of-life panels.
“What if the company goes bust?” Product warranties are with manufacturers, not installers. Choose established manufacturers with a UK presence.
“How do I know the savings are real?” Monitor your electricity bills before and after installation. The meter doesn’t lie.
The Realistic Financial Case
Example: 4kW System, £7,500 Installation Cost
Annual Benefits:
- Electricity bill reduction: £900
- Export payments (SEG): £180
- Total annual benefit: £1,080
Payback Calculation:
- £7,500 ÷ £1,080 = 6.9 years
25-Year Returns:
- Total benefits: £27,000
- Less initial cost: £7,500
- Net benefit: £19,500
Assumptions:
- 3,500 kWh annual generation
- 30p/kWh electricity price
- 5p/kWh export rate
- No electricity price increases (conservative)
What Could Go Wrong?
Component Failures:
- Panels: Very rare, 25-year warranties
- Inverters: 2-3% annual failure rate, 10-15 year warranties
- Mounting: Properly installed systems rarely have issues
Performance Issues:
- Shading from new buildings or tree growth
- Soiling reducing output by 2-5% annually
- Gradual degradation of 0.5-0.8% per year
Financial Risks:
- Electricity prices could fall (unlikely but possible)
- Export rates could be reduced (government policy risk)
- House sale complications (rare with owned systems)
Company Risks:
- Installer goes bust (choose established companies)
- Manufacturer exits UK market (stick to Tier 1 brands)
How to Minimise the Risks
Choose Established Companies:
10+ years trading history
Fixed business address
MCS certification
Professional indemnity insurance
Select Quality Components:
- Tier 1 panel manufacturers
- Proven inverter brands
- Marine-grade mounting systems
Get Realistic Projections:
- Site-specific shading analysis
- Conservative performance estimates
- Clear warranty terms
Understand the Contracts:
- No ongoing obligations
- Clear ownership terms
- Realistic performance guarantees
The Sceptic’s Checklist
Before You Sign Anything:
✓ Get multiple quotes from different companies ✓ Check company credentials (MCS, insurance, trading history) ✓ Read actual warranty documents not marketing summaries ✓ Verify performance projections with independent tools ✓ Understand all costs including maintenance and replacements ✓ Check planning permission requirements for your property ✓ Confirm export payment eligibility and rates
Still Sceptical? Good.
We’d rather you were sceptical than naive.
What We’ll Provide:
- Realistic performance projections based on your specific property
- Conservative financial estimates with clear assumptions
- Complete warranty documentation before you sign
- References from previous customers in your area
- Independent verification of our claims
What We Won’t Do:
- Pressure you to sign immediately
- Make unrealistic promises about savings
- Hide costs in small print
- Disappear after installation
Take your time. Do your research. Ask awkward questions.
We’ll still be here when you’re ready.
Next step: See what your system could look like.