Heat Pumps Enquire Here
Get Boiler Care Now
Generating renewable electricity
Summer seems elusive this year, but even without clear blue skies and high temperatures, this season is always good for generating renewable energy. Whether you have solar panels fitted to your home or rely on the grid—more of which than ever is powered by renewable electricity—the long days offer optimum generation. Here, we explore how much energy is produced by solar panels.
How much energy is produced by solar panels?
The UK’s total solar capacity has increased dramatically in recent years. According to Solar Energy UK, our capacity has reached 15.6 gigawatts (GW) in 2024. This is in part thanks to the uptake of domestic
solar panels, which doubled in 2022. Almost 1.4 million homes are now benefitting from solar power, producing a collective 4.86GW. Looking ahead, the UK is aiming to improve its solar capacity to 70GW by 2035.
How can I maximise my solar power generation?
If you have solar panels installed, or you are thinking of investing, you’ll want to know how to get the best from them. The good news is that the long hours of daylight in summer ensure you’ll optimise power generation without lifting a finger, since the panels will be exposed to sunlight for longer. However, if you want to ensure efficiency is enhanced, you can try the following:
- Clean your panels regularly, sweeping away debris and getting rid of bird droppings
- Prune any overhanging trees to stop them shading the panels
- Ensure your panels are serviced annually
If you’re considering investing in a solar PV system, your solar panel installers will ensure it is oriented in the most efficient way. A south-facing roof provides the best output, but east or west-facing roofs can also deliver plenty of energy in the summertime.
Storing solar energy
Many homes produce more energy than they require during the summer months. Some choose to sell the excess back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays a small fee for each kWh that is supplied. Depending on your energy supplier, you’ll receive between 3p and 20p per unit.
Alternatively, you can have a solar battery installed with your solar panels. This enables you to store any excess power that is generated during the day and use it after the sun sets. Your system can even be linked to your EV charger, providing cheaper electricity for refuelling. Using a solar battery reduces your dependence on the National Grid even further, making your energy usage more sustainable and lowering your bills.
Solar panel installation in the south of England
At Aura Heating, our MCS certified installers can fit solar panels for homeowners and businesses across the south of England. Covering Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset, Sussex, Berkshire and London, we’ll help you make your property more energy efficient and sustainable, getting you on the way to a greener lifestyle. We can also help you access grant funding where applicable to offset some of the cost of installation. Contact us today to discuss your needs or arrange a site visit.
