As the days stretch longer and the grey skies begin to give way to brighter spells, many of us in the UK start to dream of warmer weather. But spring isn’t just about blossoming flowers and storing away your winter wardrobe; it’s also arguably the smartest time to consider a significant upgrade for your home: solar panel installation.
You might think winter is the worst time for solar, and summer the best, but installing in spring offers a unique set of advantages that can maximise your energy generation and financial savings right from the get-go.
The Great British Sunlight Surge
Let’s talk numbers. The UK sees a dramatic increase in daylight hours as we move out of winter and into spring. In December, you might be lucky to get 8 hours of daylight, with effective sunlight hours for solar generation being even less. However, by April, we’re enjoying around 14 hours of daylight, and this continues to climb, peaking at over 16 hours per day in June.
More daylight directly translates to more sunshine, and more sunshine means significantly more energy generation for your solar panels. Getting your panels installed in spring means you’re perfectly positioned to capture the vast majority of the year’s best solar generation months. You’ll hit the ground running, soaking up those rays and converting them into clean, free electricity right when the days are longest and brightest.
Solar Side Hustle
So, what does this increased sunlight mean for your energy bill? A typical 4kWp solar panel system in the UK can generate approximately 3,400 kWh of electricity annually. By installing in spring, you ensure your system is operational and ready to capitalise on the peak generation period from late spring through to early autumn, which accounts for the lion’s share of this annual output.
Consider this: with current electricity prices fluctuating, many households are paying upwards of 25p per kWh. Generating your own electricity means you’re not buying it from the grid at these prices. This could translate to potential annual savings of £850 or more on your electricity bill! Over the 20-25 year lifespan of your solar panels, these savings can amount to tens of thousands of pounds.
Furthermore, any surplus energy you generate can be exported back to the grid through schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), providing you with an additional income stream. Imagine getting paid for the electricity you don’t even use, all self-generated by your own panels!
Beyond Generation: Storing Your Sunshine
While generating electricity is fantastic, storing it is even better. Many solar installations now include battery storage solutions. Installing solar in spring allows you to start filling your battery with free, clean energy as soon as it’s installed. This means you can power your home in the evenings with the energy you generated earlier in the day, further reducing your reliance on expensive grid electricity. What’s more, Carter Renewables currently have a live promotion, giving you a completely free Rolec EVO EV charger if you install a Tesla Powerwall 3 13.5kWh, a Signenergy Sigenstor 12kWh or a GivEnergy All-in-One 13.5kWh AC battery – this is a deal not to be missed!
Why Not Wait for Summer?
While summer offers the absolute peak of sunlight, installing in spring means you avoid the inevitable rush (trust us on this one, we see it every year!). As temperatures rise and the summer holidays approach, installation companies often experience increased demand, which can lead to longer waiting times. By getting ahead of the curve in spring, you can often benefit from quicker installation slots and have your system up and running well before the height of summer.
The Smart, Sustainable Choice
Installing solar panels is not just a financial decision; it’s a commitment to a more sustainable future. Reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to the UK’s renewable energy goals is a powerful benefit. And doing it in spring means you maximise that positive impact from day one.
So, as you watch the daffodils emerge and the trees begin to bud, consider making this spring the season you beat the crowd, and invest in a brighter, more energy-efficient, and financially rewarding future for your home. Get in touch with Carter Renewables today, your local MCS-certified installer, to see how much you could save!