As the country continues to struggle with the cost of living crisis, homeowners are looking for alternative solutions to reduce their bills. One method that is growing in popularity, thanks to their environmentally friendly approach, are solar panels and battery backup systems.
Since their inception, solar panels have only improved with the enhancement of the technology surrounding them. Now, companies in the UK like ESE Group are set up to help you embark on your solar panel journey.
Table of Contents
Can you run an entire house on solar power?
In short, solar panels can work to power an entire household. However, their ability to do so depends on a variety of different factors. One obstacle you will face will be whether you have enough available space to install the required amount of solar panels to power your home.
Another factor is whether you will receive enough sunlight in the day to generate the required amount of electricity to power your home. During the periods where sunlight may be an issue, like the winter months, you may need to consider methods such as battery storage or a smart tariff.
Calculate how much electricity you use per month
In the UK, the average household will use approximately 3628 kWh of electricity annually. As the country moves towards the ownership of electric cars, your electricity consumption could increase up to 7000+ kWh across the span of a year.
To give you a general understanding of how much electricity you are consuming every day, the Centre for Sustainable Energy has compiled a list of the most commonly used appliances and how much it costs you to run them. We cherry picked the most relevant devices and included them in the table below:
| Appliance | Average power rating | Cost per hour to run |
| Desktop computer | 140 W | 4p |
| Electric shower | 9000 W | £2.43 |
| Hob | 2000 W | 49p |
| Kettle | 3000 W | 14p (per 10 minutes) |
| Laptop | 50 W | 1p |
| Freezer | 150 W | 4p |
| Fridge | 150 W | 4p |
| Microwave | 1000 W | 27p |
| Oven | 2100 W | 57p |
| Plasma TV | 350 W | 9p |
| Toaster | 1000 W | 6p (per 10 minutes) |
| Tumble Dryer | 2500 W | 68p |
| Vacuum cleaner | 900 W | 24p |
| Washing machine | 2100 W | 57p |
When you are ready to calculate how much electricity you use you will need to follow the instructions below:
- Calculate the watts your appliances use per day and add them together.
- You will then need to convert the watts to kilowatts. One kilowatt is made up of 1,000 watts.
- Multiply your kilowatt usage per month by your electricity rate, this is how much your electricity bill is costing you every month.
Evaluate your climate region’s solar energy production capacity
According to multiple sources, the UK’s total solar capacity currently stands at 15 GW. However, this number is set to grow as the government continues its efforts to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. As a general rule, the further you head south in the United Kingdom, the more efficient your solar panels will become. Which is why 10% of all households in Cornwall have opted to install solar panels, as it receives the largest amount of sunlight hours compared to anywhere in the UK.
The Department for Energy Security Net Zero’s statistics on solar power generation in England further confirms the above theory. The table below displays the electricity generated (in gigawatt hours) from solar power in England in the year 2022:
| Region in England | Solar power generated (in gigawatt hours) in the year 2022 |
| South West | 3,149.1 |
| South East | 2,209.6 |
| East of England | 2,175.1 |
| East Midlands | 1,486.3 |
| West Midlands | 874.4 |
| North West | 575.8 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 576.3 |
| North East | 234.6 |
| London | 183.6 |
Assess your solar production environment based on your home’s surroundings
You should also evaluate the environment surrounding your home for objects that could decrease your house’s capabilities of producing solar power. You will want to consider the following factors that could negatively impact how much power your solar panels will generate:
- Are there any large trees in close proximity to your home that may cast shade on your solar panels?
- Similarly, does your home reside near tall buildings or other homes that may cast shade on your solar panels?
- Will your solar panels be south facing? In the UK, solar panels that face southwards will generate more solar power in comparison to panels pointing in other directions.
How many solar panels do you need to power a whole house?
While you are investigating how many solar panels you will need to power your home, you must first realise that the key to success isn’t purchasing as many solar panels as possible. Instead, you only need to buy as many panels to help you power 100% of your home, and not a single solar panel over. In order to do this, you need to consider the three main variables:
- How much electricity do you consume?
- What degree of sun exposure will your solar panels receive?
- And what is the power rating of your solar panels?
Alternatively, once you have worked out how much electricity your household consumes each year, you can use the following formula to work out how many solar panels your household may approximately need.
- In the UK, a typical solar panel will produce 265 kWh per year (approximately).
- You will need to divide your annual electricity usage by 265.
- The number you are provided with is the estimated number of solar panels you will require.
How much will it cost to install a solar panel system?
There is no straightforward answer regarding how much any specific solar panel system will cost. Factors like the size of the system, the type of panels required, the installation process, and if you require any additional components will all impact the final cost of your solar panel system. Additionally, where you live and labour costs may also become important factors.
Generally speaking, the average cost of a solar panel system in the UK is between £5,000-£11,000.
Battery Backup Storage for Your Solar Panel System
In addition to the considerations mentioned above, integrating battery backup storage into your solar panel system can enhance its efficiency and reliability. A battery storage system allows you to store excess energy generated by your solar panels during sunny periods and use it during times when sunlight is insufficient, such as at night or during cloudy days. This addresses the intermittent nature of solar power production, providing a consistent power supply for your household.
Why Consider Battery Backup Storage?
- Energy Independence: With a battery backup system, you reduce your reliance on the grid, promoting energy independence and potentially saving more on your electricity bills.
- Power during Outages: In the event of a power outage, a solar panel system with battery storage can continue to power essential appliances in your home, providing a reliable source of electricity when you need it most.
- Optimizing Energy Usage: By storing excess energy, you can optimize your energy usage patterns, ensuring that you make the most of the electricity generated by your solar panels.
Choosing the Right Battery Storage System
When considering battery backup storage for your solar panel system, it’s essential to evaluate your specific needs and choose a system that aligns with your household’s energy consumption. Factors to consider include:
- Capacity: The capacity of the battery system should be sufficient to meet your energy storage requirements during periods of low sunlight.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the battery storage system is compatible with your solar panel setup and inverter, allowing for seamless integration.
- Lifespan: Consider the lifespan of the battery system to determine its long-term cost-effectiveness.
- Smart Energy Management: Some battery systems come with smart energy management features, allowing you to monitor and control your energy usage efficiently.
The Cost of Adding Battery Backup
While adding a battery backup system will incur additional costs, it can be a worthwhile investment in the long run. The precise cost will depend on the capacity and technology of the battery storage system you choose. Consulting with professionals, like those at ESE Group, can help you assess the most suitable options for your solar panel system.
In conclusion, incorporating battery backup storage into your solar panel system enhances its performance, providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy for your entire household. As technology advances and the demand for clean energy solutions grows, battery storage is becoming an integral component of modern solar energy systems.
In conclusion
Achieving the goal of powering your entire household with solar energy is indeed achievable, contingent on a careful consideration of several factors. These include assessing potential obstructions to sunlight, evaluating available installation space, understanding your geographical location, and gauging your household’s energy consumption. For enhanced reliability and continuity, the incorporation of a battery backup system is a valuable option, mitigating the impact of intermittent sunlight. If uncertainties persist, seeking guidance from solar energy professionals can provide invaluable insights to tailor a sustainable and efficient solar solution that aligns seamlessly with your unique home requirements.
Sure hope we can power our whole house with solar and get off the grid!