Between fuel prices rising and energy costs on the up, many homes across the UK are looking for ways to become more self-sufficient. Luckily, there is a renewable energy solution that might just solve both problems - solar panels.
Of course, solar panels might not be for everyone. There is an initial cost and some specific criteria to be able to fit the panels in the first place. Your roof must be big enough (and sturdy enough) to hold the panels that power your home. The main benefit is seen in the long term savings, in terms of both emissions and energy costs.
If you’re not sure whether a solar PV system and electric car charge point can work for you, just give us a call and we can talk through your options.
Solar Power and EVs
Solar panels will probably be familiar to anyone who has looked into renewable energy and their options when it comes to powering their home. They’re one of the most popular energy alternatives and for many can offer long-term savings.
The great news is that these efficient energy systems are only improving and will actually suit the working routines of many more people than they previously might have.
This is because the greatest savings come when the system is being used during energy generation. The power is generated during daylight hours and those who are working remotely from home or are at home a lot in the day will see much greater savings than those only in the home at night.
This new pattern of working doesn’t just mean that solar panels make sense, it also makes EV's much more viable for many.
With reduced commute times and fewer face-to-face meetings, workers are generally on the road less and therefore covering fewer miles. Petrol and diesel prices seem to be climbing higher and higher whilst self-generated power gives you more control over what you produce, use, and can sell back to “the grid.” With a home charge point easier than ever to get hold of, EVs are really becoming a win-win for more and more UK households.
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An EV At Home?
The price of charging your EV will vary depending on a few factors.
A) the type of power you use and the cost of that tariff.
B) the time of day that you charge and your household energy consumption.
C) the type of EV and chargepoint you have.
When it comes to practicality, charging at home will typically be your easiest (and cheapest) option. You can simply plug in overnight and utilise your off-peak tariff. Even better, you can use the energy produced by your solar panels to ensure your renewable energy is more effective and to maximise your savings against the currently very high energy tariffs in the UK.
Even taking into account the fact that energy prices are on the up, at-home charging will normally only cost around £15 in electricity for roughly 200 miles of electric range – that’s just 7p per mile (without even considering potential savings from using solar power).
(Figure based on an average day rate of 28p per kWh with even lower tariffs available from specialist providers. Source: PodPoint)
Solar Panel and EV Charging Point Installation in Barnsley
When it comes to solar power and charging options, your choices can seem quite daunting. There are lots of small details and uses that you may be unsure about or even completely unaware of. We help to piece together the puzzle so that your home is as efficient as it can be.
We are smart installation specialists. This means that we help people use the best technology to get the most out of their systems. This can be utilising solar power, battery storage and EV charging to make some savings, or even installing specialist security systems and networks to ensure your smart home feels secure.
Do solar panels sound like they could be for you?
Speak to your local electrician at AME, Barnsley to see what’s available.