M&E Contrax Resources

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Resource Highlights:

Solar is usually worth it when you can use a good portion of what you generate on site.

Roof direction, shading and system design have a big impact on results.

Battery storage can increase savings, but it should be sized to match real usage.

What makes solar panels worth it?

Solar PV is at its best when you can use the electricity you generate. The more power you use on site during daylight hours, the more you avoid buying electricity from the grid.

Most savings come from:

Self consumption, using solar power directly as it is generated

Battery storage, storing surplus for evenings and early mornings

Export payments, being paid for electricity you send back to the grid through schemes like SEG

In most cases, self consumption is the biggest driver, export payments are a helpful extra rather than the main financial benefit.

Key factors that affect whether solar is worth it

1) Your electricity usage pattern

If your household or business uses electricity during the day, solar can offset a significant amount straight away. If most usage is in the evening, battery storage can help you use more of what you generate.

2) Roof direction, pitch and shading

South facing roofs often give the highest output across the year, but east and west facing roofs can still perform very well. Shading from trees, chimneys, dormers or nearby buildings can reduce output, which is why a proper survey is important.

3) System design and component quality

A well designed solar system is not just about fitting panels. Inverter choice, layout and cabling all affect performance. If shading is present, optimisers or alternative layouts may improve results.

4) Electricity prices and tariffs

Higher grid prices generally increase the value of solar because every unit you generate and use offsets more cost. Time of use tariffs can also influence the best approach for batteries and energy management.

5) Your longer term plans

Solar is a long term investment. If you plan to stay in the property and expect your energy use to remain steady or rise, for example adding EV charging or electrified heating, solar often becomes even more worthwhile.

Is solar worth it without a battery?

Yes. Many homes start with solar panels only, especially if they use electricity through the day. Batteries can improve savings further by increasing self consumption, but they are not essential for solar to deliver value.

A sensible approach is:

Install solar PV with good monitoring

Review import and export patterns over a few months

Add a battery later if it makes financial and practical sense

Is solar worth it for businesses?

Commercial solar is often a very strong fit when:

the business operates during daylight hours

the site has consistent electricity demand

there is usable roof space, often flat or low pitch

there is a desire to reduce overheads and improve sustainability reporting

For many businesses, solar becomes a practical cost reduction tool because the energy is used on site as it is generated.

Quick checklist, is solar likely to be worth it for you?

Solar may be a good fit if you:

Have a roof with reasonable space and limited shading

have steady electricity usage, especially during the day

want to reduce bills and reliance on the grid

plan to stay in the property for several years

are open to adding battery storage now or later

The best next step is a survey and a tailored design, because real world performance depends on your roof and your usage, not averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Solar panels generate using daylight, not heat, so they continue to produce electricity even when it is overcast.

Solar PV systems are designed for long term use. Panels typically continue producing for decades, and monitoring helps protect performance over time.

SEG can add value by paying for electricity exported to the grid, but for most people the biggest savings come from using your solar electricity on site.