Solar Panel Guides & Advice
Everything you need to know about solar panels in Leeds & West Yorkshire — costs, grants, installation and maintenance.
Solar Panel Cost UK: What You'll Pay in 2026
A typical 4kW system costs £5,000–£7,000 installed. Add a battery and you're looking at £8,000–£11,000. But payback in Leeds is 6–8 years thanks to the Smart Export Guarantee.
GuideHow Many Solar Panels Do I Need? Calculator & Guide
Most UK homes need 10–12 panels (4kW) to cover 50–70% of their electricity. But the right number depends on your usage, roof size, and whether you have a battery.
GuideSolar Battery Storage: Costs, Types & Is It Worth It?
A home battery stores surplus solar energy for evening use. Costs £2,500–£6,000 depending on capacity. Payback is 7–10 years — but it changes how you use electricity entirely.
GuideSolar Panel Grants & Funding UK: What's Available in 2026
There's no direct government grant for solar panels in 2026, but 0% VAT, the Smart Export Guarantee, and schemes like ECO4 can knock thousands off the cost.
GuideMCS Certification: Why It Matters for Solar Panels
No MCS certification = no Smart Export Guarantee payments. Here's what MCS means, why you need it, and how to verify your installer is certified.
GuideSolar Panel Planning Permission UK: Do You Need It?
In most cases, no planning permission is needed. Solar panels count as permitted development. But listed buildings, conservation areas, and flat-to-ground installations have different rules.
GuideDo Solar Panels Work in Winter? UK Performance Guide
Yes, solar panels work in winter. They generate less — about 10–25% of summer levels — but they still produce usable electricity even on cloudy December days in Leeds.
GuideHow Long Do Solar Panels Last? Lifespan & Degradation
Modern solar panels are warranted for 25 years but typically last 30–35 years. They degrade at 0.3–0.5% per year — after 25 years, expect 85–90% of original output.
GuideSolar Panels & EV Charging: Power Your Car From the Sun
Charging an EV from solar panels costs 0p per mile instead of 5–7p. You'll need a 5–6kW system and a smart charger. Here's how to set it up.
GuideSmart Export Guarantee Explained: Get Paid for Solar
The SEG replaced the Feed-in Tariff in 2020. Energy suppliers must pay you for exported solar electricity — rates vary from 4p to 15p per kWh. Here's how to get the best deal.
GuideSolar Panel Maintenance: Cleaning, Checks & Costs
Solar panels are low maintenance but not zero maintenance. An annual clean costs £100–£200 and boosts output by 5–10%. Here's your full maintenance checklist.
GuideBest Roof Orientation for Solar Panels in the UK
South-facing at 30–40° is the ideal. But east or west-facing roofs still generate 80–85% of maximum output. Don't let a non-ideal roof put you off solar.
GuideSolar Panels on Terraced Houses: What Leeds Owners Need to Know
Terraced houses in Leeds can absolutely go solar. You'll fit 6–10 panels on a single roof slope — enough for a 2.4–4kW system that cuts your bills by £400–£800/year.
GuideSolar Panel Installation: Step-by-Step Process & Timeline
From first enquiry to generating electricity: 4–8 weeks. The actual roof work takes just 1–2 days. Here's exactly what happens at each stage.
GuideDo Solar Panels Increase Home Value in the UK?
Research suggests solar panels add 0.9–2% to a property's value. On a £250,000 Leeds home, that's £2,250–£5,000. Plus, your EPC rating jumps 1–2 bands.