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When the UK Government slashed the Feed-in Tariff by 65% in January 2016, many people thought that this would spell the end of domestic solar. While the significant reduction in the financial rewards for installing solar panels on a domestic property didn’t affect pre-existing installations, it made it much harder to justify the cost-effectiveness of new installations.
Certainly, it’s now difficult to make money from using solar technology on your roof, however you can still save money by using it in other locations around your home. Solar technology is advancing at an impressive rate and it’s now possible to light your garden and ventilate your loft conversion by harnessing the power of the sun.
The reasons for renewable energy generation and use won’t go away; the consumption of fossil fuels continues to cost us and the environment. The average household could spend anything from £61 a month (for small houses/flats) to £125 (for large houses), according to UK Power.
Bills aside, the extensive use of fossil fuels by humans is not sustainable and supplies will run out at some point; in the meantime, emissions are seriously damaging the environment and destroying it for future generations.
Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating your existing property, there’s never been a better time to look at ways to power your living space through the sun’s rays.
How does solar energy work?
When using solar-powered lights, chargers or panels, we are using photovoltaic cells to turn the energy from the photons that make up sunlight into electricity that can be used around the home and in outdoor spaces.
Solar lights
Solar technology is the ideal way to power outdoor lighting, which is extensively used throughout the year and often withstands tough weather conditions.
Both of these factors mean that battery and mains power are unpractical solutions. Solar-powered outdoor lighting usually features a small individual solar panel that generates power during the day, which is then used at night. By incorporating these products into your outdoor space designs, you will save money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar decking lights
You can increase the functionality and attractiveness of a decking or patio area by introducing solar-powered floor lighting. Available in circular and square formats, these products are a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly outdoor lighting option, you’ll only pay for the product and then they will power themselves.
In addition, you are likely to be enjoying your outdoor space most during the summer and this is also when your solar-powered lighting will be at its most effective.
Solar security lights
You need to be able to rely on your security lighting to work at the right moment! You can ensure that your lighting is always ready to go, save money and reduce ladder use by installing solar-powered security lighting.
These lights are powered by a small, attached solar panel; once you’ve installed them, they’ll power themselves with no need for wiring into the mains or for batteries.
Solar-powered vent fan
If you’re considering a loft conversion or the addition of a garden room to your property, you will want to consider the ventilation of these areas. The circulation of fresh air is important for the health of a building and its inhabitants.
A solar-powered vent fan will prevent problems such as overheating and damp without adding to your electricity bills. Installed into the roof of a loft or garden room, the fan will be powered by sunlight throughout the day and can be manually switched on or off.
Sunlight is a free source of renewable power that won’t run out any time soon. Therefore, it’s always worth making use of it wherever possible and looking out for new technological advancements which will enable you to save money while improving your home and further reducing your carbon footprint.
