Solar panels in Brighton and Hove
Harnessing solar power in Brighton and Hove
With concern around climate change rising, many of us want to reduce our carbon footprint and make our homes greener. This is particularly true in Brighton and Hove, where the impact of pollution and global warming can be directly seen in coastal areas. Fortunately, modern solar panel technology means that many people can take advantage of natural resources and reduce their reliance on harmful fossil fuels.
Not only does this cut your carbon footprint, but it also means that you’ll see a reduction in your electricity bills. Your home will be powered using solar energy first, either directly from your panels or via stored energy in a solar battery. Then, you’ll just purchase any extra electricity that you need from the national grid as normal. Between May and July, with a 4.3 kWp system, you can expect to produce between 509 kWh and 527 kWh of electricity in Brighton and Hove.
Especially if you work at home, this means that you’re reducing your bills every day. Even in the cloudier winter months, you’ll still be able to produce electricity, allowing you to get year-round benefit from your investment.
At Otovo, we work to ensure you get the best setup for your home and energy needs. Simply enter your postcode below to get a free, no-obligation quote, based on your specific geographical location. We’ll then calculate how much a solar panel array might cost, as well as showing you how much energy you could produce. You’ll be able to toggle between several panel options, as well as adding a solar battery, to create the setup that best suits your requirements and budget.
The benefits of investing in solar
- Green, clean energy. Solar panels use the sun, a natural resource, to create energy – they don’t need to burn harmful fossil fuels which damage our environment. Brighton and Hove City Council are aiming for the city to be carbon neutral by 2030, and you can play your part in this fight against climate change by installing solar panels.
- Make the most of your geographical location. Because of its location on the south coast, the Brighton and Hove area tends to get milder weather than other parts of the UK. Installing solar panels allows you to make the most of the natural sunlight at your home – especially if you have a south-facing roof. We estimate that it will take just 5-6 years before you get a return on your investment in this area.
- Reduce your bills. Solar panels allow you to move towards energy independence, reducing your reliance on the fluctuating prices of electricity from the national grid. Even generating a small amount of electricity will make a difference.
Discover how much solar could save you
How much does it cost for solar panels to be installed?
At Otovo, we want to ensure that you get a solar setup that suits your home and needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all package. As such, we offer a range of different options when we quote, allowing you to adjust the number of panels you’d like, the output, and whether you’d like to include a battery. Our experts will be on hand to help should you have any questions, and they’ll be able to advise which options will best suit your specific property.
To give you an idea of how much you might look to spend, we’ve put together some average costs for Brighton and Hove:
| Number of standard panels | 5 | 10 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilowatts peak (kWp) | 1.9 kWp | 3.9 kWp | 5.8 kWp |
| Annual kWh production | 2100 kWh | 4200 kWh | 6300 kWh |
| Price without battery | £3,843 | £4,886 | £6,268 |
| Price with battery | - | £8,089 | £9,996 |
Any electricity that you don’t use isn’t wasted. You have the option to purchase a battery, which can store solar power for when you need it – which can be particularly helpful if you’re only at home in the evenings, or in the winter months, where sunlight can be more sporadic. On average, a battery attached to a 4 kWp setup in Brighton and Hove could save you £1,489 per year, compared to £1,021 without a battery.
Alternatively, you can sell any energy that you don’t use back to the national grid. The government-backed Smart Export Guarantee allows your supplier to pay you for any excess energy you generate, which is calculated using your smart meter. This means you’re still getting a return on your investment, even when you’re not at home.
Solar panel installation in Brighton and Hove
It’s important to us that you get a smooth experience when you choose to purchase solar panels through Otovo. We understand that it can be a big decision, and we’re here to help at every stage of the process. We’ve got experience with thousands of solar panel setups across Europe, and we are proud to partner with local, reliable companies for installation. That’s why every customer will get:
- A personalised quote, based on your specific geographical location, as well as your requirements and budget
- Ongoing customer support from our experienced team
- An extended 5-year warranty that goes beyond the industry standard
- Access to the Otovo app, where you can keep track of your energy generation at the touch of a button
Start your journey towards a greener home today
Areas covered
- Brighton
- Hove
- Portslade
- Mile Oak
- Withdean
- Patcham
- Hollingbury
- Kemptown
- Moulsecoomb
- Coldean
- Westdene
- And more
Solar panel FAQs
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in Brighton and Hove?
Most properties won’t require planning permission for solar panels, as they’re considered a permitted development. However, in some special circumstances, you may need to apply for permission. This is usually the case if you live in a listed building, or in a conservation area. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to contact your local council before you go ahead.
Will solar panels increase the value of my house?
If you’re expecting to move home in the near future, you may be reluctant to install solar panels as you’ll no longer be able to benefit from them once you move out and leave them behind. However, you may find that they are a selling point for any potential buyers, allowing you to generate more interest and therefore more offers.
This is because solar panels increase the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of a property, which in turn can allow buyers to apply for specific ‘green’ mortgages at favourable rates, as well as helping them keep their bills down. Additionally, they allow the new owner to start making money straight away, due to the Smart Export Guarantee – plus, they appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Do I need a battery to get the benefit from my solar panels?
Whilst it’s true that a battery can allow you to access solar power as and when you need it, it’s not essential in order to get the benefits of renewable, affordable energy. Even if you’re not at home during the day, many modern devices have a delay function, allowing you to run the washing machine or dishwasher at the times you’re most likely to generate solar power. So, with a bit of pre-planning, you can still reap the benefits of your investment, even without a battery. Of course, you can also sell any unused energy back to the grid under the Smart Export Scheme, so nothing is wasted.