1. What is the Solar Electricity Cost Calculator?

This calculator helps estimate the total cost of solar electricity in the UK, including both energy costs and installation expenses. It provides a comprehensive view of solar investment costs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( kWh \) — Kilowatt-hours of energy used
• \( Cost per kWh \) — Current electricity rate in £/kWh
• \( Installation Costs \) — One-time solar panel installation costs

Explanation: The calculation separates the ongoing energy costs from the one-time installation costs to provide both short-term and long-term cost perspectives.

3. Importance of Solar Cost Calculation

Details: Accurate cost estimation is crucial for evaluating solar investment returns, comparing with traditional electricity costs, and planning household budgets.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter your annual kWh usage (check your energy bill)
• Use current electricity rates (default is UK average of £0.34/kWh)
• Include all installation costs (average UK solar installation is £4,000-£6,000)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the average cost per kWh for solar in the UK?
A: Solar electricity typically costs 8-12p/kWh, compared to 28-34p/kWh from the grid (2023 prices).

Q2: How long does solar panel installation take?
A: Most residential installations take 1-3 days, depending on system size and complexity.

Q3: Are there government incentives for solar in the UK?
A: While the Feed-in Tariff has ended, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays for excess energy exported to the grid.

Q4: What factors affect solar panel installation costs?
A: Roof size/type, system capacity, panel quality, and location all impact installation costs.

Q5: How long until solar panels pay for themselves?
A: Typically 10-15 years in the UK, depending on energy usage, system size, and electricity prices.