Renewable energy sources such as solar power have become increasingly popular as the world moves towards a more sustainable future.
In the UK, the government has set targets for the country to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and solar energy is seen as a key part of achieving this goal.
If you live in Devon and are considering installing solar panels for your home or business, you may wonder where to start.
Best Solar Panel Suppliers In Devon
SunGift Energy
SunGift Energy is a reputable solar panel supplier operating in Devon since 2005.
They are one of the largest solar panel suppliers in the Southwest and have installed over 6,500 solar panel systems to date.
SunGift Energy is known for providing high-quality solar panels, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing.
They offer a range of solar panel systems, including rooftop installations and ground-mounted systems.
Naked Solar
Naked Solar is another reputable solar panel supplier in Devon that has been operating since 2010.
They are known for their high-quality solar panels, excellent customer service, and commitment to sustainability.
Naked Solar offers a range of solar panel systems, including rooftop installations and ground-mounted systems.
They are committed to reducing their environmental impact and have won multiple awards.
Naked Solar also offers a range of financing options, including a zero deposit option, which can make solar panel installation more affordable for homeowners.
South West Renewables
South West Renewables has been a reputable solar panel supplier in Devon since 2010.
In addition to providing high-quality renewable energy solutions, South West Renewables is committed to promoting sustainable living and reducing carbon emissions.
The company works with local communities, businesses, and schools to raise awareness of the benefits of renewable energy and encourage adopting sustainable practices.
South West Renewables offers a range of solar panel systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems.
The company’s solar PV systems use high-quality solar panels and are designed to generate electricity for use in the home or business.
Meanwhile, the company’s solar thermal systems use the sun’s energy to heat water, which can be used for space heating or hot water.
ZLC Energy
ZLC Energy is a solar panel supplier operating in Devon since 2009.
ZLC Energy is known for providing high-quality solar panels, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing.
They offer a range of solar panel systems, including rooftop installations and ground-mounted systems.
One of the main advantages of choosing ZLC Energy is its commitment to innovation.
They are constantly researching and developing new solar panel technologies to provide their customers with the latest and most advanced solar panel systems.
Where does the UK import solar panels from?
The UK imports solar panels from various countries around the world.
According to the latest statistics from the UK government, most solar panels imported into the UK come from China, with around 80% of all solar panels imported in 2020 being sourced from China.
Other countries that supply solar panels to the UK include South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
China has been the leading exporter of solar panels globally for several years due to its large-scale manufacturing capacity and competitive pricing.
Many solar panel suppliers in the UK source their panels from Chinese manufacturers, as they offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for meeting the growing demand for solar energy.
How many solar companies are in the UK?
As of 2022, hundreds of solar companies are operating in the UK.
This includes solar panel manufacturers, suppliers, installers, and companies that provide related products and services such as batteries, inverters, and monitoring systems.
According to the Solar Trade Association, the UK’s leading solar industry group, over 900 companies were operating in the UK solar market as of 2020.
These companies range from small, local installers to large, multinational corporations.
While having many companies to choose from can benefit consumers, it can also make it challenging to navigate the market and find the right supplier.
It’s important to research, read reviews and testimonials, and compare quotes from different companies to ensure that you choose a reputable supplier with a track record of high-quality installations.
How big is the UK solar market?
The UK solar market has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by increasing demand for renewable energy, falling solar panel prices, and supportive government policies.
According to recent statistics, the UK solar market has a total installed capacity of over 14.5 gigawatts (GW), enough to power around 4 million homes.
In 2022, solar power was the UK’s second-largest renewable energy source, after wind power, and accounted for around 6% of the country’s total electricity generation.
Solar installations are spread across the country, with the majority in England, followed by Scotland and Wales.
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in the UK?
The average cost of installing solar panels in the UK depends on several factors, such as the size and type of installation, the location, and the quality of the equipment used.
According to the Solar Trade Association, the average cost of a residential solar PV system in the UK is around £6,000 to £7,000 per kWp (kilowatt peak).
This means that a typical 4kWp system would cost between £24,000 and £28,000, although prices can vary depending on the specifics of the installation.
It’s worth noting that the cost of solar panel installations has fallen significantly in recent years due to the decreasing cost of solar panels and increasing competition in the market.
Do you need permission for solar panels UK?
In most cases, you do not need planning permission to install solar panels on your property in the UK as long as certain conditions are met.
However, there are some exceptions and restrictions that you should be aware of.
Generally, you do not need planning permission if your solar panels meet the following conditions:
- They do not protrude more than 20cm from the roof slope or wall surface
- They are not installed on a listed building or in a conservation area
- They do not cover an area greater than 50% of the total roof area
- They are not installed above the highest part of the roof (excluding chimneys)
If your solar panels do not meet these conditions, you may need to apply for planning permission from your local council.
It’s always best to check with your local council before installing solar panels to ensure you comply with local regulations or restrictions.
Reference
ZLC Energy Solar CHP heat pump renewable energy experts. (2020, August 10). ZLC Energy. https://zlcenergy.co.uk/
Home. (2014, September 2). Southwest Renewables – BIOMASS & SOLAR PV | DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL. https://www.southwestrenewables.co.uk/
Homepage – Naked Solar. (2017, March 22). Naked Solar. https://nakedsolar.co.uk/
SunGift Solar | Award winning solar installers Exeter, Devon. (n.d.). SunGift Solar. https://www.sungiftsolar.co.uk/
Are Solar Panels Worth It? How Solar Pays For Itself. (2022, December 9). Federation of Master Builders. https://www.fmb.org.uk/homepicks/solar-panels/are-solar-panels-worth-it-how-solar-panels-pay-back/
