Why Sussex is a Solar Energy Hotspot
As energy bills have risen in recent years and the effects of climate change have intensified, the need to explore alternative energy sources has become more urgent. If you’re considering investing in solar panels, East and West Sussex stand out as two of the prime locations in the UK for harnessing the power of the sun.
You can find out more about the rise of solar energy across the two counties, but in this post, we’ll look at why Sussex residents could benefit from investing in solar power systems – and how to maximise the returns on their solar panel investment.
Why Sussex is a great location for investing in solar
Sussex provides excellent potential for solar energy returns thanks to two key aspects of its climate:
- Abundant sunshine: East and West Sussex are home to the third and fourth sunniest locations in the UK (after the Isle of Wight and Kent), and Sussex enjoys a relatively mild climate and more sunny days compared to the rest of the country. The abundance of sunlight makes it possible for solar panels to generate more electricity than would be possible elsewhere
- Moderate temperatures: The moderate temperatures in Sussex are ideal for solar panel efficiency. Extreme heat can reduce the performance of solar panels, but the temperate climate of Sussex ensures that panels operate at optimal efficiency
Optimal conditions for solar panels in Sussex
So what are the best conditions for solar panels in Sussex? Let’s look at the features of houses that potentially impact the return on your solar investment:
The best house types for solar panels
- Detached houses: These typically have larger roof spaces, providing more area for solar panel installation
- Bungalows: With single-story structures, bungalows often have unobstructed roof spaces perfect for solar panels
- Semi-detached houses: These also offer good roof space and are quite common in Sussex, making them suitable for solar energy systems
Ideal roof types for solar panels
- South-facing roofs: For maximum sunlight exposure, a south-facing roof is ideal. This orientation allows the panels to capture sunlight throughout the day although East & West roofs also offer great returns
- Tilted roofs (30-45 degrees): Roofs with a tilt between 30 and 45 degrees are optimal for solar panels as they receive more direct sunlight.
- Unshaded roofs: Ensuring that your roof is free from shade cast by trees, chimneys, or other buildings is crucial for maximising solar energy production.
How to maximise the return on your solar investment
To ensure you get the best returns on your solar energy investment, consider the following tips:
- Get a professional assessment: Obtain a thorough assessment of your property from a solar energy expert – they will know what to look for in terms of roof condition and orientation, surroundings and shading, and will be able to evaluate the suitability of your home for solar panel installation
- Invest in high-quality panels and workmanship: Research your solar panel installer thoroughly – ask about their accreditations, read reviews and testimonials, and try and hear from previous clients if you can. The more reputable and experienced your solar panel installer, the higher quality the panels, system and installation will be
- Add a monitoring system: Get a monitoring system installed to track your solar energy production and consumption – this will help you optimise your usage and assist you in planning maintenance of your panels
With its favourable climate, Sussex is one of the best locations in the UK for investment in solar panels. And by considering factors like your house type, roof orientation, surroundings and shading nearby, as well as your overall energy consumption, you can maximise the return on your investment, reduce your energy bills and move towards energy independence. For expert help and advice on solar panel installation, get in touch with us today.
