From MoneyWeek · · 1m 10s
Solar Panels Save Money After One Year
Free solar panels cut bills but battery noise and maintenance costs raise questions.
In brief
Free solar panels cut bills but battery noise and maintenance costs raise questions. A couple saved over £197 selling electricity back to the grid after one year of free solar panels installed via the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme. Originally reported by MoneyWeek.
Free solar panels installed
We installed solar panels for free in October 2025 through the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme.
Electricity self-sufficient in summer
From April to September we paid less than £3 per month for electricity, with the solar panels covering most usage.
Sell excess electricity to grid
We sold £197 of power back to the grid since January, earning £41 in July and £32 in August.
Carbon savings tracked
The app shows we saved over 2,700 kilograms of carbon dioxide and 337 litres of oil since installation.
Battery noise and appearance
The battery makes a low humming noise during summer and looks ugly when bolted to the house.
Would have paid mortgage instead
If we had paid upfront, we might have used the money to pay off some of our mortgage instead.
At a glance
A couple saved over £197 selling electricity back to the grid after one year of free solar panels installed via the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme.
