Solar Won't Power Everything
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Get Free QuotesCan solar panels really power your whole house?
A 4kW solar system generates 3,500-4,200 kWh/yr — more than the average UK home uses (2,900 kWh). But this headline hides the seasonal reality: JUNE: generates 500+ kWh, household uses 200 kWh = 250% coverage. SURPLUS exported. DECEMBER: generates 80 kWh, household uses 290 kWh = 28% coverage. Grid supplies the rest. Annual match: 120-145%. Monthly match: 28% (Dec) to 250% (Jun). WHY THIS STILL WORKS FINANCIALLY: Self-consumed solar saves 24.5p/kWh. Exported surplus earns 4-15p/kWh (SEG). Even with the winter deficit, annual savings are £580-£1,100/yr. A battery shifts summer surplus to winter evenings — raising December coverage to 45-60%. Sources: PVGIS monthly data (re.jrc.ec.europa.eu), BEIS seasonal consumption (gov.uk), Ofgem (ofgem.gov.uk).
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Related: Home Heating Systems
Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.
Heat pumps use electricity at 300-400% efficiency, making them ideal partners for solar.
From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide
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