✔ Shirley has a 2.4 kW solar array and a Solax battery
✔ She broke even on her solar panels in 10 years
✔ Five solar thermal panels provide her with hot water
We spoke with Shirley Ward, a 73-year-old retired office worker, about her decision to take advantage of the falling cost of solar panels.
Shirley and her late husband Bryan installed solar panels and a solar thermal system on their home in North Yorkshire.
Here’s what she had to say.
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Q: How long have you had your solar panels?
A: “We purchased five thermal solar panels in March 1993 at a cost of £5,250, and they are still working well today. They mean that I very rarely need to heat the water in the summer, which keeps gas costs down.
“The photovoltaic system was installed in November 2011 and it has a 2.4 kW capacity at a cost of £10,000. We then had an upgrade to the system (Solar Edge Solar PV system with power optimisers) in May 2017 at a cost of £3,945.
“In December 2021 we had a Solax battery and EV charger fitted at a cost of £6,199.”
Want to learn more about the price of solar panels? Head to our solar panel cost page.
Q: Why did you decide to get solar panels?
A: “We used to keep Koi carp and because we had pumps and filters running 24/7, our electricity costs were quite high, so Bryan decided to invest in solar power as a means of offsetting those costs.”
Q: Are you pleased you bought solar panels?
A: “I am very pleased we bought both types of solar panels because, particularly now, they have come into their own. My energy costs are very low.”
Learn more: Solar Panel Costs
Q: Do your solar panels generate enough power to cover all your electricity needs?
A: “With the use of the battery, I’m finding I don’t need to use the grid at all at present, but obviously when the winter comes and there is less sun, I might need to.”
Learn more: A Beginner’s Guide to Solar Batteries
Q: How much money do your solar panels save you on your electricity bills?
A: “At the present time, with the battery as well – and taking into account that since Bryan died I had to find another home for 25 very large Koi – my electricity costs have gone down.
“I would estimate that instead of £50 per month in summer and more in winter, I am paying £15 per month, which I think is mainly the standing charge.”
Q: Have you managed to break even on your solar panels?
A: “We were told initially that we would break even in 10 years, and we did.
“However, as above, we have spent additional money which we haven’t yet recouped, but I think it will happen sometime.”
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A: “I think we were always in favour of them, and our experience has not changed that.”
Learn more: National Home Energy Survey – Over two thirds of Brits would buy a house with solar panels
Q: Please can you describe your experience maintaining your solar panels?
A: “Our electric solar panels are monitored online, and up to now we haven’t had any problems.”
Q: Would you recommend solar panels to other homeowners in the UK? Why/why not?
A: “I think solar panels are the way to go, and I would recommend them to anyone who’s going to stay in their home for a long time.”
Learn more: Are Solar Panels Worth It?
Q: Is there anything you wish you’d known before you bought solar panels?
A: “No. Bryan did all the hard work researching everything before we went ahead with the purchases, and we never regretted it.”
