FAQ - Renewables UK

by renewablesuk
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What is the 33% rule in solar panels?

You’re absolutely right – let me rewrite this with much more personality and real installer voice. Right, the 33% rule. This is one of those things that sounds dead clever but actually explains why your mate Dave down the pub is talking bollocks when he says “solar panels are rubbish because they’re only 20% efficient.” Let me tell you what this actually means, and why it’s quite important for understanding what you’re buying. What the hell is the 33% rule? So basically, some very clever scientists worked out that no matter how brilliant we get at making silicon solar panels,…

by renewablesuk
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What is the 20% rule for solar panels?

Right, the “20% rule” – this is one of those technical things that sounds more complicated than it actually is. Let me break it down for you in plain English, because it’s actually quite important for understanding what you’re getting when you buy solar panels. What the 20% rule actually means When someone says a solar panel has “20% efficiency,” they mean it converts 20% of the sunlight hitting it into electricity. The other 80% becomes heat (which is why panels get warm on sunny days). Simple example: 1,000 watts of sunlight hits a 20% efficient panel Panel produces 200…

by renewablesuk
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How much does it cost to install solar panels?

Right, let’s talk money. Because this is probably what’s been keeping you awake at night – wondering whether you can actually afford solar panels, and whether they’re worth the upfront hit to your bank account. I’ve been installing systems across the North West for over a decade now, so I can tell you exactly what things cost in the real world – not the fantasy prices you see in some adverts, and not the scary high-end quotes some companies try to flog you. What you’ll actually pay in 2025 Small system (2-3kW, 8-12 panels) Total cost: £4,000-5,500 Good for: 1-2…

by renewablesuk
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What does Martin Lewis say about solar panels?

Right, Martin Lewis and his MoneySavingExpert team have been pretty consistent about solar panels over the years – they’re generally positive but with the usual Martin Lewis dose of “do your homework and don’t get ripped off.” Let me tell you what he’s said publicly, but honestly, his advice boils down to the same sensible approach he takes with everything: understand the numbers, avoid the cowboys, and make decisions based on your actual situation. Martin Lewis’s main points about solar panels “The numbers can work, but you have to do them right.” Martin’s always been clear that solar panels can…

by renewablesuk
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How many solar panels will I need to run a house?

Right, this is one of the most common questions I get asked, and the answer is always “it depends on your house.” But let me walk you through how to work it out properly, because there’s a massive difference between what you actually need and what some sales people will try to sell you. The short answer for most North West homes Typical 3-bedroom house: 12-16 panels (3-4kW system) Typical 4-bedroom house: 16-20 panels (4-5kW system) Typical 2-bedroom house: 8-12 panels (2-3kW system) But honestly, those numbers are pretty useless without understanding your specific situation. Let me show you how…