If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, you might be wondering: will you still have an electricity bill with solar panels?
The short answer is yes – but it should be significantly lower. With the right system, many homeowners see their bills drop dramatically, and in some cases, close to zero during the summer months.
Let’s break down how it works – and how to get the best results from your system.
How Solar Panels Power Your Home
Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into usable energy for your home.
- Panels produce DC electricity
- An inverter converts it into AC electricity
- Your home uses this energy in real time
This means every unit of solar energy you generate is electricity you don’t need to buy from the grid.
What Happens to Extra Energy?
During the day, your system will often generate more electricity than your home is using.
Through the UK’s Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can send this excess energy back to the grid and get paid for it – helping offset your overall energy costs.
So, will you still have an electricity bill with solar panels? In most cases, yes – but far lower than before.
Why You’ll Still Have an Electricity Bill with Solar Panels
Even with solar, most homes will still have a small electricity bill. Here’s why:
Energy Use Outside of Sunlight Hours
Solar panels don’t generate power at night. Without storage, you’ll rely on grid electricity in the evenings.
Seasonal Performance
In the UK, solar production is much higher in summer than winter, so your reliance on the grid increases during colder months.
Standing Charges
Energy suppliers apply daily standing charges, regardless of how much electricity you generate.
System Design
If a system isn’t designed properly around your usage, it may not cover as much of your demand as it could.
The Role of Battery Storage
(Where the Real Savings Happen)
This is where systems really start to perform.
At M J Wallace Limited, we regularly install battery storage solutions from Fox ESS – and for good reason.
Battery storage allows you to:
- Store unused solar energy during the day
- Use that energy in the evening instead of buying from the grid
- Reduce your reliance on energy suppliers even further
Why We Use Fox ESS
We don’t just install any system – we choose products that deliver long-term performance and reliability.
Fox ESS systems offer:
- High efficiency storage, meaning less wasted energy
- Smart monitoring apps, so you can track usage and savings in real time
- Scalable systems, allowing you to expand as your energy needs grow
- Reliable performance, even during high demand periods
Put simply, pairing solar panels with a quality battery system like Fox ESS is what turns a “good” system into a high-performing, cost-saving one.
How Much Can You Save on Your Electricity Bill with Solar Panels?
Savings depend on your home and system design, but typically:
- 40%-80% reduction in electricity bills
- Even greater savings when battery storage is included
- Potential for very low bills during summer months
The key factor? How well the system is designed around you.
How to Maximise Your Savings
Get a Properly Designed System
We design every system based on your energy usage – not just your roof space. This ensures maximum efficiency and return.
Use Energy at the Right Times
Running appliances during the day helps you use more of your own solar energy.
Add Battery Storage
Battery systems (like Fox ESS) allow you to use your solar energy when you actually need it – not just when it’s generated.
Monitor Your System
With smart apps, you can track performance and adjust your usage to get the most out of your system.
Is Solar Still Worth It?
Definitely.
Even if you don’t eliminate your bill completely, solar gives you:
- Lower and more predictable energy costs
- Protection against rising energy prices
- Greater energy independence
- A more sustainable home
It’s not just about cutting your bill – it’s about taking control of your energy.
So, will you still have an electricity bill with solar panels? Understanding how it works helps you set realistic expectations and maximise your savings.
Thinking About Solar & Battery Storage?
If you’re considering solar, getting the right system from the start makes all the difference.
At M J Wallace Limited, we design and install high-quality solar and battery systems built around your home, your usage and your long-term savings.
📞 01952 936344
📧 info@mjwallace.co.uk
🌐 https://mjwallace.co.uk