Solar now or later? How to decide the right time to install panels

Installing solar panels is a long-term investment that can promise savings and greater independence, but is it something you should do now or delay by a few months or years?

Deciding the right time to install panels will come down to several factors, including what your current energy bills are like, any future renovation plans for your home, and which government grants and schemes are currently available.

This guide breaks down all these factors to help you decide whether now is the time to add panels to your roof to help you capitalise on all the benefits, or if you should wait to install them.

Why should you install solar panels now?

Electricity bills

If your electricity bills are high or they’re rising, then installing solar panels now rather than later could be beneficial. A 12-panel solar panel system and battery could see savings of up to £734 a year on your home’s electricity bill, according to E.ON Next.

It’s also worth factoring in any other electricity-based home improvements you might be considering, such as installing a heat pump or switching to an electric vehicle. If, over the next couple of years, you expect electricity to be the main source of energy in your home, then opting for solar panels now, and including home battery storage as part of the upgrade, could help you get ahead with offsetting your increasing electricity bills.

Electricity prices have been volatile in the UK in recent years, and if you find your energy bills are rising, then switching to solar panels now is a smart way to take back control and become more energy independent. If you go via an energy provider such as E.ON Next to install your solar panels, they will be able to tell you what the expected energy generated will be. With this information, they can then help you work out if installing solar panels now is the best decision for your energy bills.

Take advantage of government schemes, grants and VAT reductions

One of the big advantages of installing solar panels now is that you can take advantage of the current VAT reduction on solar panel and battery installation. You will currently pay 0% VAT until 31st March 2027.

There are also some energy efficiency government grants that can help with installation costs. For example, Scotland has the Home Energy Scotland Grant and loan scheme, which will give you a £5,000 loan.

Another beneficial government scheme you can take advantage of if you install solar panels now is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). This scheme means you can be paid for any surplus and unused energy your solar panels produce, which spills onto the grid. It means not only can you save money with solar panels, but you can earn money from them too.

Grants and government schemes can change and disappear, so it’s best to take advantage of them while they’re available. E.ON Next’s grant finder tool is an easy way to find out if you qualify for any available grants. Also, if you choose to go with them as your installer, they will help you navigate all the grant choices and select the best one for you.

Payback period

The Energy Savings Trust estimates that it takes up to 10 years for solar panels to pay for themselves if you are taking advantage of the SEG scheme and capitalising on the energy they produce to save on bills. What this means is that every year you wait to install them is also a lost year of savings you could have made.

When is it best to wait to install solar panels?

Home renovations

If you’re currently undergoing major home repairs (like replacing a roof or adding an extension), you should wait to install solar panels. Any major home renovations will affect where you can install solar panels, but also how efficiently they can work.

It’s best to hold off until all work is completed before speaking to an installer who can then better advise on the best solar system to max out the energy-generating potential of your home.

Moving house within five years

It can take up to 10 years to fully pay back the costs of installing solar panels, so if you’re planning to move homes within the next five years, it might not be the best investment option for you. However, solar panels can increase the value of your home, according to Rightmove, so this could be another route by which you could recoup some of the costs of the system.

Savings

One of the biggest barriers to installing solar panels right now is whether you have the savings available to pay for the installation. The starting price for a 6-panel system with on-roof solar panels is £4,995. Installers such as E.ON Next will help you explore any available grant options that can help, and also offer flexible payment options to help with spreading the installation cost over time.

Time of year

While you can install solar panels at any time of year, there are some benefits to installing panels during a quieter time of year for installers. Energy provider E.ON Next recommends winter as one of the best times to install solar panels, as it is quieter and solar installers can be less busy. What this means is you can get quicker service, and you might sometimes find better value due to the reduced demand. They’ll also be ready to go in spring and summer to capitalise on the peak sunlight months.

The bottom line

The ultimate decision on whether you should install solar panels now or later hinges on your personal circumstances and plans. There are huge benefits to be had by not delaying, such as current available government grants and schemes, and maximising your savings over time. However, if you are undergoing home renovations or you’re planning to move home within the next couple of years, waiting until your home is finished or you settle into your forever home to install solar panels could have a better payoff.