The Honest Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Homeowners across the UK are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources, with solar power playing a key role in meeting their self-consumption needs.

When considering whether to install a solar panel system, many homeowners aim to cut costs by reducing or even eliminating their electricity bills through the use of clean, renewable energy.

To better understand how to boost your self-consumption, it's helpful to first clarify what self-consumption and grid independence mean in the context of solar energy.

What is self-consumption in relation to solar panels?

Self-consumption refers to the practice of generating electricity on-site using solar panels and using it directly for your own consumption. It’s a straightforward yet effective way to meet your energy needs without relying entirely on the grid.

If you have a 50% self-consumption rate, that means you’re using half of the electricity your solar panels produce, while the other half is either sent back to the grid or stored for later use.

So, what happens to the unused portion of your solar energy? That’s where grid export or battery storage comes into play.

Exporting excess energy back to the grid can earn you money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, making your solar investment more financially rewarding.

Self-consumption is often referred to as load-shifting or solar soaking. These terms all point to the same idea: generating your own affordable solar power instead of buying it from an energy supplier.

What is grid independence?

The less energy you draw from the National Grid, the more independent you become from traditional energy suppliers.

Most homes in the UK rely heavily on the grid for their electricity supply. However, installing solar panels can significantly reduce this dependency.

Grid independence is about how much of your energy needs you can fulfill through your own solar generation. The higher your self-consumption rate, the more control you have over your energy usage and costs.

Solar panels allow you to be less reliant on the grid while still having access when needed. Understanding grid independence helps you see how much autonomy you can achieve through solar energy.

Why is self-consumption important for solar panel owners?

Self-consumption is crucial because it directly impacts your savings on electricity bills and your path to energy independence.

The higher your self-consumption rate, the less you pay to energy companies. This not only saves money but also reduces your carbon footprint by using cleaner, renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.

Maximizing self-consumption is a smart financial move, helping your solar system reach break-even faster, as discussed in our previous blog post.

What are the best ways to increase your self-consumption?

According to research from the University of Oxford, UK households with solar PV systems typically consume about 45% of their generated electricity, reducing their reliance on the grid by 24%. With smart adjustments, this number can go up to over 35%.

If you want to maximize your solar output and minimize grid usage, here are some practical steps to take.

11 Ways to Increase Your Self-Consumption

1. Conduct an energy audit

Do you know exactly how much energy your household uses every day? An energy audit is a great starting point for maximizing self-consumption.

Installing a smart meter can help you track both your energy consumption from the grid and your solar production. This data is essential for aligning your usage with your solar generation times.

Understanding your peak hours will help you adjust your habits to match when your panels are producing the most energy. If your high-energy periods occur at night, consider adding a battery storage system to store excess daytime power.

Smart meters are often provided free of charge by energy suppliers upon request.

2. Retrofit your home for greater energy efficiency

Older homes tend to be less energy efficient, leading to higher bills and more environmental impact. While retrofitting can be costly, there are many cost-effective upgrades that can make a big difference.

Improving your home’s efficiency can lower your overall energy demand, making it easier for your solar system to meet your needs. Consider long-term investments like upgrading insulation, windows, and heating systems.

3. Install insulation

Heating and cooling account for a large portion of your energy use. Proper insulation keeps your home comfortable longer and reduces the need for constant heating or cooling.

By insulating your home, you’ll save on energy costs and increase the amount of electricity your solar system can supply. This makes your self-consumption more efficient and sustainable.

4. Switch to LED lighting

Lighting is mostly used during the evening, which means it's usually powered by the grid rather than your solar system. This makes it important to choose energy-efficient bulbs.

LED lights use far less energy and last longer than traditional CFLs. Upgrading to LEDs not only saves you money but also improves safety and reduces the frequency of replacements.

5. Charge devices during the day

It might be tempting to charge your phone or electric vehicle at night, but doing so during the day can significantly reduce your grid reliance and electricity costs.

Consider charging your devices early in the morning or when you return home. This ensures you're using solar energy instead of grid power.

6. Avoid standby mode

Many appliances continue to consume power even when they're not in use, especially if they're in standby mode. This adds up over time and increases your energy bill.

Unplug devices you're not using, or use power strips to turn them off completely. According to the Energy Saving Trust, UK households spend between £50 and £861 annually on standby power alone.

7. Use solar for outdoor activities

If you enjoy gardening, you can use solar energy to power tools like lawnmowers and hedge trimmers. This helps you make the most of your daytime solar generation.

Use your garden equipment during daylight hours to avoid drawing power from the grid. If you have a pool or sauna, run the heater and pump during the day to reduce nighttime energy use.

8. Improve your home’s building envelope

A building envelope includes everything that separates the inside of your home from the outside—like walls, roofs, windows, and doors. A well-sealed envelope helps maintain indoor comfort and reduces energy waste.

Gaps around doors and windows can lead to significant heat loss in winter and excessive heat gain in summer. Sealing these gaps improves energy efficiency and lowers your electricity costs.

9. Install a solar battery storage system

A solar battery allows you to store excess electricity generated during the day for use at night. This increases your self-consumption and gives you more control over your energy usage.

Many homeowners choose batteries to make the most of their solar power, with 60% of those who have or are considering one citing this as a primary reason, according to Which?.

10. Use a Home Energy Management System (HEMS)

HEMS helps you monitor and manage your energy use throughout the day. It can automatically schedule appliances to run when your solar panels are producing the most energy.

With HEMS integrated into a smart home system, you can control lights, thermostats, and other devices from your phone, making energy management more convenient and efficient.

11. Switch to an electric vehicle

Going electric is a big step, but it’s also the future of transportation. Many governments are pushing for zero-emission vehicles, with plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars in the coming years.

Electric vehicles can be charged using your solar energy, cutting down on fuel costs and reducing your carbon footprint. Even if you aren’t fully self-sufficient, this is a smart way to improve your energy efficiency.

While you may never be 100% self-sufficient, these steps can bring you closer to a greener, more energy-efficient lifestyle. Every small action contributes to a larger impact.

Self-consumption starts small, but with consistent effort, you can gradually move toward a fully solar-powered, independent home.