Are Solar Panels Worth It in 2026? A Straight Answer
Real costs, savings, and payback periods for UK homeowners. No fluff, just numbers at today's energy prices.
Read article →Solar & Energy Blog
Practical guides, real numbers, and local insight — from MCS & NAPIT certified installers based in Milton Keynes.
All articles written by Matt Hinton, MCS & NAPIT Certified Solar Installer at Depth of Light Ltd.
Solar Panels
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the UK in 2026?
From 3kWp to 10kWp systems — what to expect to pay, what affects the price, and how 0% VAT changes the numbers.
Read article →Solar Panel Payback Period UK: How Long to Break Even?
Real payback calculations for 2026. Worked examples for solar-only and solar + battery systems.
Read article →How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? A UK Size Guide
Sizing guide based on house type, energy usage, and roof space. From 2-bed flats to 5-bed detached homes.
Read article →How Much Do Solar Panels Save Per Month in the UK?
Real monthly savings figures based on system size, usage, and current energy prices.
Read article →Solar Panels in Milton Keynes: Local Data, Real Savings
Local sunshine data, real yield figures, and why MK is better than average for solar in the UK.
Read article →Solar Panel Efficiency After 10 Years — What to Expect
Modern panels retain 90-92% efficiency after a decade. Here is what degradation really costs you.
Read article →Can You Get Solar Panels Without a Smart Meter?
Yes — but you need one for export payments. Here is what to know and how to get one free.
Read article →Birds Nesting Under Solar Panels — Prevention & Removal
Why pigeons love your panels, the damage they cause, and how bird mesh solves it for good.
Read article →What Can You Grow Under Solar Panels?
From herbs and leafy greens to wildflowers — what thrives in the shade of solar panels.
Read article →Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels Without a Battery?
Costs, savings, and when adding a battery makes sense for UK homeowners.
Read article →How to Use Solar Panels Directly Without a Battery
How direct solar works, what you can power without storage, and tips to maximise self-consumption.
Read article →Can You Use Solar Panels Without an Inverter?
When you need one, what happens without it, and the different inverter types for UK homes.
Read article →What Happens After Solar Panels Are Installed?
From MCS certification and DNO notification to monitoring your system and getting paid for exports.
Read article →Roof Leaking After Solar Panel Installation? What to Do
Common causes, who is responsible, and how to get it fixed properly.
Read article →Battery Storage
Solar Panels vs Battery Storage: Which Should You Get First?
Solar only, battery only, or both together? Real costs, savings, and our honest recommendation.
Read article →Solar Battery Storage: Is It Worth Adding to Your Home?
Costs, savings, payback period, and when a battery makes sense for UK solar panel owners.
Read article →GivEnergy vs Fox ESS: Which Home Battery Is Best?
Price, capacity, warranty, and real-world performance compared for UK homes.
Read article →EV Charging
Home EV Charging vs Public Chargers: The Real Cost for Milton Keynes Drivers
Public charging costs 40–79p/kWh. Home charging? As low as 7p. Full cost breakdown and payback figures.
Read article →EV Charger Installation: A Complete UK Home Guide
Costs, grants, charger types, and what to expect on installation day.
Read article →Zappi vs Andersen vs Easee: Best Home EV Charger 2026
Three popular chargers compared. Which is best for solar owners, which looks best, and which is cheapest?
Read article →Grants & Incentives
Why 2026 Is the Last Year to Get 0% VAT on Solar Panels & Battery Storage
The 0% VAT deadline is March 2027. Here is how much you save by acting now — and what it costs if you wait.
Read article →0% VAT on Solar Panels: Everything You Need to Know
What qualifies, how much you save, and how long it lasts. Plain English, no jargon.
Read article →Ready to Get a Quote?
Free survey. Fixed price. MCS & NAPIT certified. Based in Milton Keynes.