If you're thinking about installing solar panels on your home, you're probably asking the big question: do solar panels really save money? The short answer is yes — and in many cases, the savings are significant. Not only can you reduce your electricity bills, but you can even earn money by selling surplus energy back to the grid.
At SESC Solutions, we help homeowners across Shaftesbury, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Bath, Bristol and Hampshire maximise their savings with expert residential solar installations. Let's explore how much you can save, and how solar panels can make a real difference to your wallet.
How Do Solar Panels Save Money?
Solar panels allow you to generate your own electricity from sunlight, meaning you rely less on buying expensive energy from the grid.
The more electricity you produce and use during the day, the more money you save.
In fact, the size of your solar panel system has a big impact on how much you’ll save. For example:
- System Size: 2–3 kW
- Annual Savings on Bills: £485
- Annual Savings with SEG Payments: £565
- System Size: 4–5 kW
- Annual Savings on Bills: £730
- Annual Savings with SEG Payments: £840–£900
- System Size: 6 kW
- Annual Savings on Bills: £1,110
- Annual Savings with SEG Payments: £1,220
Figures based on 450W panels and Ofgem’s 2025 average household energy consumption data.
So whether you live in a cosy two-bedroom flat or a large detached home, there's potential to significantly cut your energy costs with a solar installation.
What Factors Affect How Much You Save?
While solar panels almost always save money over time, the exact amount depends on several key factors:
- System size and efficiency – Bigger, more efficient systems generate more electricity.
- Energy usage habits – Using appliances during daylight hours boosts your savings.
- Solar battery storage – Storing excess energy for use at night increases your savings potential.
- Local sunlight hours – Living in sunnier areas like Somerset and Dorset maximises energy production.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rates – Higher rates mean more earnings from exporting surplus electricity.
Tip: To learn more about the technology behind solar panels, check out our guide to Solar PV systems.
Can You Earn Money with Solar Panels?
Yes! Thanks to the government's Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can actually get paid for any extra electricity your panels produce and export back to the national grid. SEG tariffs vary between energy suppliers, but typical payments can boost your annual returns by £80–£110 depending on your system size and energy usage.
Earning money through SEG not only increases your overall savings but also shortens the time it takes to recover the cost of your solar panel installation.
Learn more about SEG and check the latest rates on the Ofgem Smart Export Guarantee page.
Why Install Solar Panels with SESC Solutions?
At SESC Solutions, we are proud to be the trusted choice for residential solar installations across the South West. Here's why homeowners trust us:
- Local Expertise: We understand the sunlight patterns and regulations specific to Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, and beyond.
- Accredited Installers: Our team is fully certified to ensure quality workmanship and top system performance.
- Tailored Solutions: We customise every installation to meet your home's specific needs and maximise your energy savings.
- Comprehensive Support: From your initial enquiry to post-installation support, we guide you every step of the way.
Ready to start saving? Find out more about our residential solar panel services here.
Get a Free Solar Panel Quote Today
Installing solar panels is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home — and your bank account. At SESC Solutions, we make it easy with expert advice, premium products, and competitive pricing tailored to your needs.
Get started today — contact us or Call 01747 445 509 for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how much you could save with solar panels from SESC Solutions.
Key Takeaways:
- Solar panels do save money by cutting electricity bills and allowing you to sell surplus energy.
- Your savings depend on system size, energy use habits, and SEG payments.
- Choosing a trusted local installer like SESC Solutions ensures you get the best return on your investment.
