The cost of energy in the UK is set to rise again, with Ofgem confirming that the energy price cap will increase by 6.4% from April 2025, raising the average annual bill for a typical household to £1,849 for those paying by Direct Debit.
This increase shows the ongoing volatility of energy prices and the growing financial hardship on households. But, there is a way to future-proof your home against these rising costs by investing in solar panels and battery storage.
Why Are Energy Prices Rising Again?
The latest price cap increase is mainly driven by a spike in wholesale energy prices, which account for around 78% of the total increase. Inflation and policy costs contribute to the remaining 22%. While this rise is lower than the peak of the energy crisis in 2023, it still places a lot of pressure on UK households.
For those on a variable tariff, this increase means higher monthly bills, and even for those on fixed tariffs, the cost of renewing their contracts in the future could be much higher.
How Solar Panels Can Protect You from Rising Energy Bills
- Reduce Your Dependence on the Grid: Solar panels generate free electricity from the sun, meaning the more energy your system produces, the less you rely on expensive electricity from suppliers. With unit rates increasing to 27.03p per kWh for electricity and 6.99p per kWh for gas from April, every unit of solar-generated power saves you money.
- Lock in Long-Term Savings: While the upfront cost of solar panels may seem significant, they can pay for themselves within a few years, thanks to reduced energy bills. As energy prices continue to rise, the savings from solar only increase.
- Take Advantage of the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): If your solar panels produce more electricity than your household consumes, you can sell the excess back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. With higher energy prices, SEG rates are becoming more competitive, meaning you can earn money from your solar panels while reducing your reliance on your energy provider.
- Improve Your Energy Security: The UK’s heavy dependence on international gas markets makes energy prices unpredictable. Investing in solar panels provides stability by allowing you to generate your own power, reducing exposure to volatile global markets.
Maximise Savings by Pairing Solar with Battery Storage
While solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, combining them with battery storage maximises your savings. A solar battery system allows you to:
- Store excess solar energy during the day for use at night.
- Reduce reliance on the grid even during peak pricing periods.
- Use stored energy on cloudy days or during power cuts.
By adding battery storage to your solar system, you can achieve greater energy independence and even bigger savings.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Switch to Solar
With the April price hike confirmed, now is the ideal time to take control of your energy costs. The earlier you invest in solar, the sooner you can start benefiting from lower bills and greater financial security.
At Nano Pro-Tech, we provide a complete design and planning service to ensure your system is optimised for maximum energy generation. From panel placement to battery storage integration, our expert team will tailor a system that meets your energy needs and budget. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote and start generating more clean, renewable energy for your home! Email us at info@nano-pro.tech, fill in our online form here, or give us a call on 0800 861 1582.