If you’ve been keeping an eye on energy bills over the last few years, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and businesses across the UK are asking the same question in 2026:
“Is solar still worth it — or have I missed the boat?”
The short answer: yes, solar panels are still very much worth it in 2026 — and for many, they make more sense now than ever before. Below, we break down why.
Why This Question Keeps Coming Up
Energy prices may not be hitting the extreme peaks we saw a few years ago, but they’re still:
Higher than pre-2020 levels
Unpredictable
Largely outside your control
That uncertainty is exactly why solar continues to grow. Instead of constantly reacting to price rises, solar allows you to take control of how and when you generate electricity.
How Solar Saves Money in 2026
The way solar delivers value hasn’t changed — but the technology has improved.
1. Generate Your Own Power
A solar PV system allows you to produce electricity on-site and use it directly in your home or business. That means:
Less reliance on the grid
Less exposure to price fluctuations
Lower electricity bills from day one
Every unit of solar energy you use is one you’re not buying from your supplier.
2. Export Isn’t the Main Benefit Anymore
In the past, solar relied heavily on export payments. In 2026, the real value comes from self-consumption — using as much of your solar energy as possible during the day.
This is especially beneficial for:
Businesses operating during daylight hours
Schools, leisure centres, and community buildings
Homes with EV chargers, heat pumps, or battery storage
3. Falling Equipment Costs, Better Performance
While energy prices fluctuate, solar technology continues to improve:
Panels are more efficient
Inverters are smarter
Monitoring is more accurate
This means systems now generate more electricity per square metre than older installations, improving overall returns.
What About Payback Periods in 2026?
Payback periods depend on several factors:
System size
Electricity usage patterns
Whether battery storage is included
As a general guide in 2026:
Homes: typically 7–10 years
Businesses: often 4–7 years
After payback, the electricity you generate is effectively free, aside from minimal maintenance.
With systems designed to last 25+ years, that’s a long-term benefit that continues well beyond breakeven.
The global solar supply chain is preparing for a major policy shift that will impact equipment pricing from April 2026 — particularly for solar PV modules and battery storage systems imported into the UK.
China has confirmed that from 1 April 2026, it will reduce or remove VAT export rebates on several solar-related products. These rebates currently make exports more competitive by lowering the price at source. Once removed, pricing is expected to rise and supply could tighten across Europe.
What Does This Mean for UK Projects?
From our discussions with distributors, manufacturers and industry bodies, we expect the following impacts:
✔ Higher pricing on panels and batteries ✔ Reduced product choice due to constrained allocations ✔ Longer lead times for deliveries ✔ Potential project redesigns if equipment is no longer competitively available
Commercial installers in the UK are already being advised to secure equipment early if they wish to avoid re-quotations or specification changes.
How Genfit Is Managing This for Our Customers
We are putting forward four procurement options to protect ongoing and upcoming projects:
Option 1: Early Equipment Delivery (Recommended)
Secure equipment at current pricing
Delivery before April 2026
Installation can take place later if needed
On-site storage provided
Payment on delivery
This option removes cost risk and prevents future re-quotes.
Option 2: Early PO with Agreed Delivery Window
Equipment is allocated now
Delivery window confirmed later
Deposit required
This keeps projects on track while offering scheduling flexibility.
Option 3: Design Flexibility
Use alternative Tier 1 modules/batteries
No quality reduction
Maintains competitive pricing where needed
This is beneficial for tendered projects or fixed-cost agreements.
Option 4: Post-April Delivery
Standard procurement
Re-quote required
Pricing not guaranteed due to market adjustments
Who Is Affected?
These changes are relevant to:
✔ Commercial businesses ✔ Local authorities & public sector ✔ Education estates ✔ Community energy groups ✔ Domestic homeowners planning PV + battery installations
Our Recommendation
For any project in planning, survey, design or feasibility phase, we strongly advise securing equipment allocation before Q2 2026.
This ensures:
✓ Cost certainty ✓ Technology availability ✓ No redesign work ✓ No delays to commissioning or payback periods
Next Steps
If you have an active project with Genfit — or you’re exploring solar for 2025/26 — speak with your Genfit representative to discuss the most suitable procurement pathway.
As energy bills rise and climate concerns grow, more homeowners in Wales are looking for ways to make their homes greener, more efficient — and save money in the long run. The Green Homes Wales scheme is a major initiative from the Welsh Government, run via the Development Bank of Wales, aimed at helping households decarbonise, reduce energy use, and upgrade their homes. developmentbank.wales+3developmentbank.wales+3GOV.WALES+3
Here’s what you need to know about the scheme — and how Genfit can help you take full advantage of it if you’re considering going solar.
What the Green Homes Wales Scheme Offers
The scheme combines expert advice, financing, and grant funding. Key features include:
Retrofit Coordinators Homeowners can access an expert who assesses your home and recommends energy-efficiency and decarbonisation improvements tailored to your property. developmentbank.wales+2developmentbank.wales+2
Interest-free Loans Eligible homeowners (owner-occupied, primary residence) can borrow between £1,000 and £25,000 interest-free, over up to 10 years. For larger projects, terms may be extended. There is a repayment “holiday” for 6 months so the benefits begin before repayments are due. developmentbank.wales+2developmentbank.wales+2
Grants (Installation Grant) For certain “Eligible Measures” (including solar PV, solar PV + battery storage, solar thermal) the scheme offers grant funding to reduce out-of-pocket cost. The grant amount depends on what upgrades you choose and how much of the cost is being covered by the loan. developmentbank.wales+1
Range of Supported Measures It’s not just solar — many fabric, heating, generation, controls upgrades are supported: insulation, glazing, heating systems (air/ground/water source heat pumps), draught proofing, smart controls, etc. Solar PV, solar thermal, PV with battery, and PV + diverter / PVT are explicitly included. developmentbank.wales+2developmentbank.wales+2
It must not be a new build that hasn’t been occupied for at least 6 months. developmentbank.wales+1
Properties listed or requiring special permissions might have restrictions. developmentbank.wales+1
Why Solar Fits Well in Green Homes Wales
For many homeowners, solar energy is one of the most visible, straightforward ways to reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions. Under Green Homes Wales:
Solar PV (with or without battery storage) is an eligible generation measure. developmentbank.wales+1
Because the scheme allows a mix of financing + grants, the up-front cost burden is lower, making solar more affordable.
Adding batteries or diverters can help you maximise the benefit of solar — storing or redirecting energy so less is wasted.
Solar is more powerful as part of a package: combining solar with insulation or heating controls increases the overall efficiency and savings. Green Homes Wales encourages comprehensive home assessments to identify multiple measures. developmentbank.wales+1
How Genfit Can Help You Go Solar Under Green Homes Wales
Genfit is in a strong position to help homeowners benefit from Green Homes Wales. If you’re considering solar, here are ways Genfit can assist:
Expert Assessment & System Design
Genfit will visit your site to assess your property: roof orientation and condition, shading, structural suitability.
They size the system to fit your energy usage, budget, and future plans (e.g. EV charger, battery storage).
They help integrate with other improvements you might do under the scheme (insulation, heating upgrades), to ensure the solar system is part of an efficient home overall.
Navigating the Scheme & Funding
Genfit can help you understand whether you qualify for the Green Homes Wales loan + grant.
They can help with proposals / quotations that meet the requirements (e.g. installer accreditation, proper certificates).
Assist with paperwork, ensuring the installer is registered with the required standards (TrustMark, MCS etc.), which is necessary under the scheme. developmentbank.wales+2developmentbank.wales+2
High-Quality Installation & Warranty
Genfit is MCS certified, using trusted solar panels and inverter brands. genfit.co.uk+1
They offer warranties on both equipment and workmanship, which helps ensure your system works reliably long-term.
Options for Batteries, Smart Controls, EV Charging
To maximise the benefits under Green Homes Wales, solar plus battery or smart export/diverter is helpful. Genfit offers battery installations. developmentbank.wales+2genfit.co.uk+2
EV charging could tie in, so surplus solar can go to your vehicle, reducing transportation emissions and cost.
Post-installation Support and Monitoring
Ensuring your system operates efficiently: monitoring output, maintenance, advice on how to use your solar-generated electricity (e.g. timing usage, using appliances during sunniest periods).
Helping you registering and using schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays for excess electricity sent back to the grid. Genfit mentions SEG in their offering. genfit.co.uk+1
Managing Compliance & Quality Assurance
Because Green Homes Wales requires installers to be registered (TrustMark etc.) and to use certified products, Genfit’s credentials matter. They already hold relevant certifications. genfit.co.uk+1
They can ensure that all the eligible measures are installed as per the regulations and standards required to receive the grant/loan funding.
What Homeowners Should Do Next
If you’re considering solar under Green Homes Wales, here’s a practical step-by-step:
Register your interest / get an assessment via Green Homes Wales, to get a home assessment by a Retrofit Coordinator. That helps you see what measures are most cost‐effective. developmentbank.wales+1
Collect quotes from certified installers (like Genfit), that meet the scheme’s criteria.
Decide the package — solar only, or solar + battery/storage + other improvements.
Apply for the loan + grant once you have quotes and know what works you’ll do.
Have the work done by qualified installers, get all necessary certifications, invoices, etc.
Monitor & adjust usage after installation to get the most benefit (i.e. use generated power, plan battery / export, etc.).
Conclusion
Green Homes Wales provides a real opportunity for homeowners in Wales to make their properties more energy efficient, reduce bills, and cut carbon emissions. Solar PV is very much part of that opportunity.
With Genfit’s expertise in design, installation, and helping navigate the financial and regulatory landscape, going solar under Green Homes Wales becomes more accessible, less risky, and more likely to deliver long-term savings.
Investing in solar panels is a smart move — for your energy bills, your carbon footprint, and your property value. But with the growing popularity of renewable energy, not all solar companies are created equal. Sadly, we’ve seen a rise in “pop-up” solar installers offering too-good-to-be-true deals, only to disappear months later — leaving customers with no aftercare, no warranties, and no one to turn to when things go wrong.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and why choosing the right installer from the start is crucial.
Red Flags: How to Spot an Unreliable Solar Company
✅ No proven track record Be cautious if a company can’t show you completed projects, testimonials, or case studies. A solid history is essential.
✅ Too-good-to-be-true prices Solar is an investment. If it’s significantly cheaper than others, corners are probably being cut — either on the panels, the installation quality, or the service.
✅ No post-installation support A solar system isn’t just a “fit and forget” job. You need monitoring, system checks, and someone to call if anything goes wrong. Many companies offer no ongoing service, which is risky.
✅ Pushy sales tactics High-pressure sales techniques or limited-time offers are a red flag. A reputable company will take the time to understand your needs and design a system that works for you.
✅ Lack of accreditation Check if the installer is certified by MCS and registered with bodies like RECC or NAPIT. These ensure they meet high industry standards.
Why It’s Important to Choose a Company Built for the Long Term
Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or more. Your installer should be in business as long as your panels are on your roof. If they vanish in a few years, you could be left with:
No technical support
No warranty backup
No system monitoring
No one to maintain or upgrade your system
It’s not just about getting panels on your roof — it’s about who’s standing behind them in 5, 10, or 20 years’ time.
Why Genfit Is the Right Choice
At Genfit, we’re not just here for the install — we’re here for the long haul. Here’s why customers across Chester, North Wales, and the North West trust us with their solar:
🌱 Proven Experience We’ve completed hundreds of residential, commercial, and community energy projects — from schools and leisure centres to family homes.
🔧 Ongoing Support We provide system monitoring, aftercare, and maintenance options to ensure your system performs at its best long into the future.
🛡️ Accredited & Trusted Genfit is MCS certified, NAPIT registered, and a proud member of Community Energy England. Our work meets the highest industry standards.
📈 Bespoke System Design We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every system is designed specifically for your property, your energy use, and your future needs.
🤝 Built on Trust We’re a B Corp-certified company with a commitment to transparency, sustainability, and doing the right thing — not just the profitable thing.
Thinking About Solar? Don’t Take Risks.
If you’re considering solar panels, choose a company that’ll still be here tomorrow. With Genfit, you’re choosing peace of mind, quality service, and a partner for the future.
As the demand for renewable energy grows, more homeowners and businesses are considering solar panels. But despite the environmental and financial benefits, solar still gets its fair share of scepticism. At Genfit, we believe in helping people make informed decisions — so we’ve taken some of the most common negative opinions about solar and put them under the spotlight.
Here’s what people say — and why it’s not the full story.
💬 “Solar panels are too expensive.”
The reality: While solar panels used to come with a hefty price tag, prices have fallen significantly over the last decade. On top of that, there are finance options available, and businesses may be eligible for tax incentives or grants. More importantly, solar panels can lead to long-term savings on energy bills, often paying for themselves within a few years.
Our take: Think of solar as an investment — not just a purchase. It reduces your reliance on the grid and protects you from rising energy prices. With Genfit, we tailor systems to your needs, ensuring the best return on your investment.
💬 “They don’t work in the UK weather.”
The reality: This is one of the most common myths we hear. Solar panels work on daylight, not just direct sunshine — and the UK gets more than enough of it to make solar worthwhile. In fact, Germany, a leading country in solar, gets similar weather conditions to the UK.
Our take: Modern panels are highly efficient and designed to generate power even on cloudy days. Our systems are engineered to suit UK conditions — and we provide realistic performance estimates so you know what to expect.
💬 “They don’t make much difference to your bills.”
The reality: Installed properly, a solar PV system can significantly cut your electricity bills — especially if you pair it with battery storage to use more of the energy you generate. And with energy prices constantly fluctuating, generating your own power provides real peace of mind.
Our take: We show our customers exactly how much they can save, based on actual usage and system performance. You’ll start seeing the benefits from day one.
💬 “They’re ugly and will ruin the look of my roof.”
The reality: Today’s solar panels are much sleeker and more discreet than older models. For those prioritising aesthetics, we offer all-black panel options and mounting systems that sit closer to the roof.
Our take: We work with you to find a design that looks smart and suits your home or business. We’ve installed systems on modern builds, period properties, schools, offices — even listed buildings (with the right permissions). With the right setup, solar can actually add to your property’s value and appeal.
💬 “It takes too long to break even.”
The reality: Most systems pay for themselves within 5–10 years, sometimes sooner depending on usage and system size. With the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can also earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid.
Our take: Every installation includes a tailored estimate showing the payback period. And because panels have warranties of 25 years or more, the long-term savings are substantial.
💬 “They require too much maintenance.”
The reality: Solar panels have no moving parts and require very little maintenance. Occasional cleaning and checks are usually all that’s needed to keep them working efficiently.
Our take: We provide system monitoring and maintenance support, so you can rest easy knowing your investment is protected. If issues arise, we’re only a phone call away.
Final Thoughts
It’s normal to have questions and doubts — but many of the concerns about solar are based on outdated information or misunderstandings. At Genfit, we’re here to offer honest advice, tailored solutions, and reliable installations that make solar simple.
If you’re considering switching to solar but still have questions, get in touch with our team. We’ll walk you through the pros, the cons, and everything in between.
Intro: If you’ve heard about solar energy but aren’t sure what a “solar PV system” actually is, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a homeowner thinking about cutting your energy bills or a business looking to reduce your carbon footprint, understanding the basics is the first step.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explain exactly what a solar PV system is, how it works, and what you need to know before installing one.
1. What Does ‘PV’ Stand For?
PV stands for Photovoltaic. A solar PV system uses photovoltaic cells (usually in solar panels) to convert sunlight into electricity.
These systems are different from solar thermal systems, which use the sun to heat water. Solar PV is about generating electricity, for powering your lights, appliances, devices, and more.
2. What Are the Main Parts of a Solar PV System?
A typical solar PV setup includes:
Solar Panels: Usually mounted on your roof or a ground frame, these panels capture sunlight and generate DC electricity.
Inverter: This device converts the DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity, the type your home or business uses.
Generation Meter: Tracks how much energy your system produces.
Battery Storage (Optional): Stores excess energy so you can use it later, for example, at night or on cloudy days.
Export Meter (for SEG): Allows you to export unused electricity back to the grid and get paid via Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) schemes.
3. How Does a Solar PV System Work?
Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown:
Sunlight hits the solar panels, generating DC electricity.
The inverter converts it into usable AC electricity.
Your property uses this electricity to power lights, appliances, etc.
Any unused energy is either stored (if you have a battery) or sent back to the grid.
You draw electricity from the grid only when needed (like at night or in winter).
4. Do Solar Panels Work When It’s Cloudy or Raining?
Yes, solar panels still work in cloudy weather, just at reduced efficiency. In the UK, a well-installed system can generate electricity all year round, even on overcast days.
5. How Much Space Do I Need?
A typical UK home solar PV system (around 3.5kW–4kW) needs roughly 15–20m² of roof space. Larger systems for businesses or public buildings will vary depending on the energy demand and available space.
6. What Are the Benefits of Solar PV?
✅ Lower energy bills
✅ Reduced carbon footprint
✅ Protection from rising energy costs
✅ Long system lifespan (25+ years)
✅ Increased energy independence
7. Is It Right for You?
If you own your property, have a suitable roof (ideally south-facing with minimal shading), and use electricity during the day, a solar PV system could be a great fit.
Commercial buildings, schools, farms, and community centres can benefit even more due to larger scale and higher daytime usage.
Final Thoughts: A solar PV system is a clean, efficient way to take control of your energy. It might seem technical at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s clear why so many homes and businesses across the UK are making the switch.
Got Questions or Ready to Start? At Genfit, we make solar simple. Whether you want a quick chat or a detailed quote, our team is here to help. Just get in touch — we’ll guide you through it, no jargon, no pressure.
