As energy prices rise yet again this winter, more homeowners across Hampshire and the South East are turning to solar energy. But does installing solar panels really make a difference to your energy bills?
The answer is a resounding yes. At Jem Energy Ltd, we’ve seen the transformation firsthand, and so have our customers.
This article explores how professional solar panel installers can drastically reduce electricity costs, using examples and a clear breakdown of before-and-after results. Whether you’re solar-curious or ready to make the leap, here’s what you need to know.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Let’s start with the ‘before’ scenario. A typical UK household uses between 2,900–4,000 kWh of electricity per year. At today’s average unit cost (around 28p/kWh as of late 2025), this works out to £812–£1,120 per year in electricity costs—and that’s without any major appliances running all day.
This figure doesn’t account for:
Rising tariffs
Daily standing charges
Additional usage from electric vehicles, heat pumps, or home offices
Doing nothing means you stay completely vulnerable to these costs. Worse still, there's no return on your spend: just a bigger bill every quarter.
The Solar Panel Solution
Here’s where solar comes in. A professionally installed solar PV system can generate a significant portion of your home's electricity needs, sometimes all of it.
At Jem Energy, our typical domestic solar installations range between 3kW and 6kW, depending on space of your roof and energy usage. For context:
A 4kW system can produce around 3,400 kWh per year
That’s enough to cover 80–90% of a standard household’s usage
It could shave £700–£900 off your annual bill—every year
And because our panels are guaranteed for 25 years, that’s over £20,000 in potential savings during the lifetime of your system.
Before & After: Case Studies in Farnborough
One of our recent customers, a family of four in Farnborough, was spending around £1,050 a year on electricity. They worked from home, ran a dishwasher every day, and needed to charge a plug-in hybrid car.
Before installation:
Monthly electricity bill: £87
Annual cost: £1,050
Reliance on grid: 100%
We installed:
A 5.2kW solar panel system
Battery storage (5kWh capacity)
Inverter and smart monitoring system
After installation (over a 12-month period):
Monthly bill: £18 (mostly standing charges)
Annual cost: £216
Grid reliance: ~20% (mostly at night in winter)
Savings in Year 1:
£834, with even higher potential in future years as energy prices continue to climb.
The Power of Battery Storage
Adding battery storage maximises your solar investment. It allows you to store excess energy generated during the day and use it during peak evening hours or overnight.
This is particularly valuable during winter months when sunlight hours are shorter, or for households with high evening energy use. With a smart setup, your system can:
Prioritise self-consumption
Sell excess energy back to the grid (SEG scheme)
Keep your home powered even during blackouts (depending on configuration)
At Jem Energy, we help every customer choose the right combination of panels, batteries, and control systems for your situation. This ensures you’re not just saving money, you’re using energy smarter.
Common Misconceptions About Savings
“Solar panels don’t work in the UK.”
False. Even on cloudy days, solar panels generate electricity. The UK’s solar output may not match Spain’s, but it’s still substantial enough to offer excellent returns, especially with the right system.
“It takes decades to break even.”
Not anymore. With electricity prices rising, most of our customers now see a return on investment within 6–8 years. After that, it’s pure savings.
“Installers are all the same.”
Absolutely not. Jem Energy is MCS-accredited, offers insurance-backed guarantees, and holds a five-star rating on Google. We don’t cut corners. Your system is only as good as the installer behind it.
Why Choose Jem Energy as Your Solar Panel Installer?
Firstly, we are MCS Accredited, so you can be assured of the quality and access to financial incentives. Secondly, we offer insurance backed guarantees, for full peace of mind with every install.
Thirdly, we’re highly rated. We’re proud to be 5-star rated on Google. Based in Farnborough, we work with customers throughout the region, the rooftops, and the regulations.
Offering a complete turnkey service, we offer everything from expert designs to installations and aftercare.
We’ve helped hundreds of homes across Hampshire reduce their bills, cut their carbon footprint, and take control of their energy future.
Ready to Upgrade Your Home?
Solar panels aren’t just an upgrade: they’re a long-term way to reduce your costs. In a time of fluctuating energy prices, solar panel installers like Jem Energy are helping you regain control. The savings are real. The technology is proven. And the future is brighter when it's solar powered.
Ready to Slash Your Bills?
Contact Jem Energy today to schedule a free home survey or get a tailored quotation.