Are solar panels worth it? Yes says a renewables expert, but with some conditions

residential houses on street with solar panels on roof of one house
It's common to ask 'are solar panels worth it?' (Image credit: Tim Parker/Getty Images)

As electricity prices continue to rise, renewable energy continues to be an investment many homeowners are considering making. But, with solar panel costs adding a hefty chunk of money to your budget, we asked renewables energy expert David Hilton, 'are solar panels worth it?'

While his overall answer is yes, making sure they are depends on a number of different factors including the initial installation costs, whether you are able to access grants, the location of your solar panels, payback agreements and how you use your solar energy each day.

David is a renewables and ventilation installer, with over 35 years experience, and is a long-standing contributor to Homebuilding and Renovating magazine. He is a member of the Gas Safe Register, has a Masters degree in Sustainable Architecture, and is an authority in sustainable building and energy efficiency, with extensive knowledge in building fabrics, heat recovery ventilation, renewables, and also conventional heating systems. He is also a speaker at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show. 

Passionate about healthy, efficient homes, he is director of Heat and Energy Ltd. He works with architects, builders, self builders and renovators, and designs and project manages the installation of ventilation and heating systems to achieve the most energy efficient and cost effective outcome for every home.