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What Appliances Can Be Powered By Solar Panels?
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Solar panels are an excellent solution for UK homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners looking to power their appliances with renewable energy, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a sustainable future.
This guide explores the range of appliances that can be powered by solar panels, offering clear, easy-to-understand information to help you make an informed decision about investing in solar energy. Backed by trusted UK sources like the Energy Saving Trust and Ofgem, we’ll provide practical insights to meet your needs.
From everyday household gadgets to energy-intensive appliances, we’ll explore how solar power can meet your needs.
Which Appliances Can Solar Panels Power in a UK Home?
Solar panels can power a wide range of appliances in UK homes, from low-energy devices like LED lights to high-energy systems like washing machines or electric vehicle chargers.
The ability to power these appliances depends on the size of your solar system, whether you include battery storage, and your household’s energy consumption patterns.
What Are Low-Energy Appliances That Solar Panels Can Power?
Low-energy appliances are ideal for solar power due to their modest electricity requirements, making them suitable for smaller solar systems or homes with limited roof space.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical 3.5kWp solar panel system can generate around 3,000–3,500 kWh of electricity annually in the UK, enough to cover a significant portion of a household’s energy needs.
Below is a table of common low-energy appliances, their power consumption, and the solar system requirements:
Appliance | Avg Power Consumption (Watts) | Approx. Annual Usage (kWh | Solar System Size Needed (kWp) | Number of Panels (350W each) | Avg. Cost of Panels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LED Light Bulbs | 5–10 W | 10–20 kWh | 0.5–1 kWp | 2–3 | £1,000–£1,500 |
Laptop | 50–100 W | 50–100 kWh | 1–1.5 kWp | 3–5 | £1,500–£2,500 |
TV (LED, 40-inch) | 50–100 W | 100–150 kWh | 1–1.5 kWp | 3–5 | £1,500–£2,500 |
Fridge (A++ rated) | 100–200 W | 150–300 kWh | 1.5–2 kWp | 5–6 | £2,500–£3,500 |
Wi-Fi Router | 10–20 W | 20–40 kWh | 0.5–1 kWp | 2–3 | £1,000–£1,500 |
These appliances can be powered efficiently by a small solar system, especially on south-facing, unshaded roofs. Costs vary based on installation complexity and location, but a smaller system is cost-effective for low-energy needs.
Can Solar Panels Power High-Energy Appliances?
High-energy appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, or electric ovens, require more power, but a well-sized solar system with battery storage can handle them.
According to Solar Energy UK, a typical UK home with solar panels and a battery can store excess energy generated during the day to power appliances during peak evening usage. Here’s a table of high-energy appliances and their consumption:
Appliance | Avg. Power Consumption (Watts) | Approx. Annual Usage (kWh) | Solar System Size Needed (kWp) | Number of Panels (350W each) | Avg. Cost of Panels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washing Machine | 500–2,000 W | 200–400 kWh | 2–3 kWp | 6–9 | £3,500–£5,000 |
Dishwasher | 1,000–2,000 W | 250–350 kWh | 2–3 kWp | 6–9 | £3,500–£5,000 |
Electric Oven | 2,000–3,000 W | 300–500 kWh | 3–4 kWp | 9–12 | £5,000–£7,000 |
Tumble Dryer | 1,500–2,500 W | 300–400 kWh | 3–4 kWp | 9–12 | £5,000–£7,000 |
Electric Kettle | 2,000–3,000 W | 100–150 kWh | 2–3 kWp | 6–9 | £3,500–£5,000 |
To power these appliances, a 4–6kWp solar system with a battery (e.g., 5–10kWh capacity) is often recommended for UK households. Batteries ensure you can use solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining, maximising savings. Take a look at our guide on solar battery costs to get a better idea of what you can expect to pay.
For tailored advice, get a free quote from trusted suppliers via Eco Answers’ Quote Comparison Tool.
How Many Solar Panels Are Needed to Run a House?
The number of solar panels required to power a UK home depends on the size of the household and its energy consumption. It’s also important to consider how many solar panels can fit on your roof.
According to Ofgem, average annual electricity consumption varies by house size, with larger homes requiring more panels to meet demand.
Below is a table outlining solar panel requirements for different house sizes:
House Size | Avg. Annual Consumption (kWh) | Solar System Size Needed (kWp) | Number of Panels (350W each) | Avg. Cost of Panels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-Bedroom | 1,800–2,000 kWh | 2–3 kWp | 6–9 | £3,500–£5,000 |
2-Bedroom | 2,000–2,500 kWh | 3–4 kWp | 9–12 | £5,000–£7,000 |
3-Bedroom | 2,700–3,500 kWh | 3.5–5 kWp | 10–15 | £6,000–£8,500 |
4-Bedroom | 3,500–4,500 kWh | 4–6 kWp | 12–18 | £7,000–£10,000 |
For larger homes or those with high-energy appliances, a battery storage system can reduce reliance on the grid. Landlords and commercial property owners may need larger systems (e.g., 10–20kWp for multi-unit properties).
Get a personalised assessment with Eco Answers’ Quote Comparison Tool.
Can Solar Panels Power Heating Systems or Electric Vehicle Chargers?
Solar panels can also support energy-intensive systems like heating or electric vehicle (EV) chargers, which are increasingly popular in the UK as part of the transition to net zero.
Can Solar Panels Power Home Heating Systems?
Heating systems, such as electric boilers or heat pumps, are high-energy appliances, but solar panels can contribute significantly, especially when paired with a solar diverter. A solar diverter redirects excess solar energy to power an immersion heater for hot water, reducing reliance on grid electricity.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a solar diverter can save up to £750 annually on hot water costs, as seen in the case of Russell and Kate in Somerset, who power their heat pump with 18 solar panels.
However, fully powering an electric heating system may require a larger solar array (6–8kWp) and battery storage due to high energy demands (e.g., 2,000–5,000 kWh annually for a heat pump). Read our guide on combining air source heat pumps and solar panels to get a better idea of how these renewable energy systems can work together.
Can Solar Panels Power Electric Vehicle Chargers?
Yes, solar panels can power EV chargers, which is a game-changer for eco-conscious homeowners and landlords. A typical EV charger uses 7–22 kW, and a 4kWp solar system with battery storage can charge an electric vehicle during the day.
According to GOV.UK, over 1.5 million UK homes now have solar panels, many of which support EV chargers, reducing fuel costs and emissions. For commercial properties, solar-powered EV chargers can attract tenants and customers, adding value to the property.
How Can Homeowners and Landlords Maximise Solar Power for Appliances?
To make the most of solar panels, homeowners and landlords should consider system size, battery storage, and energy usage patterns. Here are practical tips to optimise solar energy for appliances:
Choosing the Right Solar System Size
According to Ofgem, the average UK home consumes about 2,700 kWh of electricity per year. A 3.5kWp system, covering 10–20m² of roof space, can generate enough to power most low- and medium-energy appliances.
For high-energy appliances or EV chargers, a 5–8kWp system may be necessary. Use Eco Answers’ Quote Comparison Tool to get tailored quotes from trusted installers.
Use a Solar Battery to Store Excess Energy
A solar battery stores excess energy for use when solar panels aren’t generating, such as at night or on cloudy days. A solar battery costs around £4,500 but can significantly increase savings by allowing you to use more of your solar energy.
For example, a 5kWh battery can store enough energy to power a fridge, lights, and a TV overnight. This is particularly useful for landlords aiming to make properties more energy-efficient and attractive to tenants.
How Can I Shift Appliance Usage to Save More?
To maximise solar savings, run high-energy appliances during peak sunlight hours (typically 10 am–4 pm).
For instance, scheduling your washing machine or dishwasher for midday ensures you use free solar energy instead of grid electricity, which costs around 26p per kWh under the July 2025 Price Cap, according to Ofgem. Smart meters and timers can help automate this process.
What Are the Benefits of Powering Appliances with Solar Panels?
Solar panels offer multiple benefits for UK homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners, making them a smart investment.
Save Money on Energy Bills
By powering appliances with solar energy, you reduce reliance on expensive grid electricity. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a typical 3.5kWp solar system can save £360–£1,000 annually on energy bills, depending on your location and usage.
Additionally, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows you to earn 15p per kWh for excess energy exported to the grid, further boosting savings.
Increase Property Value
Solar panels can enhance property appeal and value. 69% of UK homebuyers are likely to purchase a home with solar panels, and Solar Energy UK reports that homes with solar panels can increase in value by up to 2–14%.
For landlords, solar-equipped properties attract eco-conscious tenants willing to pay higher rents.
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Powering appliances with solar energy significantly cuts your carbon footprint. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a 3.5kWp system in Manchester can reduce CO2 emissions by 750kg annually.
This aligns with the UK’s net-zero goals, making solar a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners and businesses.
FAQs
Can solar panels power appliances during a power cut?
Solar panels alone may not work during a power cut due to safety regulations requiring grid-tied systems to shut off. However, a solar battery with an inverter can provide backup power for essential appliances like fridges or lights. Read our guide to learn more on how to power your refrigerator using solar panels.
Are there government grants for powering appliances with solar panels?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme may fund solar panel installations for low-income households with electric heating or heat pumps.
Can solar panels power air conditioning units?
Yes, solar panels can power air conditioning units (typically 1,000–3,000 W), especially with a 4–6kWp system and battery storage. Running the unit during daylight hours maximises solar energy use, reducing costs.
How do I know if my roof is suitable for powering appliances with solar?
South-facing, unshaded roofs are ideal, but east or west-facing roofs can work, producing 15–20% less energy.
Can solar panels power commercial appliances like refrigeration units?
Yes, commercial properties can use larger solar systems (10–50kWp) to power refrigeration units, lighting, and HVAC systems. The GOV.UK Solar Roadmap highlights funding options for commercial solar projects.
Conclusion
Solar panels offer UK homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners a versatile and sustainable way to power a wide range of appliances, from LED lights and fridges to washing machines, heat pumps, and EV chargers.
By choosing the right system size, adding battery storage, and shifting appliance usage to daylight hours, you can maximise savings and reduce your carbon footprint. With potential bill savings of up to £1,000 annually, increased property value, and a reduced environmental impact, solar panels are a smart investment.
To find the best solar solution for your needs, use Eco Answers’ Quote Comparison Tool to connect with trusted suppliers and get competitive quotes today.