Rising energy costs may be one reason homeowners consider solar panels, but feedback from ORKA Solutions' residential customers shows that the decision is increasingly about much more than saving on electricity bills.
From reducing reliance on the grid and adding battery storage to aesthetics, future energy requirements, and choosing an installer they can trust, homeowners are considering how a solar energy system will work for their property and lifestyle over the longer term.
While ORKA continues to design and deliver commercial solar PV, battery storage and EV charging infrastructure across Scotland, the Aberdeen-based company also works with homeowners looking for professionally designed solar and battery storage systems.
ORKA Solutions managing director Duncan Booth said:
“Cost savings are obviously part of the conversation, but they’re rarely the only thing homeowners want to discuss.
“People want to know how the panels will look, whether battery storage makes sense for them, how much of the electricity they generate they could use themselves and whether the system can adapt if their energy needs change in the future.
“Our approach is the same whether we’re talking to a business or a homeowner. It’s about understanding what they actually need rather than simply trying to sell them the biggest system.”
Different homes, different priorities
Feedback from ORKA's residential customers reflects the range of considerations behind the decision to invest in solar.
For Aberdeen homeowner Mike, aesthetics were high on the list alongside rising energy prices, sustainability and the potential longer-term value of the investment. He also valued having the option to expand his battery storage in future rather than being sold additional capacity he didn't currently need.
Stonehaven customer Magdalene and her husband had already researched solar extensively before approaching installers. With retirement approaching, they decided the time was right to make the investment and chose ORKA after feeling confident that the company would provide the best overall experience.
For Garry in Aberdeen, reducing his household's reliance on grid electricity was an important motivation, alongside finding an established local installer and ensuring the finished installation looked right on the property.
His recently completed system combines 14 solar panels with 11.6kWh of battery storage, designed around the household's electricity requirements and with EV charging already forming part of its overall energy demand.
Garry said:
“The benefits were instant – we couldn't be happier. Since the installation, we haven't paid for electricity from the grid.
“ORKA were easy to deal with from the start. They're local, cost-effective and everything was explained in plain language. Duncan answered every question we had and the workmanship was excellent, with real respect shown for our home.”
While seasonal changes mean the household is expected to require some grid electricity during periods of lower solar generation, Garry said the initial performance had exceeded expectations.
More choice means more questions
The residential solar market is also changing.
New options, including plug-in solar panels, are giving homeowners more ways to generate some of their own electricity. However, the suitability of different systems depends on the property, household electricity use and what the homeowner ultimately wants the system to achieve.
Professionally installed rooftop solar can be designed around household demand and combined with battery storage, allowing more electricity generated during the day to be stored and used later.
Duncan added:
“More choice is a positive thing, but it also makes it more important for homeowners to understand what they're buying.
“There isn't one solar solution that's right for every property. For some households, the priority might be reducing grid reliance; for others, it could be battery storage, future EV charging, or simply making better use of the electricity they generate.
“The starting point should always be the home and the people living in it.”
Planning for the home, not just the panels
For homeowners considering solar, understanding the likely investment is naturally part of the decision. But the cost of a system depends on more than simply the number of panels installed.
Roof suitability, household electricity use, battery storage and future energy requirements can all influence both the system design and overall investment.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all package, ORKA designs each system around the property and how the household uses electricity.
Homeowners can see an example of what a home solar and battery system could include, view indicative installation costs and find out more about ORKA's Home Solar & Battery Storage solutions here.