What waiting 5 years could really cost you vs going solar now
The True Cost of Doing Nothing
Most people assume that doing nothing is the “safe” option.
No upfront cost. No decisions. No hassle.
But when it comes to energy prices, doing nothing is actually the most expensive decision you can make.
Every month you wait is:
💸 another bill
💸 another price increase
💸 another missed opportunity to generate your own electricity
Let’s look at the real numbers, and what a typical UK homeowner loses over five years by delaying solar.
The Reality: Energy Prices Aren’t Going Down
Even with price cap fluctuations, the long-term trend is clear:
UK electricity prices have risen more in the last 10 years than the previous 30 combined.
Industry analysts expect annual rises of 4–8% per year over the next five years.
So if your electricity bill today is £140/month, here’s what “doing nothing” looks like:
5-Year Projected Energy Costs (based on average UK usage)
Year 1: £1,680
Year 2: £1,760
Year 3: £1,840
Year 4: £1,930
Year 5: £2,020
👉 5-year total: £9,230
And that’s just electricity.
(If you have an EV or heat pump, it’s even higher.)
What Happens If You Go Solar Instead?
A typical UK solar + battery system can cut bills by 60–85%, depending on usage and tariff.
Let’s compare the same 5-year period.
5-Year Solar Scenario (Typical Home)
Electricity bill after solar: ~£40–£60/month
Annual cost: ~£600
5-year total: £3,000
Savings vs Doing Nothing:
💸 £9,230 (do nothing)
vs
💸 £3,000 (with solar)
👉 You save roughly £6,000 in five years, just on bills.
And after year 5, the gap widens even more.
And That’s BEFORE You Count SEG Income
With the Smart Export Guarantee, you get paid for unused energy you export back to the grid.
Average UK homeowner earns:
£100–£350 per year depending on system size and tariff.
Over 5 years, that’s another £500–£1,750 in your pocket.
So your true savings over 5 years look more like:
Total 5-Year Benefit of Going Solar:
✔ £6,000 saved on bills
✔ + £1,000 average export income
= £7,000+ in total value
BUT… The Biggest Cost Is Opportunity
Here’s the part most homeowners never consider:
Every month you wait, you’re not just paying full energy prices, you’re losing the electricity your roof could be generating for free.
Your roof doesn’t stop working.
It just works for the grid instead of for you.
5-Year Comparison: Doing Nothing vs Going Solar
| Scenario | 5-Year Energy Cost | SEG Income | Net 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do Nothing | £9,230 | £0 | £9,230 |
| Go Solar | £3,000 | +£1,000 | £2,000 |
👉 You’re £7,230 worse off by waiting.
And that number grows every single month.
With Finance, You Can Save While You Pay
Here’s the twist:
Most solar finance payments are lower than monthly energy bills.
Example:
Energy bill: £140/month
Solar finance: £95/month
You save £45/month immediately, then save even more once the system is paid off.
This is why doing nothing is the most expensive option.
The Real Bottom Line
Doing nothing:
❌ Costs you thousands
❌ Locks you into rising prices
❌ Gives you zero return
❌ Leaves you dependent on the grid
Going solar:
✔ Cuts bills for 25+ years
✔ Protects you from price rises
✔ Pays YOU through export tariffs
✔ Increases home value
✔ Gives you clean, free power from your own roof
Waiting doesn’t save money, it just delays your savings.
🌞 Ready to Stop Paying Full Price for Electricity?
Your roof could start generating free power this month.
Your bills could drop immediately.
Your savings could start today, not in five years.
Let’s show you exactly what solar could save you.
👉 Book your free solar assessment, simply fill out the contact form below or call us on 01422 768113.