Why Solar is a Smart Investment - Debunking Industry Myths with a DCR Domestic Case Study

There’s a long-standing myth in the energy world: “Solar isn’t a great investment.” We hear it a lot—and we’re here to tell you that it simply isn’t true.

Recently, a DCR-installed solar PV and battery storage system delivered 87% of a building’s electricity needs in a single day—from midnight to midnight. Here’s the breakdown:

• 57% came directly from the sun

• 30% came from the battery

• Only 13% was imported from the grid

The numbers in pounds and pence?

• Electricity imported from the grid: £1.20

• Electricity generated and stored: £8.40 — completely free

It might not sound like much at first glance. But let’s scale that out:

• 7 days: £58.80 saved

• 1 month: £252.82 saved

• 1 year? That’s well over £3,000 in potential savings—just from switching your power source.

  
  

And this is based on data from May. The hotter, sunnier months? You’ll produce more. Even in colder months, you’ll still see consistent performance thanks to smart system design and storage.

If solar’s this good, why does it still get a bad name? The answer lies not in the tech—but in how it's sold and installed.

Here’s the hard truth most solar companies won’t tell you:

1. The Industry Isn’t Regulated Enough

With loose regulations, inadequate contractors flood the market—installing systems that fail to deliver.

2. Too Many Installers Sell Cheap Products

They’re not interested in quality—they’re trying to win on price. But cheap panels, inverters, and batteries don’t last. Year five rolls around, and suddenly you're facing poor performance or total failure.

3. Buyers Don’t Research Their Installers

Too often, customers rely on a glossy brochure or clever branding. But checking credentials matters—experience, trading history, financial stability, and installer reputation all play a massive role.

We take weekly calls from frustrated people: “My installer went bust and my system’s broken.” Sadly, this is common.

4. They’re Sales Companies, Not Solar Experts

Many so-called solar companies are just sales operations outsourcing the actual installation to subcontractors. That’s a red flag.

5. No Aftercare

Once the system’s installed, you’re on your own. And when things go wrong (and they often do), you’ll be left chasing shadows.

How DCR Is Different

We’ve spent over two decades refining our craft to become one of the most trusted names in solar installation. Here’s what makes us stand out:

• We sell only the best products, not the cheapest

• We install everything in-house with fully qualified engineers

• We deliver ongoing support and maintenance

• We back everything with a reputation built on results, not marketing

Yes, this means we’re not the cheapest—but talk to our clients, and you’ll understand why the extra investment pays off in performance, reliability, and peace of mind.

Thinking about solar? Don’t just buy a system—Invest in a partner you can trust.

Contact DCR today to learn how our expertly designed systems can power your home or business with real, long-term savings.