The benefits of solar power
- Lower electricity bills
- Lower emissions
- Long term investment
- Added home value
- Government reward scheme
As there is so much competition in London, this guide has been written to help people who are thinking about installing solar panels make an informed decision and avoid some common mistakes.
Solar Photovoltaic Panels are an up and coming technology that offers an increasingly cost effective way to lower your electricity bills and reduce you carbon footprint.
To help people take advantage of the benefits of solar power the government is currently offering a Feed in Tariff scheme to all solar panel systems installed prior to 31 March 2012. This means that not only will you save money on your electricity bill by generating your own power, but you will receive payments for generating the electricity and any excess power will be bought off you.
Under the current FIT scheme for solar power, households, landlords and businesses are paid 41.3p for every kilowatt-hour (KWhr) of electricity produced by their solar powered system. This will be paid whether the electricity is used or not. In addition to this payment, you will receive an additional 3p/KWhr for all electricity that you don’t use. This payment is guaranteed by the government for the next twenty-five years and will fluctuate with the Retail Price Index (RPI).
This makes installing solar photovoltaics an excellent long term investment that will not just save you money but will generate a profit for you and add value to your property. According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, a typical 2.5 kilowatt solar installation that is well-sited could benefit the homeowner by up to £900 per year and save them a further £140 a year on their electricity bill.
Companies around London, such as Home Energy Partnership, charge around £10,000 for a 2.5KW system. So based on the DECC’s figures the system would pay for itself in 10 years and generate an approximate additional £15,000 profit over the next 15 years.
Although these figures will vary depending on the size of the system, the direction and pitch and panels and the amount of electricity used by the household, it clearly demonstrates that the governments Feed in Tariff incentive scheme makes solar power a very attractive investment.
The current Feed in Tariff rates and conditions only apply to systems installed before 31 March 2012, after which the rates will drop. As it is possible that the government may bring forward the date for this reduction forward, if you are thinking about installing solar photovoltaic panels then it would be advisable to act sooner rather than later.
About solar photovoltaics:
Solar panels don’t work without direct sunlight
Solar panels work using daylight, not direct sunlight, so even in a country like the UK solar panels can be effective if installed correctly.
You can only fit solar panels to a south-facing roof
Although the direction of your roof will make a difference to the amount of electricity produced, a south facing roof is not essential. A system installed on an East or West facing roof will still generate electricity to provide a healthy profit from the feed-in tariffs.
You can buy and fit the panels yourself and avoid the installation costs
Yes, but not if you want to benefit from the feed in tariff scheme. To qualify for the FIT scheme you need to have your panels installed by an approved Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) installer, so always look for this logo if you are having Solar panels installed.
Who can benefit from the Feed in Tariffs?
Almost any homeowner, landlord or business is eligible for FITs as long as the installation is a low carbon renewable energy generation system, does not exceed the maximum size and is installed by a MCS approved installer.
Do you need planning permission for solar panels?
You do not need planning permission for most home solar electricity systems in anywhere in England as long as they are below a certain size, but if you have any concerns contact your local planning officer for more details.
Can I take the panels with me if I move house?
No, once a system is installed it belongs to the house, so cannot be moved. However, if you are intending to move house then remember that a solar photovoltaic system will add considerable value and marketability to your home.
Do I need to have my solar panels serviced?
Photovoltaic panels do not require any upkeep as they have no moving parts, are self-cleaning and are designed to last for between twenty and thirty years.
Do I have to have the solar panels on my roof?
No, solar panels can be mounted on any surface that is exposed to the sun, such as on groundwork and outbuildings.
How do I find a reputable company?
The MCS register has a list of all companies who are approved to install photovoltaics in and around London and qualify you for the Feed-in-Tariff payments. It is also advisable to seek recommendations from any friends who have had a solar system fitted, get multiple quotes and to also read reviews on the internet. If you live in the London area then Home Energy Partnership is also a good place to start.
