Benefits of Solar Panels
Cap the rising cost of energy by installing a Solar PV system and make your house work for you.
The next Feed-In-Tarrif cuts are coming in July! You need start thinking about this if you want to beat the rush and get your 21p/kwh fixed rate!
This is what is going to happen after July;
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) modelled three scenarios that could take affect from July 1, 2012 – each of which is based on the amount of solar added during the past two months.
Option A
The first option targets average rates of return under PB’s central cost scenario of around 5-8 percent, with around 5 percent for domestic installations. This produces a tariff of 13.6p for ≤4kW installations. DECC states that this rate would go ahead if deployment exceeds 200 MW.
Option B
The second rate is slightly higher at 15.7p for ≤4kW installations and is based on deployment figures of between 150MW and 200MW. This reduces the current tariffs by around 25 percent from July 1. Again PB suggests this will yield an average return of 5-8 percent for most bands.
Option C
The last, and highest tariff option, is set at 16.5p for ≤4kW installations. This imposes a cut of around 21 percent from April and is expected to produce a mid-range ROI of 6.1 percent, according to PB. This option would be DECC’s preference if deployment during March and April is less than 150MW.
The proposed July 1 tariff rates are outlined below:
| Band (kW) | 1 April tariff | Option A | Option B | Option C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤4kW | 21p | 13.6p | 15.7p | 16.5p |
| >4kW-10kW | 16.8p | 10.9p | 12.6p | 13.2p |
| >10-50kW | 15.2p | 9.9p | 11.4p | 11.9p |
| >50-150kW | 12.9p | 7.7p | 9.7p | 10.1p |
| >150-250kW | 12.9p | 5.8p | 8p | 10.1p |
| >250-5000kW | 8.9p | 4.7p | 6.8p | 7.1p |
| Stand alone | 8.9p | 4.7p | 6.8p | 7.1p |
5 Good Reasons to Install Solar PV Now
- A feed-in tariff rate of 21p per kWh is still guaranteed for 25 years, index linked!
- The costs of a fully installed PV Solar Panel System have reduced. In the last year component costs in particular the panels have fallen by nearly half. This means a larger more efficient system can be installed at a greatly reduced cost, and of course you will still receive the benefits of the Feed in Tariff and saving on your energy use - see our special offers
- From 1st April 2012, you will need to meet new EPC "Grade D" energy efficiency requirements to receive the higher FIT rate. The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have proposed that, from April 2012, all homes should achieve a Grade "D" efficiency rating to qualify for full feed-in tariff rates.
- It’s good for the environment. Using a Solar PV System reduces your carbon emissions. Which means your home uses less carbon based energy such as oil or gas.
- Energy prices are still rising. Despite short term fluctuations energy prices historically rise by an average of 10% every year. With solar PV you can cut your electricity bills by up to 50% and some people even exceed this!
