The solar industry has received a boost after the government’s appeal to allow feed-in tariff cuts was turned down by the High Court. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced last year they would be reducing the feed-in tariff (FiT) rates for solar PV from 43.3p/kWh to 21p.
But this decision was challenged in court by Friends of the Earth and several leading solar panel installation companies. And after weeks of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the FiT scheme, it appears homeowners and businesses will have until March 3 to secure the higher tariff rates.
The DECC will appeal to the Supreme Court and if they’re successful the 21p rates will latch on to any installation completed after December 12, 2011. However, if they’re unsuccessful the high rate will apply if the technology is registered and installed before March 3.
The 43.3p rate for solar PV affects all technology up to 4kW. It means that not only will you generate free electricity for 25 years, but you could see a profit in excess of £25,000. This is because the FiT pays for every unit of renewable electricity produced.
Whatever the feed-in tariff rate is, solar electricity still provides substantial benefits for all homes and businesses. And these benefits will only become greater as the wholesale price for electricity increases over the next few years.
As well as generating free electricity, you can sell excess energy back to the National Grid and cut your carbon emissions by up to 40 tonnes every year.
Solar PV is most often seen on the roof of properties facing south or southwest, as this is the optimum position to generate environmentally friendly energy. The sun’s rays create an electric field on the solar panels which is then converted into safe electricity for lighting and appliances.
If you’re interested in solar PV for your home or business and want to generate free electricity for 25 years, just complete our quick quote form. We’ll provide you with up to five FREE, no obligation quotes from local, vetted installation companies.
