Changes to Government legislation set to take place on 12 December 2011 mean that the future of solar panel technology will be altered. The changes will see subsidies reduced. These new figures will not affect existing solar panel users, meaning that it is vital households take advantage of current rates and prices before the changes occur.
In response to the impending change, solarenergyexperts.co.uk conducted a survey into the trends and opinions held by UK residents over solar panels. This focused on why people were reluctant to invest in the technology whilst also generating data on personal situations. The majority of those interviewed had the most to gain from solar panel installation – those in a home with three or more bedrooms with energy bills of more than £40 per month. Most individuals were said to be deterred by the cost of installation and lack of information. However, solar panel comparison services and detailed information is readily available from solarenergyexperts.co.uk and other independent companies.
Solar panel installation
Solar panel installation offers users a number of benefits – both ecological and economical. The Government’s dedication to becoming more reliant on renewable energy has seen them vow that 20% of the total energy generated in the UK will be created using renewable sources by 2020. Figures from 2009 and 2010 have shown that this rate currently stands at 2-3%.
Solar panel installation is something which is suitable for all households and customers are not required to get prior permission to install panels. The only exception to this is for individuals who live in a listed building, who must therefore obtain permission from the registry beforehand.
Positioning
A common misconception over solar panel installation is that it will not be effective in the UK due to a lack of warm weather when compared to other regions. This is pure myth and solar panels are charged by sunlight irradiation, not temperature or direct heat. The positioning of solar panels is therefore crucial in their effectiveness and qualified fitters will make sure that customers get the best solar panels fitted in the most effective way for their homes.
Lifespan
Solar panels are said to have an estimated lifespan of 25-30 years. The savings which they offer customers mean that their installation cost will have been covered within eight years. This means that net savings will be made for 17-22 years, on average.
Cost
The cost of installing solar panels has fallen drastically over recent years, one of the reasons behind the Government’s changes to the legislation surrounding FITs. The average cost of solar panel installation now totals £9,000, falling from £12,000. Installation fees will include the cost of fitting the panels along with the price of the panels themselves.
Savings
The savings which are offered to households through solar panel installation can be separated into three categories. The total of these savings amounts to an average annual figure of £1,190. These will be affected by the intended changes to FITs and should therefore encourage consumers to invest in solar panels before 12 December 2011.
Generation Tariff
The Generation Tariff is responsible for that largest proportion of savings offered to households. This is a FIT that gives financial reimbursements to customers who produce solar energy, regardless of whether they use it. Currently a saving of around £1,060 per year is delivered via this tariff.
Export Tariff
The Export Tariff currently accounts for about £40 of annual savings and provides additional payments to households who generate more solar energy than they use. This excess energy is fed back into the grid and customers are given financial payments for this.
Energy bills
Energy bills have seen a number of increases over recent months, with British Gas kicking off a price hike when they increased their average price for electricity by 16% on 16 August 2011. Other energy providers in the ‘big six’ then followed suit, leaving households facing higher bills. Energy bills can be reduced by as much as £90 per year through the use of solar panels. This means panels, such as sanyo solar panels, can offer continual savings and are an attractive long-term investment.