From 1 April 2012, domestic installations must be accompanied by an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a level D or above. Where a domestic property does not meet these energy efficiency requirements, the Solar PV installation may receive a lower tariff (9 pence). What does this mean for consumers looking to get solar panels after April 2012? Continue reading
The Feed-in-Tariff for solar panels can provide a 12-15% return in 2012. This means you can earn 1,200 pounds each year on a system that costs about 8,000 pounds. The return depends on location and solar potential of your roof, the price, and the time of installation. This post gives an example. Continue reading
During 2012 there will be multiple changes to the Feed-in-Tariff for solar panels. From March the rate is 21 pence per kWh, although this will drop two times later in the year. Also there are energy efficiency requirements from April. CompareMySolar explains the changes. Continue reading
The new Feed-in-Tariff rate of 21 pence per kWh is valid from today the 3rd of March 2012. The government will pay these rates through the utility companies for 25 years, and the rate is tax-free and inflation adjusted. CompareMySolar uses the new rate of 21 pence per kWh in all calculations. Continue reading
Research by CompareMySolar shows that domestic solar panel installations in the UK have dropped in price by 30% in 2011. Further price drops are expected early 2012, as many solar installers offer low priced deals to push demand in the months after the FiT cuts. This can result in a financial return of over 10% for a South-facing roof. Continue reading
Research by CompareMySolar shows that UK Solar Panels have a lower cost per kWp than average prices of Electricity, Petrol and even foods like Sugar and Rice. It is expected that Solar becomes more attractive in the future as electricity, petrol and food prices increase rapidly, while solar panels are actually becoming cheaper. Continue reading
The UK Feed-in-tariff has been around for one full year now, and solar panels are clearly becoming much more popular in the UK than ever before. A total amount of 78 Mega-Wp or over 28,000 solar panel installations (average 2.7 kWp) have been reported to Ofgem, the government energy regulator, between April 1st 2010 and March 31st 2011. Over 90% of this was installed in England, and the rest in Schotland and Wales (Northern Ireland consumers can’t apply for FiTs for now). Looking at these UK solar panel installations, what are the most popular areas? Continue reading
An example from a CompareMySolar customer: Around 4 months ago, we made enquiries about ‘Going Green’ and installing some Solar Panels on the roof of our home to generate electricity. After some disastrous, and I mean disastrous encounters with organisations that will sell you the complete package but the knowledge of the salesman I did manage to find the right installer! Continue reading