The dramatic increase of installations of solar panels since the introduction of the Feed-in-Tariff could be on the increase again. This prediction is due to many energy companies, including the energy giants British Gas, introducing a new free solar panel scheme.
The British Gas "rent-a-roof" scheme offers domestic households to have a solar panel system installed for free plus the full use of the generated energy. However, British Gas will claim the Feed-in-Tariff. Therefore, for every kWh of energy generated British Gas will be paid 41.3p plus an extra 3p per kWh if the energy is not consumed, whilst the homeowner will receive free electricity for the duration of the contract.
In a recent press release British Gas claimed that 12 million homeowners in the UK could "save up to £1,000 a year". To read the full article and find out more about the scheme follow this link. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/aug/25/british-gas-solar-panel-installation
Despite British Gas and other companies, who have similar schemes, claiming the Feed-in-Tariff the offer of `free' energy to many homeowners in the UK will be understandably tempting. Undoubtedly for some these schemes will be very beneficial; however caution is needed to ensure that you do not sign up to a 25year contract which could cause complications in the future.
Consumer Focus has published the following document listing a series of questions which homeowners should ask before agreeing to any scheme. If you are interested in the "rent-a-roof" or similar scheme Action Woking strongly advises you to use this document as part of your enquiries. Please use the links to the right for further information.
Alternatively, if you would like to install a photovoltaic system without the assistance of a "rent-a-roof" and claim the full Feed-in-Tariff yourself, please contact Action Woking who can put you in contact with local MCS Accredited installers.
Please contact:
26a Commercial Way,
Woking
GU21 6EN
By phone
0800 783 2503
By email