News

 

 

For someone fitting a PV of less than 4kW system to an existing home a payment of 41.3p per KWh generated will be paid whether that electricity is exported or used by the home owner. This is called a Feed-in Tariff (or FiT). A further payment of 3p per kWh will be made for each unit not used and therefore exported to the grid. These tariff payments are guaranteed for 25 years and they are also index linked - i.e. they will rise in line with inflation. For householders they are also tax- free. The previous grant scheme has now been withdrawn.

 

Government figures suggest that – for a typical 2.5 kW system (costing around £12,500 fully installed) you could expect to receive around £900 per year from the FiT plus a saving of around £140 on your electric bill giving a total net benefit of £1,040 per year.

 

Given that energy prices are expected to go up long term, it seems anyone with a lump sum available might at least consider investing in renewable energy. WFEG are investigating loan schemes and are also starting to explore whether we might be able to partner one or more Solar PV installers to provide PV to residents at discounted rates. More news on this if we are successful.

 

Full details of the scheme and a breakdown of the rates by technology type and how long the FiT will be paid for can be found here : http://www.decc.gov.uk

 

Planning permission is not needed for solar panels unless you are in a Conservation Area or own a listed building.

 

Two households in Whittington have very recently installed solar PV in readiness for the introduction of the FiTs. We look forward to many more joining them in the future.

 

We hope to have an event later in the year to provide information on renewable energy – and another Open Ecohomes day in the autumn.