A bright future for PV solar panels

Certainty for the PV solar industry is announced.

Sunshine is breaking through the clouds at last. Considerable reductions in PV panel costs have increased the adoption. The Department of Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker has put confidence back into the solar industry with a pledge.

The feed-in tariff rate is now reduced to reflect changes in the market. The popularity of solar panels saw a feeding frenzy of people installing.

As a result, the industry has been in limbo waiting for two-court cases to unfold. This created uncertainty over the last three months for installers and customers alike.

The court cases revolve around  this:

In 2010 there were approx 500 registered solar installation companies, compared to 2011, which saw 2,000 additional companies entering the marketplace. This exponential growth fueled by the feed-in tariffs incentive has been unprecedented.

Consumer confidence had disappeared since the 43 pence per kWh tariff rate deadline expired.

“Today we are announcing plans to improve the feed-in tariff scheme.

Instead of a scheme benefiting only a few, the improved tariff rate will now provide for the many.”, said Barker. A new 15.44 pence per kWh incentive for installing solar panels is now available. The feed-in tariff rate is now aligned with the changing cost of installing.

Upfront installation costs are thousands of pounds lower than in 2010.

The benefits of installing are just as rewarding as for the early pioneers and adopters. The scheme is expected to deteriorate over time for later adopters, so acting now to get a higher rate is recommended.

The only caveat is, your home must be energy efficient with loft and cavity wall insulation.

After the basics are in place then the next logical step is a solar panel installation as predicted higher cost for energy take hold. If you feel your home isn’t as energy efficient as it can be, then do the basics first. You’ll save money on your energy bills straight away.

Solar panels are an addition to primary efficiency measures. There’s no point self-generating if your home is as draughty as a barn!

It’s with common sense that the new feed-in tariff scheme is being rolled out. Cheaper panels, lower installation costs, and a reasonable return-on-investment (better than the banks) are a great incentive.

Get ahead of the crowd and benefit from solar panels today.