Good news: Record number of householders fit solar panels
Last updated 9/2/2010 9:41:45 AM
Record number of householders fit solar panels
Latest figures from energy regulator Ofgem suggest a record number of homeowners are switching to solar power.
Encouragingly, more than 6,688 homes have had solar panels fitted since April, when the government's scheme to reward people who generate their own energy changed.
The feed-in tariff system allows homeowners to receive 41.3p for every unit of energy they generate, regardless of whether they use the energy or sell it back to the National Grid.
This replaces the previous system, under which people could obtain grants to help cover the cost of installing the green technology. After the panels are installed, the tariff is paid for 25 years and increased in line with inflation.
Panels were fitted to 2,257 homes in during August, up from 1,700 in July and 1,400 in June. According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar panels usually cost between £6,000 and £12,000 to buy and install, depending on their size.
It calculates such panels could generate about £700 a year from the feed-in tariff, as well as saving homeowners about £100 a year on energy bills. People could make about £25 to £30 through selling unused energy back to the National Grid.